Barbara A. Hopson, age 77, died on Saturday, April 15, 2018 at 8:35 a.m. at Willow Ridge at Mennonite Home Community, Bluffton, Ohio.
She was born on July 25, 1940 in Lima, Ohio to the late Dewitt I. “Dig” and Maxine (Smith) Goodwin. On August 11, 1956 Barbara married Larry R. Hopson who preceded her in death on November 10, 1993.
Barbara managed several Lawson’s and Dairy Mart stores for many years. If she wasn’t in Ada, she was in Lima or Kenton going into these stores, cleaning them up and making them profitable again, before moving on to yet another store. She then owned and operated Kibbees Carryout in Bluffton before retirement in 2010. Once again in her retirement years her life was spent enjoying family and friends and reading; oh how she loved to read! Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy; she loved spending time with each and every one of them. They were truly her pride and joy! She always looked forward to the family gatherings. She couldn’t get enough of her family. During her life she so enjoyed music, bowling, gardening but most of all she was an avid sports fan. She volunteered numerous hours to the Ada Athletic Boosters whether it be in the concession stand, selling programs, 50/50; you name it she did it. She was very much behind the scenes while her children attended Ada Schools. As for college sports it was The Ohio State Buckeyes. She loved Saturday football and knew it all and then turned around on Sundays and did it all over again with her beloved Browns. Once that season was over college basketball began leading to the final four and brackets. She filled many of them out in her lifetime! She then looked forward to baseball and the Tribe whom she truly loved. Barb just went from season to season not missing a beat.
She is survived by: 3 sons: Larry Ray Hopson, Jr. of Bluffton, Thomas Michael Hopson of Ada, Jerry Lee (Cindy) Hopson of Findlay and 3 daughters: Cheryl Lynn (James D.) Klingler of New Philadelphia, Anita Jean (Ronald Dean) Klingler of Ada and Rhonda Renae Rumbaugh of Bluffton; 2 brothers: William (Judy) Goodwin of LaFayette and Micheal “Mike” Goodwin of Findlay and she was Grandma Hoppy to 17 beautiful grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her son-in-law: Matthew Rumbaugh and 2 brothers: Joe Goodwin and Charles “Chuck” Goodwin.
Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada with Pastor Keith Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.
Friends may call 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18 and 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice and/or the Mennonite Home Communities of Bluffton.
