Marilyn Eileen Libby Van Hoff, 91, of Midland, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2017. She was born on January 2, 1926, to Wesley J. and Jeannette M. Libby in Manchester, New Hampshire.She stayed in New Hampshire through her graduation from Manchester High School Central and her early career as a secretary for an insurance company until she met a handsome sailor from Texas at a dance at Hampton Beach. She married that sailor, Joe Van Hoff, on June 11, 1946, and moved with him to El Paso, TX. She and Joe had 71 amazing years together, had seven children, and lived in El Paso, Houston, Odessa, Midland, Oklahoma City and Denver, making life-long friends wherever they went.Marilyn was known as a lovely lady, sweet and with a kind word for all – but she also had a quiet spunky side, putting her opponents at bridge through their paces! She loved music, especially opera, and particularly Puccini. As a homemaker, wife and mother, she always had the smile that everyone craved, a pie with the perfect crust, and the tender touch to make everything okay. She was a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Society and Communion Minister for the Homebound for many years of faithful service.She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Nancy Libby Lemire and husband Eddie, her brother Wesley Jordan Libby, Jr., her mother-in-law Mary Martin Van Hoff, her grandson Matthew James Buss, and her son-in-law James Michael Zavatson.Marilyn is survived by her husband William Joseph (Joe) Van Hoff; her siblings Norma Libby, and Dorothy Cardow and husband Robert, her sister-in-law Maddy Libby of Manchester, NH; her children Karen Elizabeth Zavatson of San Antonio, Janet Mary Van Hoff of San Antonio, Libby Jo Worsham and husband Patrick of Austin, Paul Wesley Van Hoff and wife Shelley of Odessa, Brian Anthony Van Hoff and wife Jill of Hilliard, OH, Kelly Jean Spencer and husband Ken of Midland, and Eric Joseph Van Hoff and wife Sara of Gunter, TX; her grandchildren William Buss of Sonoma, CA; Matthew’s widow, Jennifer Buss of Dorchester, MA; Gregory Buss and wife Katy of San Antonio, Sarah Worsham of Austin, Aaron Worsham of Quantico, VA, Jordan Van Hoff and wife Callie of Clyde, TX, Marc Van Hoff and wife Betsy of River Forest, IL, Joseph Spencer and Luke Spencer of Midland, Easter Van Hoff of Hilliard, and Micah Buchanan and husband Bob of Hilliard; and her great-grandchildren Dallis Newell, Connie Rice, Kenny Van Hoff, and Marilyn Rice of Hilliard; Matilda Van Hoff and Remy Van Hoff of River Forest, Annabella Buchanan, Taliesyn Buchanan, and Leora Buchanan of Hilliard, Presley Buss of San Antonio, and great-great-grandson Braxton Wingo of Hilliard; as well as a wealth of extended family members.The Rosary will be prayed 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 11th at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 12th at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, with Reverend Tony Franco officiating.The family acknowledges a great outpouring of love and prayers from countless family and friends far and wide – we are truly grateful.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Ann’s Altar Society in care of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1906 W. Texas St., Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements are under the care of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be offered at www.npwelch.com.~ you will forever walk softly in my heart ~,
