Doris Hopwood Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
She was born on June 11, 1932, in Peoria, Illinois, to Albert and Emma (Kaupp) Bessler. Doris married Robert Hopwood on January 28, 1950 in Springfield, Illinois. He preceded her in death on May 14, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Beth Jeanette Hopwood; son-in-law, Jim Gilles; sister, Rosemary Mahany and brother, Jerome Bessler.
Surviving are her children, Becky Gilles, Bonny (Bill) Lane, Brian (Denise) Hopwood and Brenda Hopwood; 12 grandchildren, Scott, Sarah, Jeff, Jason, Jon, Brett, Tyler, Casey, Emily, Stephanie, Matt and Rachel; and 13 great-grandchildren, Kyle, Ava, Lila, Emma, Sophie, Jeffrey, Jordan, Jayden, Jonny, Natalie, Lyla, Banks and Poppy.
Mom proudly kept a meticulous yard, which others complimented her on frequently. Her many Christmas lights made her yard come to life every year.
Doris' friendships were plentiful through her love of golfing, two card groups, Silver Sneakers, attending local theatre shows, and cruising to tropical islands.
In her spare time, mom lovingly crocheted hats, scarves and blankets warming the hearts of loved ones. She looked forward to her Sunday brunches every week with family and friends. Her love of family, friends and Corona beer was unmatched!
Doris was a sweet lady and was loved immensely. She will be missed.
A private family service will be held to remember Doris. Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to Central Illinois Christmas Fund, formerly called the Journal Star Christmas Fund, https://donate.salarmyncil.org/Illinois-Christmas-Fund or PO Box 5054, Peoria, IL 61601-5054.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.
To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Scott and Jody Turnbull
September 8, 2025
Sorry for your family´s loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Steven T. Hopwood
August 27, 2025
to the hopwood family, she was truly a beautiful and classy lady inside and out. my deepest sympathies. from the other Doris Hopwood's son.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
140 S. Detroit Ave., Morton, IL 61550
Make a Donation
in Doris Hopwood's name
People and places connected with Doris
Recent Obituaries
How to support Doris's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Doris Hopwood's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
