Evelyn K. (Katzman) Hopper

Evelyn K. Hopper, of Russell Springs, passed away surrounded by her family, Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home. She was 96 years of age.

Born October 21, 1928, in Louisville, she was the daughter of the late William and Louisa Zimmerman Katzman. Along with her husband, they owned and operated Hopper Drug Store for 34 years. Evelyn was a long-standing member of Liberty Baptist Church, having served as both church secretary and secretary of her Sunday School class. She lived a life of service, both to her family and to the community, as a volunteer at the public library and her church. Most would describe Evelyn as a pillar of the community; smart, strong, crafty, and independent; having lived on her own until the last few months. Along with spending time with her family and cooking for them, she also enjoyed sewing, needlework, crafting, painting and league bowling for as long as she was able.  

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Jetha Hopper, who passed away September 4, 1987, after 38 years of marriage; a daughter, Connie Jones; six sisters; and two brothers.

Survivors include two children, Ronald (and Karen) Hopper, of Russell Springs, and Rebecca (and Rudy) Higginbotham, of Columbia; five grandchildren, Laura Woodrum, Patrick (and Erica) Higginbotham, Matthew (and Jessie) Hopper, Jansen Hopper, and Brent (and Melanie) Jones; thirteen great-grandchildren, Camryn Woodrum, Owen Woodrum, Elliot Higginbotham, Aubrey Higginbotham, Evelyn Higginbotham, Lydia Jones, Davis Jones, Emersyn Jones, Addison Hopper, Hudson Hopper, Hayes Hopper, Alex Hopper, Jon Hopper, Sveta Hopper and Davyd Hopper. She was also survived by one brother, Bill Katzman of Louisville; and a son-in-law, Edward Jones, of Russell Springs.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Evelyn’s caretakers in her final few months; Melanie Harmon, Adalene Cochran, Jennifer Holland, and Rhonda Honaker.

Funeral services are 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Brother Rick Catron officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Springs City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Bernard Funeral Home and will continue on Sunday from 12:00 PM until time of services.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Hopper are Brent Jones, Matthew Hopper, Jansen Hopper, Owen Woodrum, Patrick Higginbotham, and Elliot Higginbotham.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, PO Box 1859 Russell Springs, Kentucky 42642 or made at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Evelyn K. Hopper are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home.

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