Mari Ruef Hofer (1858/59-1929) was an American educator, composer, writer, and lecturer.

From there she went to Chicago, pursuing her teaching in the public schools of that city, and finally becoming interested in and specializing in the kindergarten work.

Her last public school work was the successful organizing of Music and Games in Rochester, New York.

She was also Instructor of Music in the New York Froebel Normal and a regular member of the faculty of the Summer School of the South, at Knoxville, Tennesee.

[2] Her interests also included internationalism and less conceit in Americanisms, believing we would gain in culture by knowing other people better.

[5] She read and translated German and credited her interest and large acquaintance with folklore and traditions to this source.