Obituary of Eleanor Hopkins

Eleanor "Ruff" Hopkins, 88, of State College passed away Sunday morning, March 17, 2013, in Ruskin, Florida, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Uniontown to the late Elliott and Annie Elizabeth Jeffries Armstrong. Eleanor lived in State College almost all of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband Daniel T. Hopkins, Sr. in 2002, her brother, Elliott "Army" Armstrong in 2003, and her beloved son, Timothy A. Hopkins in 2004. Eleanor graduated from State College High School in 1943 and studied art at the Pennsylvania State University. As a young woman, Eleanor worked at a resort in Eagles Mere, Pa., and the Penn State Ordinance Research Lab, where she served as a driver for the president of the university. During WWII, she built airplane engines in Harrisburg. Following a lifelong dream, she earned her pilot's license from local legend Sherm Lutz and would often fly a plane over her husband's baseball practices at Penn State. On July 5, 1948, she wed Daniel T. Hopkins, Sr. in West Virginia, to whom she was married for 54 years. She was a talented homemaker and completely dedicated mother. Throughout her life she demonstrated outstanding courage and undying faith. Eleanor loved to paint and draw, going to yard sales and auctions, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing bridge. She loved dogs and horses. She was a life-time member of the State College Presbyterian Church and a proud supporter of the Republican Party. Eleanor is survived by daughter Patricia Hopkins Condo of State College, son Daniel Hopkins and his wife Susan Vratarich Hopkins of Apollo Beach, Florida, granddaughter Erin Condo McCracken and her husband Joshua McCracken of Millheim, three grandsons, Adam Condo and Tyler Hopkins of Maryland and Nicholas Hopkins of Pittsburgh, great-grandson Booker McCracken, and son-in-law Richard Condo of Wilson, N.C., as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law and dear friends. Visitation will be 10 a.m., on Friday, March 22, 2013, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park, with a wake at Celebration Hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801 or to Pets Come First 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall PA 16828. The family would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all the caretakers who entered Eleanor's life in the past two years, including Home Nursing Agency Hospice Care and Comfort Keepers of State College and Lifepath Hospice of Apollo Beach. We also would extend our appreciation to the staff of Cypress Creek Assisted Living in Sun City Center, FL. With all of your combined efforts, Eleanor lived her last years as independently and happily as possible. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.