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Carol Mae Hopkins passed away peacefully in Gilbert, Arizona, on June 7, 2026 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Carol was born in Rio Vista, California, on February 15, 1941 and has lived in Powell, Wyoming since 1983.
After graduating high school in Santa Paula, California, Carol married Howard in 1959, her high school sweetheart, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 67 years. Carol lost her husband earlier in 2026 and is now reunited with him in Heaven.
In 1973, Howard, Carol and their three kids began a near 9-year stint overseas, with Carol raising the kids while her husband worked in the oil industry. During that time the family lived in Venezuela, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Scotland, and England. In 1981, they moved to back to the U.S. to Evanston, Wyoming where Carol began working at JC Penny’s. A couple years later they moved to Powell, and Carol was able to transfer to the Penney’s in Cody and then Powell. After Penny’s closed their stores, Carol starting working for Pamida’s in Powell, which later became ShopKo, eventually retiring in her early 70’s.
Carol was the hardest working person in the family. When her family helped with yard work, even in her 80s she out worked everyone. Spring and summer were Carol’s favorite seasons, and she was known for having an immaculate yard and landscaping. Carol loved to sew and do crafts. She was an avid reader, and would return a good mystery book just a couple days after borrowing. She enjoyed sending and receiving greeting cards, and was very good at remembering birthdays.
Carol tirelessly cared for her husband at home the last several years of his life. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and will be missed by her family, friends, and fellow church members. Carol is survived by her daughters Terri (Ken) and Traci (Terry) who both reside in Arizona, and her son Tim (Connie) of Cody. She has five grandchildren, Camille, Christopher, Carol, Terrin, and Casey; and 12 great grandchildren. In lieu of a memorial service, the family will gather for a celebration of life at a later date. The family is thankful for the love and support of Carol and Howard over the years.
