Pamela “Pam” Jean Hoffner

Pamela “Pam” Jean Hoffner (Armstrong) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 10, 2025, at 9:25 p.m. in Lynnwood, Washington. She was 80 years old.

Pam was born on October 29, 1945, in Wenatchee, Washington, to Alvis and Francis Armstrong of East Wenatchee. She grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. A bright and curious child, Pam began kindergarten a year early after already mastering the alphabet. She was an excellent student throughout her schooling and developed a lifelong love of reading.

Pam attended Eastmont High School, where she served as captain of the Drill Team and participated in numerous youth leadership organizations. She continued her education at Wenatchee Valley College, where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and graduated with her Associate of Arts degree in 1965. While at WVC, Pam met her future husband, Mike Hoffner of Quincy, Washington. They continued their studies together at Central Washington University, where Pam graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and Psychology, maintaining her honor roll standing.

Pam and Mike were married on January 6, 1968, in East Wenatchee, where they purchased their first home and began their life together.

Pam began her professional career working for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as a home welfare worker — a role she found deeply meaningful but often challenging. As a young woman entering unstable home environments, she sometimes required security accompaniment and was profoundly affected by the conditions many children and families faced. When an opportunity arose at Employment Security, Pam transitioned into a role that allowed her to continue serving others by helping people find meaningful employment throughout the Wenatchee Valley.

Pam and Mike welcomed their first daughter, Erika, in 1973, followed by their second daughter, Tiffany, in 1976. Pam cherished family life, taking her daughters on camping trips and family vacations, including annual summer trips to the Washington coast with grandparents. She loved gardening and often joked that she enjoyed weeding because “you can actually see the results of your work.” She also loved puzzles, games, and social gatherings, forming a weekly bridge group and hosting lively game nights. Friends fondly recall that Pam always prepared enough food for far more guests than expected — “the more, the merrier” was her philosophy.

Pam’s leadership extended beyond her home. She served as president of the local community dance club, organizing events with live bands at the BPOE, and spent many years as office manager at Employment Security, overseeing personnel, budgets, and the complexities of state funding. Although she briefly served as Assistant Northeast Regional Director, Pam ultimately returned to her preferred operational role, working alongside colleagues she considered friends.

Pam was kind, intelligent, funny, and endlessly selfless. She consistently put others before herself and was a fierce advocate for women’s rights, ensuring her daughters knew they could be anything they aspired to be. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a deeply cherished presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Pam is survived by her husband, Mike Hoffner of East Wenatchee and Edmonds; her daughter Erika Barnett and son-in-law Jeff Barnett, and grandchildren Sarah and Evan Barnett of Edmonds, Washington; and her daughter Tiffany Viall and son-in-law Rick Viall of Chelan, Washington, and grandchildren Hunter of Portland, Oregon, and Caden of Boise, Idaho.

A celebration of life for Pam Hoffner will be held Saturday, January 24, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., at the family home in East Wenatchee. For details, please contact (509) 906-3577 or hoffnerfamilymemorial@gmail.com.