Johnnie Nell Ray Hoopes, age 94, of Delaware, formerly of Marysville, died Monday, February 13, 2023 at Willow Brook at Delaware Run, where she had a residence since 2006. A 1949 graduate of Harding University in Searcy, AK, she received a master’s degree in home economics at University of Kentucky and a doctorate degree in home economics from The Ohio State University. She taught high school home economics in Stinnett, KY and then at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware from
1959 to 1963. She volunteered as an art docent for over 30 years at the Columbus Museum of Art. She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Delaware and a former member of Marysville First Congregational United Church of Christ and First Presbyterian Church in Marysville. She was also a longtime member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter EA in Marysville.

Johnnie was born September 15, 1928 in Melber, KY to the late John Morgan and Nellie (Rives) Ray. Her brother Joel Morgan Ray and sister Mary Ella Ray died in childhood, but sister, Rebecca “Becky” White, of Boaz, KY died at age 91 on November 29, 2021. Johnnie was also predeceased by her husband and Marysville attorney, James Todd Hoopes, 1916-2003. They married in 1962. She is survived by a son, John
(Allison) Hoopes and grandson, Robert Hoopes, all of whom live in Annandale, VA. Johnnie is also survived by nieces Jane Hefti, of Long Beach, CA; Linda Shaffer of Bar Harbor, ME; Janet (Kenneth) Smith of Mayfield, KY; nephews Steve (Marie) White of Melber, KY, and John L White of Boaz, KY; and many grand nieces and nephews. At her request, there will be no funeral services.

Johnnie remained an active gardener until mid-2022, so a preferred memorial would be to plant flowers. Underwood Funeral Home in Marysville, Ohio is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.