Ruth Ann Hopper, 84, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on January 27, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth was born in Morrisonville, Illinois, on March 6, 1941, to Robert and Elizabeth Carter Ewig. Ruth grew up in central Illinois, spending her life rooted in family and community. She attended high school in Morrisonville before marrying her now former husband, Larry Best of Taylorville, and moving to Missouri to raise their family. She married Fred Hopper on September 14, 1993, in Taylorville. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2000.

Ruth was devoted to her family and especially loved being a nana. She found joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren, and her family will remember her for her strength, warmth, and enduring faith. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Taylorville.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents (Samuel and Ora Carter, who co-raised her), parents, husband, and sister, Linda Brachear Poggenpohl.

She is survived by her long-term partner Carl Bruntjen of Raymond; her daughters Melissa (Jeff) Johnson of Gainesville, FL, and Melinda (Jeff) Robinson of Taylorville; her grandchildren, Cali Best, Ashlyn and Mason Johnson, and Evyn and Sam Robinson; niece Janet (Carl) Walch of Raymond; nephews Robert (Cathy) Brachear of Ashmore, and Douglas (Jamie) Brachear, of Taylorville; grandnephews Andy (Victoria) Brachear, Tyler Walch, and Karter Brachear; grandnieces Kerri (Matt) Murphy, Kylie (Clau) Ferreira, and Kassie (Gus) Gibbs.

Ruth also enjoyed travelling and cruises with her family and friends, morning coffee at Arby’s, gardening, and playing bridge. Ruth wanted to give special recognition and a sincere thank you to her dear friend Marilyn Stephens for her friendship over the past 30 years, and assistance for the last three years.

Funeral services will be held at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor James Jones officiating. 

A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Taylorville Christian Church at https://taylorvillechristian.com/ in memory of Ruth Hopper.