Geraldine Lois Hopkins was welcomed into the arms of her Lord, celebrating her 93rd birthday on March 30, 2017.
Geraldine was born on March 30, 1924 to Gerhard and May S. Falk in St. John, WA. She attended schools in St. John, graduating in 1941. She enrolled at Whitworth College, graduating with a degree in 1945. She represented Whitworth, excelling in vocal and orchestral groups, singing and playing her violin for countless occasions, including the weekly Whitworth Chapel Hour radio broadcast. Gerry (to those who knew her best) and her close friend, Margie Schauble, published a local newsletter for the St. John area for a few years. During that time, she was employed by the DSHS office in Colfax. On June 5, 1948, Geraldine was united in marriage to Howard D. Hopkins, also from St. John. They began farming on the family ranch in 1949.
Howard and Geraldine were charter members of the Ewan Church of the Nazarene, established in 1950. Impressed with God's call to full time service, they left farming to begin a 45-year career of pastoral ministry together. Over the years they served faithfully in Nazarene churches across the Northwest including: Garfield, WA; their home church, Ewan, WA; Kellogg, ID; Meridian, ID; Pomeroy, WA; Lewiston, ID; and concluded with an additional five years in Ewan, WA.
Geraldine was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed animals, gardening, creative projects, playing board games with family, and most of all music (of all genres), instilling that love in her children. She served congregations & communities with her gifted talents as a vocalist, violinist, pianist, organist, choir director, member of the Lewiston Chapter of Sweet Adelines for several years, Bible study teacher, and in numerous other capacities & areas of leadership, giving selflessly to others.
Geraldine is survived by her children: Nancy & Ted Mordhorst of Pullman, WA; Randy & Rachel Hopkins of Middleton, ID; Gregory & wife, Christine Faith, currently in Uruguay, S.Am.; Stephen & Edith Hopkins of Boise, ID; Sandra & Tom Weir of Kent, WA; and Kendall & Tricia Hopkins of Spokane, WA; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Helen Cowan of St. John, WA. Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant daughter, a daughter-in-law, and a sister-in-law.
A service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 11:00AM at the Christian Life Assembly Church in St. John with Pastor Dennis Hinds officiating. Interment will take place at the St. John Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church. Private viewing times may be arranged with the Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, WA.
The family wants to express special thanks for the excellent care given to Geraldine for more than 9 years by the caregivers at Glenhaven, Pullman, WA. Memorial contributions in Geraldine's honor may be made to: Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org; or Spokane Union Gospel Mission, www.uniongospelmission.org.