Caroline Ann (Driever) Hopkins

Caroline Ann (Driever) Hopkins was called home by her Lord and Savior on February 7, 2025. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, her life was defined by deep faith, devotion, compassion and love. 

Caroline was born on October 3, 1940, the eldest child of Roy and Doris Elaine (Wilson) Driever. The family, including younger brother Earnest LeRoy (Bud), called a farm located northeast of Sidney their home. This humble and rustic setting cultivated her lifelong love and appreciation for God’s majestic creation, particularly the rural countryside. She attended Sidney Elementary and High School, graduating in the class of 1959. 

She embarked upon her long-chosen career path -teaching- by enrolling at Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, Iowa. Shortly thereafter she met her love, Robert (Bob) Hopkins, and the two married on July 17, 1960. She continued her education at Nebraska State Teachers College (now Peru State College) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in the spring of 1963. 

In the fall of 1963 and 1964, Caroline and Bob were blessed with two sons, Robert Bradley and Brent Euell. They made their family home in Riverton, enjoying small town values and raising their young family. Caroline also began her elementary teaching career in Percival, then Sidney, and ultimately Farragut, where she spent the majority of her career teaching fifth grade. 

She embraced the challenges and rewards of inspiring, molding and encouraging her young students. To this end, she continued her education by enrolling in night school, while still teaching and caring for her family, and after five years, she obtained her Master of Science in Education degree from N.W. Missouri State University in 1975. Her teaching career spanned more than three decades and enriched hundreds of students’ lives.

Caroline’s dream of returning to her rural roots was realized in 1994 when she and Bob relocated to an acreage west of Riverton. Her faith and delight in God’s creation was constant from her cherished flower beds to her deep passion for horses and dogs. One of her favorite pastimes was simply taking in the splendor and beauty of the countryside while taking long walks around the farm.

She enjoyed other interests such as reading, photography, writing, and poetry but her greatest passion was unquestionably the time she spent with her family, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Caroline’s unwavering dedication to her family was a beacon of inspiration and her love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew no bounds. She nurtured and guided her family with devotion, kindness and love. Her memory and spirit remain illuminating to countless family and friends.

Her legacy lives on through her children; Brad Hopkins of Norwalk, IA, and Brent (Teresa) Hopkins of Sidney, IA; her beloved grandchildren:  Taylor Hopkins, Kyle Hopkins, Cole Hopkins, Tanya (Tom) Thaemiltz and Travis (Molly) Chapin; great grandchildren:  Adrian Thaemiltz, Andrew Harrah and Rachel Russell; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Doris Driever; husband Robert Hopkins; brother Bud Driever; daughter-in-law Carla Hopkins; sisters-in-law:  Leola (Hopkins) Brown (Lloyd) and LaVonne (Hopkins) Sharp (Irvin “Brick”); nieces:  Jennifer Brown and Cathy Arehart and nephew Kevin Driever. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Riverton Christian Community Church (former Methodist Church) with a luncheon conducted at the Riverton Community Center immediately following the ceremony. Interment will be at the Sidney Cemetery at a later date.

A Memorial Scholarship Fund/Trust will be established in the memory of Caroline and Bob Hopkins to be awarded to a graduating Fremont County High School Senior (or surrounding area) on a yearly basis. The Scholarship will be designed to assist and offset the expense associated with the pursuit of a secondary education at an accredited college or university.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department in loving memory of Caroline.

Condolences may be expressed at - gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

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