Alice Darlington Hoffner

Alice Darlington Hoffner was born on December 14, 1927, in Santa Monica, California, to Marvel and Dorothy Beem. 

She passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 97 at North Colorado Medical Center.

A lifelong passion for horses defined much of Alice’s journey. Her family moved to a property in the Pacific Palisades near Los Angeles, where, as a young child, Alice spent many happy hours riding horses across the area’s fire trails. At 15, she suffered a serious back injury after being thrown from a horse. During her recovery, while wearing a body cast, Alice read the book Drinkers of the Wind, which sparked her dream of purchasing an Arabian stallion once she healed.

On March 12, 1945, Alice married Ivan Russell Turner and moved to Nunn, Colorado, where they built a wheat farm east of the town. Alice eventually brought her Arabian stallion to Colorado, and alongside her husband, she became a founding member of the Arabian Horse Association of Colorado.

After their divorce in 1967, Alice married Russell Pollock and moved to his ranch northeast of Nunn, where she lived for the rest of her life. Together, they raised cattle and focused on breeding athletic Arabian horses, many of which excelled in racing, cutting, and dressage.

When Russell passed away in 1984, Alice continued to manage the cattle ranch and raise horses alone for the next 11 years.  In September 1995, she married Larry Hoffner, who supported her in living out her dream and enabled her to stay on the ranch she loved until her passing.

Alice was known for her infectious optimism, warm smile, and zest for life. Whether riding horses (which she did until 92) or creating artwork centered around them, she was happiest when immersed in her passions. She was a great listener, and her kindness and vivacious personality made her beloved by friends of all ages.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Hoffner; daughter Judi DeVore (Dennis); son John Turner (Sandy); grandchildren Devlin Kaplan (Tomas), Ashley Cook (Josh), and Tracey Bergum; and great-grandchildren Taylor Bergum, Loie Kaplan, Coby and King Cook. She also cherished what she called her "bonus daughters," "bonus sons," and many beloved friends. 

Alice was predeceased by her son, Jay Ivan Turner, and her sister, Jeanie Beem Forsythe.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.