Ruth "Dooley" Chapin Hopper

Ruth (Dooley) Chapin Hopper, age 96, of Belleview, FL, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Dooley was born on March 24, 1924 in Greencove Springs, FL, to Rev. Harley and Mabel Chapin, the seventh of their nine children. She spent the first part of her childhood growing up in High Springs, FL, before the family moved to Belleview, where she met and married the love of her life, Bristow Hopper, with whom she celebrated nearly 68 years of marriage before he passed away in 2008. Dooley and Bristow were married on Mother's Day, May 12, 1940, by her father, the minister of First Baptist Church of Belleview, before Bristow enlisted in the United States Army. Sixty-Five years later, they stood in the exact same place in front of the living room fireplace in that parsonage (that same building now home to "Hands of Mercy Everywhere") and renewed their marriage vows, with family and friends present, their son Lawson, officiating. Dooley's most beloved titles were wife, mother, Mamaw, and Sunday School teacher. She and Bristow traveled the world from Korea to Germany during his 21 years of Army service, and on each boat trip to and from, Dooley held Bible School each day for the children on the ships, sharing the great Bible stories. The captain of the ships would often attend, wanting to hear the inspirational and wonderful stories. Dooley's love for her Lord remained strong throughout her life, as she served in the churches teaching Sunday School, and singing in the church choirs wherever she and Bristow were stationed. They returned to Belleview after his retirement from the Army, and became active in Belleview Methodist Church, Bristow's lifelong church, teaching Sunday School and singing in the church choir, where she remained a member for sixty years. Dooley's life was full of love and joy, as she doted on her husband, children, grandchildren, and many dear friends. She never lost her love for music and for playing her "precious hymns" on the piano by ear every day, adding beautiful ornamentation, which she continued to do up until her last week with her family. She is survived by her sister, Jean Perkins, Dothan, AL; sister-in-law, Dorothy Chapin, Ocala, FL; daughter, Alice Hopper, Bloomington, IN; sons, Lawson Hopper (Terri), Helena, AL and Douglas Hopper (Margene), Belleview; devoted nephew, Lewis Harding (Helen), Dillsboro, NC; niece and devoted Caregiver, Frances King, Belleview; granddaughters Traci Freeman (Roger), Tellico Plains, TN; Jennifer Ogle,Hampton, VA; Brooke Yarborough (Seth), Waynesville, NC; grandsons Lawson Hopper (Taryn), Homewood, AL; Kent Hopper (Judith), Belleview; great grandsons Alix Freeman, Knoxville, TN and Ernie Hopper, Belleview; great granddaughter, Katherine Hopper, Belleview; great-great grandchildren Alyssa, Lawson, Jaron, Judah, Finn, Luke, Jasper, and Jagger, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her son Bristow Hopper, Jr., her daughter Patricia Ann Thornley, her granddaughter, Trisa Thornley, her grandson, Ernest Hopper, her great grandson, Justin Freeman, her brothers Hugh, Bruce, Moody, and John Chapin, her sisters Alice Chapin, Rachel Harding, and Esther Vlier. Due to the present restrictions of the Coronavirus, a Celebration of Dooley's Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements being handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services 5946 SE Robinson Rd. Belleview, FL 34421 (352) 245-2424. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.