Ralph L. Hoofer, 96, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, KS.  Born March 25, 1929, at a farm northwest of Coldwater, KS, he was the son of Asa and Zoe (Weimert) Hoofer.

Ralph was a lifetime resident of Coldwater, KS.  He attended Coldwater Grade School and graduated from Coldwater High School in 1947.  He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952.

Along with his brother, Bill Hoofer, he owned and operated Hoofer's Grocery in Coldwater, KS for over 40 years.  He was a member of the Coldwater Assembly of God Church, where he served as church treasurer, helped with church maintenance, and served on the church board.  Other memberships include: Coldwater City Council; Coldwater Volunteer Fire Department; Comanche County Hospital Board; Gideon's International; and he also volunteered at Pioneer Lodge for many years.

On September 5, 1998, he married Lorena (Hagen) Friend at the First Christian Church in Coldwater, KS.

He is survived by his wife: Lorena Hoofer of Coldwater, KS; two step-daughters: Rita Case (Larry) and Dixie Friend; two nephews: Michael Swafford (Carolyn) of Idaho and Scott Swafford (Jenny) of Idaho; and one niece: Sheri Davis of Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Bill Hoofer; and one sister: Bonita Swafford.

Funeral Service is at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025 at First Christian Church in Coldwater, KS with Rev. Allen Davis presiding.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Crown Hill Cemetery in  Coldwater, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pioneer Lodge in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.