Ronald Henry Hopps, 78, of LaMoille, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Ron was born on November 14, 1947, in Mendota, Illinois, to Glen and Mary (Donarski) Hopps. A lifelong resident of LaMoille, he graduated from LaMoille High School in 1965 and LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College in 1967. He also proudly served as a firefighter with the LaMoille Fire Department from 1975 to 2007.

On April 29, 1967, Ron married the love of his life, Marilyn (Knowlton) Hopps. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, hard work, and countless memories.

Ron founded Hopps Painting in 1974, a business he owned and operated for 50 years before entrusting it to his son and grandson. His work ethic and knowledge have been passed down through generations, and the business he built continues today.

Ron and his son Roger shared a bond that went far beyond father and son. Roger was Ron's lifelong best friend, and the two worked side by side every day for Roger's entire life. They established a business together, shared countless laughs, and learned from one another. Their relationship was one of the greatest joys of Ron's life.

Ron took great pride in doing things right. He designed and built his own home and shop with the help of friends and brothers-in-law, creating a place that became the setting for many family memories.

Above all, Ron was a family man. He rarely missed a sporting event, school activity, or family gathering. He loved camping, weekend bonfires, and simply spending time with the people he loved. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous pride and joy, and they knew they could always count on him.

Ron was quick-witted and had a gift for the perfect one-liner. He loved telling stories, especially about his years working on the railroad for Hulcher Emergency Service, and had a way of making those stories uniquely his own. Reflecting his curiosity and adventurous spirit, he also pursued pilot training and proudly flew solo.

Ron was intelligent, meticulous, loyal, and hardworking. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who believed in taking care of his family and giving his best to whatever he did.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marilyn; his children, Roger (Jill) and Tanya (Jeff Lucas); his grandchildren, Ashleigh (Nate) Hussey, Alyssa (Felix) Balbuena, Raeann (Mark) Stouffer, Trevor (Macee) Mills, Jake (Lindsay) Lucas, Tracer (Hayley) Mills, Baylee (Veronica) Hopps, Max Lucas, and Kijah Lucas; and his great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Walter, and Charlie Hussey; Macklin and Maeve Mills; Easton and Sienna Lucas; Savannah and Banks Stouffer; Codison Mills; and August Balbuena. He is also survived by his siblings Terry (Cindy) Hopps and Karen (Douglas) Walker; and sister-in-law Chris Hopps.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Mary (Donarski) Hopps; his in-laws, Duane and Ida Knowlton; his brothers, Gary Hopps and Kevin Hopps; his nephew, Scott Hopps; his grandson, Brandon Hopps; his great-granddaughter, Elle Hopps.

Ron leaves behind a lifetime of hard work, stories, laughter, and memories, but most of all, a family who will carry his love and example with them for generations to come. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bache Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois, with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow in Greenfield Cemetery in LaMoille. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the LaMoille Fire Department or LaMoille Ambulance. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.