MaryAnn Lucas Hoopes, aged 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in Snowflake, Arizona. The 5th of 11 children, she was born on December 24, 1940 in Jacksonville, Florida to John Patrick and Tressie Mae Smith Lucas. She graduated from Jackson High School and then married in 1962, eventually moving to Arizona, where all four of her children were raised. She was a loyal employee for the Gilbert Public School District for many years and enjoyed working at the high school as an attendance clerk. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she loved being able to serve two missions, one in San Diego, CA and one in Des Moines, Iowa. She loved pretty things and collected porcelain dolls for most of her life, which brought her much happiness. She was well-known for her amazing talents in the kitchen and made and decorated countless wedding cakes for friends, family, and people in the community. She especially loved to cook and bake for her loved ones. Her family and her faith in Jesus Christ were the two most important things to her and were what brought her the most joy in her life. She will be truly missed. She is survived by her children, Michelle (Steven) Menlove, Blaine (Cami) Hoopes, Monica (Michael) Olson, and Vance (Jennifer) Hoopes, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Dolly and Diane. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Vernon, LaVerne, Shirley, Freddy, LaMar, James, Lester, and Baby. She will be laid to rest in Hardage-Giddins Greenlawn Cemetery located at 4300 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville, Florida near her parents on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 am.
There will be a viewing Monday, April 1, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. The first hour is open to the public the second hour is just for family.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I have a special place in my heart for MaryAnn. She showed so much kindness to me from the time I was a teenager on through my adult years. I’ll always remember when she showed up unexpectedly at my ward one Sunday years ago because she knew a member of our ward who was leaving on a mission, I believe. I hadn’t seen her in many years. When I saw her I had that feeling of coming home. She put on an amazing bridal shower for me, and was just so special to me. My parents loved her so much and I’m sure they are happy to see her again. She raised wonderful children. Michelle is one of the most special people I know on this earth. We, the Phelps’, love the Hoopes family with all our hearts. We know your mom is having some beautiful reunions and feeling joy that she hasn’t felt in a long time. I’m so grateful for her influence in my life.
Mary Ann was a dear friend and neighbor whom I loved from our first meeting. She was a wonderful and beautiful lady and I am blessed to have known her. Her skills in the kitchen were legendary and to be invited to dine at her table was a privilege and a treasured event. I miss her.