June C. Hoppenrath

June C. Hoppenrath, age 88, of Elwood, entered into her heavenly reward on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The past 6 years she resided at Magnolia Springs of Bridgewater in Carmel where she developed many special friendships with other residents and staff. She was born on February 11, 1935, to the late James and Frances (Hughes) Ripperger.

Following graduation from Wendell L. Willkie High School, June went to Indiana University and received her bachelor's degree in English Education. While attending I.U., June was an active member of Tri Delt Sorority. She was crowned Miss Elwood and was a runner-up in the Miss Indiana Pageant. June taught english and speech at Elwood Community Junior and Senior High School and later was a substitute teacher for the Elwood Community School Corporation.

On November 30, 1956, June married Frank Otis "Ote" Hoppenrath, and they shared 61 years of marriage together prior to his passing on July 16, 2018. June was a member of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority. She was a self-taught painter, loved to cook, and enjoyed golf. She earned her private pilot's license and enjoyed many cross-country trips with Ote in their plane. June was known for having a love for animals and was most well-known for raising her raccoon "Ricky." Her grandchildren's fondest memories are of hours of playing cards in the kitchen and her homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Her faith and family were the most important parts of her life. June was a devoted member of St Joseph's Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, on the Liturgy Committee, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and served on the Cemetery Board. June will be greatly missed but her family takes comfort knowing she is in heaven with her beloved husband and family members who had gone before her.

June is survived by two children, Andrea (Dr. Carl) Sartorius of Carmel, and Tony (Tami) Hoppenrath of Elizabethtown, KY, grandchildren; Dr. Andrew James (A.J.) Hoppenrath, David Hoppenrath, Abigail Benjamin, Aaron & Adam Benjamin; three great-grandsons, Ian Hoppenrath, Aiden Hoppenrath, and Anthony J. Hoppenrath; sister, Jo Ann (Don) Parkerson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, June was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Ripperger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 23, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1306 South A Street Elwood, IN 46036. Private family burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund.

Dunnichay Funeral Home has been entrusted with June's final arrangements.

Online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com