Bertha L. Hoffman, 82, of Mt. Vernon died 10:45 p.m. Sept. 27, 2004, at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

She had worked as a cook in several restaurants in the Mt. Vernon area.

Mrs. Hoffman was born Dec. 12, 1921, in Scheller to Benjamin B. and Minnie Belle (Fleming) Laur.

She married Ralph Kenneth Hoffman Nov. 6, 1944, in El Reno, Okla.; he died July 20, 1993.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Old Shiloh Cemetery in rural Jefferson County. Shane Merritt will officiate. Those attending this service are asked to go directly to the cemetery on Thursday. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Mrs. Hoffman is survived by sisters May Wright of Scheller and Alma Laur of Scheller; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Laur of Scheller; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a stepson, Jack Hoffman; and three brothers, Cecil, Ben and an infant brother, Harold.

Mrs. Hoffman attended Mt. Vernon Church of Christ.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Bald Hill Cemetery in Scheller and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 for obituary information at any time.