Amy Denise Hope

Amy Denise Hope, 55, of Edgar Springs, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. She was born on April 24, 1970, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Amy was all things light and love! A woman of deep and abiding faith, she loved God and lived her life with a Christian heart that was open to everyone. She shined so brightly, and her happy-go-lucky, genuine, and caring nature was infectious to everyone she met. To know Amy was to be loved by her; she left a lasting impression on so many for many, many years. She was "the neighborhood mom"-the "cool mom", the "fun mom", and a mother to those who didn't have one of their own. Her door was always open, and her rule was simple: "Don't ever knock, just come in. The first time you visit, you're a guest; after that, you're family."

She was a woman of many passions and a deeply creative spirit. Whether she was lost in the world of her favorite audiobooks, listening to classic rock music, playing mobile puzzle/match games, or crocheting beautiful blankets and tiny dresses for her dog Trixi, Amy was always working on something special. She cherished her monthly "girls' craft nights" at her daughter Kate's home, where she would craft and create seasonal treasures alongside her daughters Kate and Kelsey, and dear friends Erica Crider, Heather Dye, and Jennifer Adams. A lifelong lover of stories, she shared a bond over books and reading with Kate, Kelsey, and Erica-always trading titles and sharing the worlds they discovered within the pages. She also shared a love for crime shows and YouTube mysteries with Kate, and truly lived for their "spa days" where Kate would do her nails to perfection. These moments of connection and creativity were where she truly shined!

Amy was a rock and a confidant to her children, a shoulder to cry on, and a constant source of strength. She was beautifully scatterbrained, chaotic, and eccentric-qualities she wore with pride and passed down to her children. Life was never dull with Amy; she loved just to love! Her compassion knew no bounds, whether it was for a person in need, her devoted pets, or even the butterflies she would faithfully brake for while driving.

She cherished the unique bonds she held with each of her children. Whether it was her shared artistic projects with Kate, or her deep love for Star Wars and the high-energy Sabaton concerts she attended with her son, Kory, Amy met her children exactly where they were, sharing in their passions and making every moment feel special. For her daughter Kelsey, Amy created a world of wonder, reading Little Women and The Chronicles of Narnia aloud-always making sure to sign the inside of every book she gave, a lasting signature of her love. She also found great joy in her time with her close friend, Tom Donnell, whether they were catching a movie or hunting for treasures together at local auctions.

Amy also shared a profound and special bond with her future son-in-law, Josh Dooley. Bound together by their shared faith, they spent countless hours discussing the Bible and growing closer to God. Josh was a pillar of support for Amy, constantly encouraging her toward a growth mindset and providing unwavering strength through her health journey. Their closeness was built on a foundation of mutual respect, spiritual discovery, and a deep, genuine love.

Amy has gone to be reunited with her mother, Mary Katherine "Kathy" Zuehl; her whole world and beloved adopted son, Nik; her brother, Tim Smith; the father of her children, Randy Hope; her soul dog, Zeus; and her soul cat, Chaos.

While they are no longer here, they live on as a "walking mosaic" through their three children: Kate (Josh Dooley), Kory (Rachel Hope), and Kelsey (Joe McWhorter). Amy is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Naomi and Jacob; her beloved "grand-fur-children" (their kitty cats, since Kate and Kelsey stubbornly refused to provide the human variety, despite her best light hearted teasing); her beloved "adopted daughter and son", Kaylee Jones and James Millspaugh; her nieces and nephews, Kyla, Tabby, and Dalton Smith; her "adopted mom," Cindy Greaver; and her lifelong friends and "sisters," Sheila Shockley, Lori Greaver, Jolie Rajasekaran, and Jennifer Dotson. She will be profoundly missed by her devoted dog Trixi and her bobtail kitty cat Willow.

The world may feel a little darker without her physical presence, but as her family navigates this "dark and twisty" time, they carry her spirit with them. No matter what, they will always have a little Hope.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Amy's life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Rolla Lions Club, 1061 S. Bishop Ave, Rolla, MO 65401.