Cheri Hoffman: A legacy of leadership and love

I had the privilege of sitting down last week with one of the quiet examples in our community, but it wasn’t easy.

When I texted her to ask for an interview for my occasional column on people who’ve made a difference in our area, her first reply was, “I think you can find someone more interesting than me.”

I quickly wrote back, “I have to respectfully disagree. I wouldn’t have reached out if I didn’t believe you were truly deserving. You’re a professional woman who sets a powerful example for young women and men, showing that it’s possible to pursue an education, raise a family and build a career.”

Her response? “You are hard to say no to.”

A 2015 Lovell Chronicle article described her retirement party at the Lovell Elementary School gym as an “outpouring of love for a respected leader.” The piece went on to say that students, staff and community members came together to thank Principal Cheri Hoffman for her “kindness, integrity and unwavering devotion to children.”

As we talked, Cheri’s face lit up when she spoke about growing up in Lovell, her love for this town, for horses, for children, reading, books, faith and family. She proudly shared stories about her children and their strong military tradition, and she spoke most tenderly about the 50 years of joy she shared with her husband, John. We talked about what a gift it is to have so many years sharing a life with somebody you are so connected to.

She told me about challenges she faced along the way, from being a young mother with five children and no college credits to becoming a college graduate with a degree in reading and a master’s in school administration. Her story is one of quiet determination, love and lifelong learning.

I know how hard it is to earn a master’s degree while working full time, but Cheri’s story reminds us all that it can be done. She described the late nights, the countless papers and the long drives to Laramie through difficult weather. Yet everything seemed to come back to how much John supported her along the way.

In an era when many mothers were made to feel guilty for pursuing careers outside the home, John offered nothing but encouragement. He made sure she had the time and support she needed to succeed — and she did.

Cheri’s professional journey began in the classroom, where she taught Title I for four years and second grade for three and then in 2006 to lead Lovell Elementary as principal for 13 years.

Teri Winland, who worked alongside Cheri for nearly her entire career, said, “She understood how to empower teachers and push them to be their best all the while taking care of them so that they could focus on their task at hand -- taking care of the children and their needs.”

If there was one constant alongside Cheri’s career, it was her husband, John. The two were inseparable for more than 50 years. They were married in 1973 in the Provo LDS Temple when she was only a teenager and just two years ago celebrated their golden anniversary. Together they raised five children, Brian, Kevin, Justin, Marci and Laura and now proudly have 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Sadly, John passed away in March 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His obituary notes that he “married the love of his life, Cheri Reutzel,” and those who knew them saw a couple who worked side by side, equally devoted to family, school, church and community.

The best part about writing an article on Cheri Hoffman was how easy it was to find people eager to share what she meant to them.

Rocky Mountain High School Principal Betsy Sammons said Cheri played a major role in shaping her own approach to teaching and leadership.

“Cheri is an amazing leader,” Sammons said. “She consistently stood up for what was right and wasn’t afraid to say hard things. She cared deeply for her staff and students and had a gift for inspiring others.”

Longtime teacher Patty Despain, who worked with and under Cheri for several years, shared similar admiration.

“She made me feel more confident and more sure of myself and what I was doing than any principal I ever worked with,” Despain said. “She was so good, confident and caring, and the kids, they loved her.”

School nurse Meredith Despain praised Hoffman for creating a “family atmosphere” that allowed staff to focus on what mattered most — the kids. “She had a fun sense of humor that was always uplifting,” Despain said. “She worked hard and always advocated for her students and staff.”

Sitting with Cheri in her beautiful home, I could feel both an unmistakable emptiness as she spoke about her life with John and a quiet excitement as she talked about traveling more, spending time with her grandchildren and how much she loves reading to them. They are lucky to have a grandmother who shines as an example of hard work, a love of learning and the determination to achieve great things.

I’m certain there are countless children and adults in the Lovell community who have benefited from her encouragement and belief in their potential. And I suspect nothing would make Cheri happier than knowing that you shine just a little bit brighter or love reading just a little bit more because of your connection with her.