Evelyn May Hopkins

Evelyn May Hopkins, 85, of Geneseo, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Select Specialties Hospital, Davenport, IA.  She gave the gift of life through organ donation.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at First Methodist Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter will officiate.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., before the memorial service.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to First Methodist Church which will be distributed amongst Backpack for Blessings, United Women of Faith, and Operation Christmas Child, 302 N. State Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Evelyn was born January 3, 1939, the daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Yaudes) Bender, in Litchfield, MI.  She graduated from Homer Community High School, class of 1958.  She married Thomas Hopkins on February 15, 1958, in Homer, MI.  He preceded her in death on September 3, 2016.  She was a sales clerk at Ace Hardware and enjoyed her time as a mother and homemaker. Evelyn was a member of First Methodist Church, United Women of Faith, Hammond Henry Hospital Auxiliary, First Methodist Sewing Club, and Classic Club – Central Bank.  She enjoyed participating in Backpack for Blessings, put together bulletins, and being a hostess for the church.  Her hobbies included quilting with the church sewing ladies' circle.  Evelyn had a beautiful smile, for which she will be remembered, was always up for an adventure, and enjoyed traveling, cruising, and camping.  Her favorite trips were to Italy, Cancun, Mexico, and cruising the Panama.  Evelyn was a giver.  If there was someone in need, she wanted to help.  She always found the best in everyone and always volunteered to help.  Evelyn loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Doreen (Jim) Borton of Geneseo, and Darlene (Jim) Kelly of Geneseo; grandchildren, Angela (Rich) Jordan, Alicia (Doug) Richards, Michael Kelly, and Danielle Borton; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Sophia, Eliza, Harrison, and Ruby; and brother, Norman (Jean) Bender of Tekonsha, MI.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Margaret Bender; her loving husband, Thomas Hopkins; son, Robert Hopkins; and brothers, Raymond Bender and Lawrence Bender.