Geraldine "Jeri" L. Hopkins

Geraldine L. “Jeri” (Taft) Hopkins, age 76, of Dubuque, passed away at 7:45 p.m., on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital. Jeri was born on March 25, 1945, in Hocking Hill, Iowa, daughter of Orvel and Lelah (Kincaid) Taft. Jeri attended school at Albia Community High School and completed her GED in Ottumwa in 1984. She was united in marriage to Ronald G. Hopkins on March 11, 1963, at the Open Bible Church in Albia. They were blessed with only 16 years together before Ronald sadly passed away on December 23, 1979. She began her working career at Smith Laundry in Albia, and went on to become a CNA with Oakwood Care Center and Albia Care Center. After moving to Dubuque, Jeri went to work with Ennoble Manor and lastly with Bethany Home until her retirement. When Jeri wasn’t working, she spent time in the kitchen creating beautiful wedding cakes and birthday cakes. She liked crafting, watching Disney movies and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed going to garage sales and had an extensive elephant collection. When the kids were young she was very involved as a Cub Scout Leader. Jeri also loved to travel and spend time with her family. Her faith was undeniable. She helped to establish the Church of God’s Holiness in Albia, and was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene here in Dubuque. Jeri was a kind woman who was very generous with her time and talents. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she has touched throughout the years. Those left to cherish Jeri’s memory include her 5 children, Robert Taft of Knoxville, IA, Ronald Hopkins Jr. of Lebannon, MO, Alan (Kathy Whitten) Hopkins of Des Moines, IA, Lucinda (Jim) Tuthill of Dubuque, IA, and Jeff (Karen) Hopkins, Dubuque, IA; her 8 grandchildren, Angela (Willie), Joseph, Joshua (Amanda), Tabitha (Jen), Cindy (Matt), Denise (Dave), T.J., James, Donnie and all of her “adopted grandchildren”; her 24 great-grandchildren; a great great-grandson; her siblings, George (Robin) Taft of Portland, OR, Mary (Doug) Turnbull of Charlotte, TN, and Judy (Paul) Billings of Newton, IA; a former daughter-in-law, Nancy See of Centerville, IA; and a “special sister”, Cindy Ryans of California. Jeri was preceded in death by her parents, Orvel and Lelah Taft; her husband, Ronald Hopkins; 3 great-grandchildren, Katie Tuthill, Ashley Monohon and Wesley Monohon; and 2 daughters-in-law, Carol Taft and Karen Ballalatak. Jeri’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health for all of their kindness and all of the compassionate care they provided for Jeri. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Jeri’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Leah Barker officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia.

Geraldine "Jeri" L. Hopkins

March 25, 1945 - February 2, 2022