Ruth Ann Hopper, 84, of Taylorville, died on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville on Friday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m. with Pastor James Jones officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 4 to 6 p.m.
Mrs. Hopper was born in Morrisonville on March 6, 1941, to Robert and Elizabeth Carter Ewig. She grew up in central Illinois, spending her life rooted in family and community. She attended high school in Morrisonville before marrying her now former husband, Larry Best of Taylorville and moving to Missouri to raise their family.
She married Fred Hopper on September 14, 1993, in Taylorville and he preceded her in death on May 17, 2000.
Mrs. Hopper was devoted to her family and especially loved being a nana. She found joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren and her family will remember her for her strength, warmth and enduring faith. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Taylorville.
Mrs. Hopper was preceded in death by her grandparents (Samuel and Ora Carter, who co-raised her), parents, husband and sister, Linda Brachear Poggenpohl.
Mrs. Hopper is survived by her long-term partner Carl Bruntjen of Raymond; daughters, Melissa (Jeff) Johnson of Gainesville, FL and Melinda (Jeff) Robinson of Taylorville; grandchildren, Cali Best, Ashlyn and Mason Johnson and Evyn and Sam Robinson; niece, Janet (Carl) Walch of Raymond; nephews, Robert (Cathy) Brachear of Ashmore and Douglas (Jamie) Brachear, of Taylorville; grandnephews, Andy (Victoria) Brachear, Tyler Walch and Karter Brachear; and grandnieces, Kerri (Matt) Murphy, Kylie (Clau) Ferreira and Kassie (Gus) Gibbs.
Mrs. Hopper also enjoyed travelling and cruises with her family and friends, morning coffee at Arby’s, gardening and playing bridge. She wanted to give special recognition and a sincere thank you to her dear friend Marilyn Stephens for her friendship over the past 30 years and assistance for the last three years.
Memorial contributions may be made to Taylorville Christian Church at https://taylorvillechristian.com/ in memory of Mrs. Hopper.
