Melinda Lee Hofferber

Melinda Lee Hofferber was born on August 10, 1954, in Friend, Nebraska, to Thomas Burton and Marilyn Marie (Murphy) Manning. She was one of eight children born in the family. She passed away on May 9, 2026, at Hilltop Reserve Assisted Living in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 71 years, 8 months, and 30 days. Melinda grew up in Burress, Nebraska, and attended Exeter Public School, graduating with the class of 1972. Melinda first married Ken Mumby, and together they had a daughter, Lisa. The family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Melinda earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 1975. After her divorce from Ken, she and Lisa returned to Lincoln, Nebraska. On January 10, 1979, Melinda married Tom Hofferber, whom she met through her brother Tom and sister-in-law Bette Manning. Tom adopted Lisa, and the family settled on the Hofferber family farm near Fairmont, Nebraska. Melinda’s nursing career was marked by passion, dedication, and innovation. She began working at Fillmore County Hospital, establishing the county’s first Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. While working full-time, she pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1988. She then became Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at York General Hospital from 1990 to 1999. A continuous learner, Melinda earned her Master of Science in Nursing/Advanced Practitioner Degree in Nursing in 2002 and relocated to Boulder, Colorado, where she served as a Nurse Practitioner at Rocky Mountain Cardiology (later Boulder Heart) for 20 years before retiring in 2022. Beyond her work in the nursing field, Melinda contributed to the nursing and medical communities. She served on the board of the American Heart Association, including two years as president, and served on the board of the Nebraska Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network, the Physician Board Review of Colorado, and the Advanced Practitioner Preceptor program. She was also active on various policy boards, offering mentorship and guidance to countless colleagues. Melinda loved life outside of work. She enjoyed time with her friends, family, and grandchildren, often finding ways to include the great outdoors in her adventures. On the farm, she could be found working in the yard or cycling on gravel roads. Family trips to Grand Lake, Colorado were favorites, and were filled with mountain scenery, kayaking, and hiking. She also enjoyed advanced puzzles, painting, floral arrangements, and teaching Sunday School with her sister-in-law, Bette Manning, at the United Methodist Church in Geneva. Melinda was loved by all of her friends and family, and left impactful impressions on her patients and colleagues far and wide. Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Marilyn Manning; her sister, Clara Manning-Fletcher; and her former husband, Tom Hofferber. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Suzanne Gutterman & husband Steve; her grandchildren, Henry Manning Smith, Hayden Andrew Smith, and Gemma Rose Smith; her brothers, Thomas David Manning & wife Bette, Chris Manning & wife Brenda, Mark Manning & Sheree Miller, Kent Manning & wife Cindy, Matt Manning & wife Heather; and her sister, Jennifer Manning & Robb Urschel. A Funeral Service for Melinda was held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastor Karissa Miller presided over the Funeral Service. The recorded selections "Landslide," "I Can Only Imagine," "Scars In Heaven," and "Songbird" were played during the Funeral Service. Pallbearers included Thomas David Manning, Chris Manning, Mark Manning, Kent Manning, Matt Manning, and Jim Lovegrove. A Graveside Service was held in the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Foundation. https://alzfdn.org

Tributes

Melinda Lee Hofferber

August 10, 1954 - May 9, 2026