"I was really sad to hear of Helen's passing. She helped make my day bright at Elm Heights! My children and my Grandfather (Bob Tyler), will miss seeing her shining face and words of encouragement everyday! Thank you for allowing me to spend the last 4 years with Helen! She will forever have a lasting impression on me."
In loving memory of
Helen Hopkins
July 9, 2009
Helen Louise Chessire Hopkins, daughter of Joseph M. and Margaret Lyn (Jeffrey) Chesshire, was born on August 9, 1920, at Coin, Iowa. She passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2009, at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 88 years, 11 months.
Her early life was spent growing up in the Coin and Shenandoah area. Helen attended school at the Coin Consolidated Schools graduating with the Class of 1938. On February 18, 1940, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Roy C. Hopkins at the Joe and Lyn Chesshire farm home. To this union four children were born, Bonita Jean, Rebecca, Max and Julia. Helen worked as a loving homemaker to her husband and children.
Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah where she was active in the CHB Sunday School, United Methodist Women and the Christian Women's Group. She was also a member of the Willing Workers Country Club. Helen's list of special things included her grandchildren, first and foremost. She also enjoyed cooking (especially baking), gardening, crocheting, volunteering and spending time with her family.
Preceding Helen in death were her parents; husband, Roy in December of 2003; daughter, Bonnie; grandson, Doug Etter; son-in-law, Dr. Clayton Pettipiece; twin brothers, Ray and Roy and brother, Wallace Chesshire. Survivors include her son, Max Hopkins and his wife Jocelyn of Omaha, NE; two daughters, Becci Etter and her husband Don of Omaha, NE, and Julia Pettipiece of Springfield, MO; five grandchildren, Jeff and Gina Etter, Marc and Missy Etter, Chris and Jenn Hopkins, Brad and Jessica Hopkins and Allison Pettipiece; and nine great grandchildren, Ryan, Dustin, Rachel, Alyssa, Eric, Hanna, Zoe, Caden and Carson. Also surviving is her brother, Neil Chesshire of Newton, IA; several special nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Clark Finehout. Organist was Becky Hoenshel and vocalist was Dr. Charles Peterson. Attending the memory register were Denise Tackett and Deb Finlay. Caring for the flowers were Dan and Deb Finlay. Ushers were Gordon Jones and Jim Sligar. Casket bearers were Jeff Etter, Chris Hopkins, Marc Etter, Brad Hopkins, Allison Pettipiece and Ryan Etter. Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery at Coin, Iowa. Memorials are being directed to the Shenandoah First United Methodist Church.
Tributes
"Becci, Don and family. So sorry about the passing of your mother/grandmother. Also give our condolences to the rest of the family. God Bless each and everyone. Love Pat and Larry Etter"
"Thoughts and prayers are with you!"
"I was so surprised and sorry to read the KMA funerals today. I stopped to see your Mom when I was in town some time ago. Tried to do it every time. As you know all of you have meant a lot to me and my family plus all of the Hensleighs! Gwen"
"I am sorry to hear about Helen! She will be missed very much! She was a lady full of love. Sincerely Brooke Erickson"
"I am so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. Every time we came to Iowa we made it to see her and Roy. We have wonderful memories of their trip to San Antonio with my folks and us at the lake. It was so much fun. Helen was always so giving and so interested in all our family. My twin granddaughters always enjoyed going to visit her also. Your folks were such good friends with my folks through all these years. Mom will miss her dear friend. Our love to all the family at this time of saddness. Love, Pat and Nicky Kolodzie"