Wilma Joy (Brown) Hopkins, 85, passed away on July 29, 2014, at the Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kan. Wilma was born near Brownell, Kan., on Jan. 3, 1929, to Jesse and Amelia (Keil) Brown.

The family moved to a farm near Utica, Kan., when Wilma was a teenager. She graduated from Utica High School in 1947. After high school, she completed cosmetology school in Salina, Kan. Wilma met her future husband, Gene Hopkins, on a train in June of 1946, as she was going to Salina and he was going to Chicago for his Navy discharge orders. They married on May 29, 1949, at the Utica United Methodist Church. They moved to the Hopkins family farm near Utica and raised four children. They were married 63 years until Gene's death on April 12, 2013. Wilma was active in her children's activities and on the farm. She enjoyed quilting and needlework, making dozens of quilts throughout the years.

Wilma is survived by: daughters, Pamela (Dale) Peck, Lynda (Dale) Lindsley, and Paula Hopkins, all of Hutchinson; son, James (Teresa) Hopkins of Marion, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Janelda Harkness; brother, Jerry Brown; and many other family and friends. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Bus; and her sister, Jeannie.

Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at the Utica Cemetery. Family visitation will be held at the Utica Methodist Church immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Utica United Methodist Church or to the Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.