CENTRAL CITY – Rose Hopper, 70, of Central City died Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville. She was born March 2, 1953.
Rose Hopper was a wonderful, vibrant, lady who brought joy to so many people in this world. She had a friend network that started where she was from on the tiny island of Yap in the South Pacific and spread across the United States. She met the love of her life Johnny Hopper on Yap where he was stationed while in the US Coast Guard. It was there they married and then moved back to the States. Most of her years were spent with her husband, moving across North Alabama with his job, until they came to their final destination in Central City, Kentucky, where she has been for over 26 years.
Rose was an avid gardener who loved watching things grow. She spent countless hours in her “toy garden” as she called it, pulling weeds and nurturing plants in hopes of a bountiful harvest that she could enjoy with family and friends. Her delicious salsa and lime pickles are well known in every community she has lived in. In addition to canning, she was an excellent chef that attended every gathering with a well-prepared dish. Nobody made fruit salad like her.
Her other great joy in life was spending time with her family. She was a wonderful wife to Johnny for 44 years until his passing in 2018. Their only son Jonathan was her pride and joy. He and his wife Erin gave her three precious grandchildren Jon Michael, June, and Olivia whom she loved to play with and spoil.
The great thing about Rose was that her family went beyond just blood. She had the ability to make all friends feel like family. Her warm smile, helping hand and welcoming conversation captured everyone she met. She is an unforgettable woman for so many. Her thoughtfulness and kind gestures were blessings to everyone that knew her.
Rose was also a passionate Christian of the Catholic faith. She was a devoted member at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Central City. Her commitment to God came before all else. She showed God’s love and mercy through her actions.
She was preceded in death by her Father, Mother Christina, brothers Apollo and Felix, and beloved husband Johnny Hopper.
Her life will continue to be celebrated by the ones she is leaving behind, her son Jonathan (Erin), and grandchildren Jon Michael, June, and Olivia Hopper.
Funeral Mass will be Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Central City, with Fr. John Ighacho officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Prayer Vigil beginning at 6:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Tucker Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
