Dorothy Monzel Hopkins 1917-2011

HOPKINS, SWANSON, BOYER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/31/2013 at 10:52:01

Sioux City Journal
20 December 2011

SALIX, Iowa -- Dorothy Monzel Hopkins, 94, of Salix passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Dec. 16, 2011.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Community Church of Christ in Sloan, Iowa, with the Rev. Emery Killian as celebrant. Burial will be in Sloan Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service in Sergeant Bluff.

Dorothy was born July 22, 1917, to Guy Ferdinand and Addie Mae (Swanson) Boyer, on their farm in Sloan, Iowa. Dorothy enjoyed life and was particularly thrilled with the celebration of her 94th birthday this past July. She attended the former Wayne State Teachers College, now Wayne State College, in Wayne, Neb. and earned her teaching certificate. She taught school at the former Bronson and Luton Schools and briefly in Sioux City.

The former Dorothy Boyer married Harvey Hopkins on Nov. 17, 1942. She kept books for the family business as well as being civically involved in Soroptimist Club, Sloan Historical Society and remained active in the church throughout her life. After Harvey's death on Feb. 5, 1969, she worked for an attorney in Sloan.

Dorothy, an avid writer, drew upon her experience of rural life. Many will remember her column, "Dot's Tho'ts," published by the Sloan Starlet. Dorothy enjoyed socializing with her many friends and enjoyed lifelong correspondence with relatives and pen pals. Dorothy had a generous nature, always willing to help those in need. Following in the steps of her parents, Dorothy was a skilled gardener and nature lover and passed her love for Mother Nature onto her children.

She is survived by her daughter, Dee (Tom Comstock) Davis of Hinton, Iowa, Steve (Linda) Hopkins of Florida, Guy (Joan) Hopkins of Salix, Penny Hopkins of Pennsylvania, and Nichole Godfredson of Sloan. She dearly loved her grandchildren, Stephanie Davis, AJ (Jessica) Godfredson, Troy Hopkins, Jill (Matt) Klein, Holly Brown, Paul Brown, and Tammy (Garth) Johnson; and her great-grandchildren, Jasmine Hopkins, Jenna Hopkins, Noah Klein, Mckala Godfredson, Brenner Godfredson, Doran Johnson and Ryan Johnson.

She was preceded in death by parents, Guy and Addie Boyer; husband, Harvey; sister, Lois Beem; and brother, Raymond Boyer.