Evelyn Theis Hopkins, 96, of Columbia, died Dec. 18, 2023. She was born in Granite City on Feb. the 18, 1927, oldest child of the late John and Mary Theis. She was married to Charles J. Hopkins for over 71 years. Their marriage was a glowing example to their children, grandchildren and all who they met of a true love story that even death could not extinguish. 

Evelyn was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, serving on many committees and always ready to volunteer to assist the families of the parish. Known far and wide as “The Hat Lady,” she was rarely – if ever – without a fashionable chapeau, accompanied by appropriate amounts of glittering, sparkling jewelry. Ladies in attendance at the funeral are encouraged to wear hats, in silent honor of this grand lady. 

Blessed with a melodious voice, she always answered the phone with a cheerful “good morning,” or whatever the appropriate time dictated. Her love of the color pink was well known, outdone only by her fondness for strawberries. 

She served many years with the Columbia Woman’s Club, serving a term as the president. One of her greatest joys was the Ladies Red Hat Society, a club in which she truly did thrive. 

Evelyn was a woman of great and unshakable faith in God, a virtue that was the guide to her life. She was the companion and mate of her beloved Charlie, experiencing more than seven decades together of baseball games, Ironworker events, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, a growing family and finally the separation of his death, now made joyous with their heavenly reunion. She was sweet, gentle, loved by many and missed by all. 

Surviving are sons John (Margaret) Hopkins of Alton and James (Sharon) of Waterloo and daughter Marie Hopkins, of Columbia; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; sister Mary Ann Rockwell of St. Louis; along with many other relatives and friends. 

She was predeceased by her brothers Edward, Howard and Arthur Theis as well as a grandchild, Illinois State Trooper Nicholas J. Hopkins. 

Visitation 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 29 at Immaculate Conception Church, Columbia. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated following visitation at the church with Father Carl Scherrer officiating. 

Interment  will be at the Evangelical St Paul Cemetery in Columbia. 

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to: Heartland Hospice, Fairview Heights; or Immaculate Conception Church, Columbia.

Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, handled arrangements.