Mrs. Dona J. (Miller) Johnson Hoopes

Dona Hoopes, 91, of Galesburg, passed away March 4, 2018, at the Rosewood Care Center, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Dona Jean Miller was born Oct. 19, 1926, in Galesburg, to Jacob and Margaret (Twomey) Miller. She is survived by her three children, two sons and a daughter, Stan (and Carol) Johnson of Ankeny, Iowa, Brad (and Syndi) Johnson of Galesburg, and Nancy (and Janet) Johnson of Redwood Valley, California. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Craig Johnson and Alan Johnson, and Megan Schaffer and Andrew Johnson. She had four great-grandchildren, Henry Johnson, Stuart Johnson, and Maya and Remy Schaffer. Her parents; sister, Jerry(Miller) Mariner; first husband, Roy “Bud” Johnson; and second husband, Robert Hoopes, preceded her in death.

Dona was a beautiful and caring woman who cherished her family and friends. Music, singing, dancing, and gathering with friends and family brought her abundant joy. In her earlier years, she loved doing service work, especially visiting people in board and care homes to offer a smile, a song, or poem. Dona was also very proud to be a member of the PEO Sisterhood, and of their mission to promote educational opportunities for women.

In 1944, Dona graduated from Galesburg High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, Roy “Bud” Johnson shortly after World War II ended in 1945. They spent 45 amazing years together. The family lived in a wonderful neighborhood, Lincolnshire, where they met many lifelong friends. They began playing golf during those years and Dona became quite an excellent golfer as well as bridge player. In the early 1970s, Dona and Bud were active members of Soangetaha Country Club. 

She married Robert “Bob” Hoopes in 1992. During their 24 years of marriage they lived in Galesburg. Bob and Dona wintered in Fort Myers, Florida, where they played golf and enjoyed many close friendships at Cypress Lake Country Club and The Cypress condominium.

Dona held her family and her dear friends in the highest regard, and while her final days were difficult, the memories of her give comfort and are a reminder that she had been blessed with a wonderful life.

Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Galesburg Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Soangetaha Memorial Tree Planting Program or to a charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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