Dolores Ann Hopkins, age 78, of Lake View, formerly of Early, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2006, at Loring Hospital in Sac City. Dolores was born Jan. 6, 1928, to George and Alice Drey at the family farm west of Early. As a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a grandmother, and a great grandmother, Dolores left gifts to all those her life touched.

To her parents, three brothers, and one sister, she gave the gifts of patience and dedication. Growing up the oldest daughter, Dolores often helped care for her younger siblings. Dolores began Catholic grade school at age 4 and graduated from Early Public High School by the time she was 16. She attended one year of college at Briar Cliff in Sioux City, Iowa, and then worked one year in Storm Lake as a secretary for Vilas and Company.

To her husband, Dr. Elvin J. Hopkins, she gave the gifts of love and companionship. Their eyes first met at Sacred Heart Church, almost 60 years ago. Dolores was 19 years old and often joked she was too young to know any better. But, on Oct. 28, 1947, their wedding began a marriage full of affection, support, and laughter. No one could make Dolores laugh more than Doc, and no one kept Doc more in line than Dolores.

To her children – Rebecca Benton, Mike Hopkins, Ann Nurse, Molly Eddie, and Kathleen Struchen – she gave the gifts of love and guidance. As a housewife, she was always there for her kids, supporting them in their interests. She attended many horse shows and sporting events, always taking pride in her kids’ achievements. Through commitment and patience, she taught that family was the most important part of life.

To her 13 grandchildren, she left the gift of countless childhood memories. Dolores’ summer home in Okoboji and her winter home in Tucson, Arizona, were special getaway places for her family. Her Christmas celebrations were like no other – complete with a real-life Santa, ceiling-touching tree, overflowing stockings, and heaps of presents. She called each grandchild “sweetheart” and decorated her home with their photographs.

To her life-long friends, Dolores gave the gift of importance. Dolores always treated people with respect and compassion, the way she’d want to be treated. She was never too busy to stop to visit with someone, to help someone, or to brighten someone’s day with a simple smile.

Dolores found small gifts of her own in life. She loved reading, shopping, praying the rosary, going out for lunch, and playing bridge. She liked butterscotch sundaes, hash browns with cheese from the Villager in Sac City, iced tea, coffee with creamer, chicken salad sandwiches, and Freedent gum. She loved autumn, the Arizona sun, the color blue, and visits from her kids and grandkids.

Above all, Dolores gave the gift of love. She loved her family – her life was centered around them. She loved life – her smile and never-failing kindness showed that to all. We remember Dolores’ life as a celebration of love and family, which reflected what was most important in life, made us feel special, and made the world a better, happier place.

Survivors include her husband Dr. Elvin J. Hopkins; her children Rebecca Benton and husband Charles of Early, IA; Michael Hopkins and wife Tam of the Woodlands, Texas; Ann Nurse and husband Dan of Kearney, MO; Molly Eddie and husband Bradley of Storm Lake, IA; Kathleen Struchen and husband Steven of Early, IA; her grandchildren Holly Benton of Ocheyedan, IA; Janet Benton of Iowa City; Jessica Withrow and husband John, Michael Hopkins, John Hopkins, all of Woodlands, Texas; Julia Nurse of Liberty, MO; David Nurse and Paul Nurse of Kearney, MO; Brady Struchen and Matthew Struchen of Early, IA; Ben Hinners, John Eddie, and Sara Eddie of Storm Lake, IA; and her great grandchild Cambell Withrow of Houston, TX. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Lorraine Drey and Frances Drey both of Early, IA; Dr. Julia Clothier of Lincoln, NE; Ruth Wright and husband Jerry of Storm Lake, IA; and brother-in-law Irvin Nagengast of Missouri. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents George and Alice Drey; infant sister Elizabeth Drey; sister Janet Nagengast; brothers Donald Drey, Roger Drey, and Norman Drey; and brother-in-law John Clothier.

The mass of the Christian burial will be held Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. Father Larry Burns of Early and Father Larry McCarty of Sac City will officiate the mass with burial at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Sac City.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 5th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early with a rosary at 4:00 and vigil service at 7:00.