H. Elizabeth "Betty" Hoppe-Stevens

1935 - 2025

H. Elizabeth "Betty" Hoppe-Stevens

June 14, 1935 - September 30, 2025

H. Elizabeth "Betty" Hoppe-Stevens, of Farnam, Nebraska passed away at Lincoln, Nebraska on September 30, 2025.

Betty was born at Farnam on June 14, 1935, to Elgie and Nina (Hughes) Thompson. The young family briefly moved to Texas and California in search of work before returning to rural Farnam where Betty graduated from Farnam High in 1952. The following year she taught at a rural school north of Moorefield.

On September 18, 1953, she was united in marriage to E. Gene Hoppe at Farnam. They lived southeast of Moorefield where they farmed and were the parents of five children: John, Wesley, Wendel, Weldon and Sharla.

The family moved to Farnam in 1963 where Betty lived most of the remainder of her life. She started teaching again in 1968, first at Antelope rural south of Gothenburg, and then for 22 years at Farnam.

After Gene's passing in 1992, Betty married Ken Stevens in 1994 at Farnam. They traveled around the United States by motorhome, visiting all states but Hawaii. After Ken's passing in 2009, she traveled with family to Hawaii, England and China.

As an avid Farnam community booster, Betty was active in the Farnam Methodist church, Farnam Economic Development, and the Farnam Cemetery board. She enjoyed her church Sunday school group, meeting with the coffee club at the Senior Center each morning (even though she never drank coffee), researching genealogy and Farnam history. She also enjoyed reading, gardening and tending to her yard.

In the last chapter of her life on earth, God took her from the community and friends she loved and placed her in Lincoln. There she spread joy and encouragement to everyone she met at the cancer treatment center, assisted living home, and everywhere else she went.

Betty is survived by children, Wendel (Donna) Hoppe, Weldon (Paula) Hoppe, and Sharla (Brian) Rader; stepchildren, Nancy (John) Gumb, Betsy (Kyle) Spilker, Sara (Kevin) Stehl; ten grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and nine step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Sally Thomas, Ruth Ann Hess, and Pat (Ron) Binning.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elgie and Nina Thompson; husbands, Gene Hoppe and Ken Stevens; and sons, John (in infancy), and Wesley.

The family wishes to thank the kind and supportive doctors, nurses and staff at Nebraska Hematology and Oncology and Bryan East Hospital for their support and medical care. Also, thank you to the staff at Yankee Hill Village Assisted Living where Betty resided until her death.

Visitation will be held, Friday, October 10, 2025, 1:00-7:00 pm, at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St, Gothenburg, NE with the family present from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Funeral Service will be held, 10:00 am, Saturday, October 11, 2025, Farnam Methodist Church, 303 Caribou St, Farnam, NE with Pastor Elmo Hermann officiating.

Burial will follow in the Farnam Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Farnam Methodist Church, 303 Caribou St, Farnam, NE 69029, or the Farnam Senior Center, 214 Main St, Farnam, NE 69029.