Betty Hopkins
Alton |
Betty Grace Hopkins, 97, died at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Born August 27, 1927 in Elsah, IL, she was the daughter of Walter and Grace (Barnal) Cresswell. Betty loved God and lived by Christian values.
Her family was the center of her universe. She raised two children and delighted in her three grandchildren and was overjoyed with her three great grandchildren. She loved her community and attended Lewis and Clark Community College after the death of her mother.
A friend to everyone, she talked to students and learned of their needs for things such as glasses, auto repairs, or daycare. Through her community connections these students’ needs were met and she became known as the lady who could fix things.
When told she was too old and too sick to receive a new heart valve, she defied the status quo and passed all the rigorous testing and was given a new valve. Because of her efforts the specialist decided to change the criteria to offer the valve to older people.
She was a longtime service volunteer and member of the Alton Board of Directors and volunteered to wrap Christmas presents. Well done, good and faithful servant.
She married Howard Davis and he preceded her in death. She then married Dr. Richard E. Hopkins on July 20, 1972. He preceded her in death on May 25, 1989.
Surviving is a daughter, Linda Schultz of Manchester, MO, a son, Howard Davis of Godfrey, three grandchildren, Howard Walter Davis (Kim Ray), Emily Cresswell Schultz McAllister (Andrew), and Katie Diana Davis, and three great grandchildren, Eva Lane McAllister, Leo Alexander McAllister, and Annabelle Ray Davis.
She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Martin Schultz and a daughter-in-law, Karen Davis.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Garden in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to a church of choice. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
