Harriet (Hayman) Kleinhofs

Harriet Kleinhofs, 86, of Wrangell, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023.  She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on March 26, 1936, to her parents, Harry and Ella Merry Hayman, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wrangell.

Harriet grew up in Ponca City, OK, finished high school, and attended Oklahoma State University.  She was a gifted ballet dancer during high school and continued to dance and teach classes at OSU.

In 1957, while attending OSU, she met the love of her life, John Kleinhofs, Sr., a meeting that launched a marital union that remained steadfast for forty-five years.

Harriet and her husband, John, raised their four children in Crossett, Arkansas.  She was an incredibly supportive wife and mother and enjoyed welcoming all their many friends into her home.  She was an elegant hostess and an extraordinary cook.  Her curiosity about different cuisines was refreshing and often surprising, and she made everyone feel at home.

Harriet moved to Little Rock after John’s passing, where she joined numerous friends and former Crossett residents and delighted in being part of the “lunch bunch.” 

Harriet was a master gardener, a talented seamstress, and an avid reader.  For many years she was a member of book clubs and bible studies in Crossett and Little Rock, which she continued online even after her move to Alaska.  She also enjoyed refinishing furniture, doing needlepoint, and fishing for salmon.

With her charming personality and infectious smile, she captured the hearts of many friends whom she loved dearly, but her children and grandchildren made her life complete.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John Kleinhofs, Sr., and one son, John Kleinhofs, Jr.

She leaves behind two daughters, Dana Lynne Rowlett (Rick) and Anna Kleinhofs (Blaine Cartlidge), all of Wrangell, AK; and one son, Chris Kleinhofs of Little Rock, AR; along with one sister, Merry Sue Nolan of Mesa, AZ; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Medders Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.

No services will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harriet’s memory to the Greater Crossett Area Food Pantry.

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