Gretchen Ceil Hopkins

Gretchen Ceil Hopkins of Rockwall, Texas passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2022, just six days after the passing of her beloved husband, Gary Hopkins who she lovingly cared for over recent years as he suffered with Parkinson’s.

She was born on May 19, 1955 in Dallas, Texas to George and Mildred Werner. In 1973 after graduation from Bryan Adams High School, she landed her first job with the Dallas County Health Department.

Eventually she launched a successful career with E-Systems Garland, one of the leading defense electronics companies in the United States. She later transferred to the Greenville Division, continuing a career that spanned over 30 years. Early in her E-Systems career, she met Gary, the love of her life. They married on September 1, 1990 in Dallas, beginning a devoted, loving relationship of over 31 years. While employed full-time, Gretchen also attended and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Letourneau University.

Gretchen and Gary were very hospitable and generous and loved to entertain and host family get-togethers. They enjoyed taking spur-of-the-moment road trips and taking in an occasional casino. They were huge Dallas Cowboys fans and especially enjoyed cheering on Gary's alma mater team, the University of Oklahoma Sooners. Gretchen loved gardening and celebrating and decorating and sending cards for every holiday.

She was brave, strong, and courageous as she twice fought breast cancer and survived the disease. She had a strong passion for animals, especially her three cats (Rambo, Catnip and Chester) who she loved to spoil. She fully earned the title of Cat Mom. She was beautiful, loving and kind and will live forever in our hearts.

Gretchen is survived by her brother, Vincent Werner and his wife MK of Plano, Texas, sister, Kristen Steege and her husband Arnie of Austin, Texas, nieces Dr. Bethany Werner and Geneva Werner, nephew George Werner, Jr. (Melissa), niece, Jennifer Richey (Cory) and great-nephews and great-nieces and cousins. She is also survived by her step-children, Cary Evans and her husband Mike, Erin Stanley and her husband Kevin and Carter Hopkins and his wife Amie. She was a beloved "Nana" to her six grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Hopkins, parents George and Mildred Werner and brothers George and John Werner.

An Afternoon of Remembrance for Gretchen and Gary will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Allen Family Funeral Options.

Gary and Gretchen will be laid to rest together at the DFW National Cemetery, Friday May 13, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. Anyone who plans to attend be in lane 2 at 2:00 p.m.  Ceremony is only 15 minutes long.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Humane Society or Vitas Hospice at vitascommunityconnection.org