With heavy hearts, we announce that Ruth E. Hopkins, 86, of North Vernon, Indiana, passed away on February 26, 2026, at Our Hospice of Columbus, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family.
Ruth was born on July 28, 1939, in Hazard, Kentucky, to Adam and Rebecca (Huff) Colwell. On September 14, 1976, she married Earl Hopkins.
Ruth was a member of Lord's Chapel in North Vernon and the Red Hat Society. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and best friend to all her granddaughters. Her kitchen was always open, and she found great joy in cooking for her family. Her caring spirit extended beyond her home and into her work as a social worker, waitress, and managed a country club. She later retired from the former Muscatatuck State Developmental Center.
Ruth enjoyed gardening, traveling with her husband, and playing cards with family and friends.
She is survived by her three sons, Rick Hawkins of Palmyra, Indiana; Edward (Kenna) Hawkins of Nashville, Indiana; and Raymond Colwell of Ashland, Oregon; two stepsons; 11 grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl Hopkins; her son, Robert "Bobby" Hawkins; her daughter-in-law, Brenda Hawkins; her brothers, Raymond and Kelly; and her sisters, Marie Allman, Nellie Smith, Rellie Fish, and Hester Stidham.
A graveside service will be conducted at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Vernon Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Ruth's memory through Sawyer - Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.