Pennie Hopkins

Pennie Kay Richins Hopkins

February 3, 1944 - September 3, 2024

Pennie Kay Richins Hopkins was born on February 3, 1944, to Dorothy Stover and Alvin Richins. Raised by her mother and grandmother until her father returned from World War II, she was the eldest of six children. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Alvin, and sister Patsy, and we know many loved ones were there to greet her as she passed.

Pennie devoted much of her life to service, completing three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At 21, she served her first mission in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later served in Chicago, Illinois, and at Ensign College as a senior missionary. She attended Brigham Young University, where she studied Recreation Management and met her husband, Bryan Hopkins. They married in July, 1967 in the Oakland Temple.

Pennie and Bryan longed for a large family, welcoming their first daughter, Heather, on February 7, 1969. After complications with an emergency C-section, doctors said they couldn't have more children, but on October 20, 1972, they were blessed with another daughter, Hilary, whom Pennie lovingly called their miracle baby. Pennie and Bryan shared 33 years of marriage.

Pennie's career was as varied as it was successful. She worked as a swimming pool manager, an executive sales representative for radio stations, and eventually a Garden Specialist at Lowe's. She passed her love of swimming to her daughters, who swam competitively. Known for her salesmanship, her family often joked she could "sell snow to an Eskimo." Wherever she worked, Pennie made friends and built lasting connections.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pennie served in many capacities. She particularly enjoyed teaching early morning seminary, working with the Young Women, and attending Girl's Camp each summer. A master gardener, she took pride in her yard and loved helping others with their gardens. Even in retirement, she continued working in Lowe's garden department, where she cherished the people she worked with.

Pennie is survived by her siblings Jan, Lisa, and Jimmy; her daughter Heather Hopkins and her five children: Josh, Collin, Kiren, Kaley, and Ty; her daughter Hilary Hopkins Bagley and her husband Rob, along with their six children: Robbie, Camrey, Porter, Ari, Anson, and Mia; and her great-grandchildren, Steven and Peter Fox.

Pennie peacefully "graduated this life with honors" on September 3, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, hard work, and laughter. She often said, "People are more important than things."

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4501 West 11800 South, Riverton, Utah. Following the service, a celebration—“Pennie’s Pie Party”—will be held in the cultural hall. Guests are invited to wear bright colors in her honor. Feel free to bring your favorite pie to share 

Those unable to attend in person can view the funeral using this video link: https://youtube.com/live/ZkOJhY3SpAE?feature=share