Ella Jean Fenton Hopkins

Jean was born on December 11, 1926, in Olathe, Kansas, to Roy and Estella Lawrence. She passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Lenexa, Kansas.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Don and Dean Lawrence; her sister, Irene Lawrence Amos; and her husbands, Bob Fenton and Noble Hopkins.

She is survived by her two sons, Bob and Ron Fenton, and their wives, Doris and Karen. She also leaves behind six grandsons, one granddaughter, twelve great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, with one more expected soon, as well as many extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Jean spent most of her life in and around Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas. Growing up, she was a self-described tomboy and the boss of her two brothers. When her sister Irene was born, nine years her junior, Jean famously popped her balloon—an early glimpse of her spirited personality. Her father worked as a farmer, and the family moved often, something Jean would later recall with humor.

As a child, Jean loved roller skating, riding horses, and climbing trees. She found school confining, preferring to stay active and on the move. She graduated from Shawnee Mission High School (now Shawnee Mission North), joking that they let her graduate just to get rid of her. Though she did not enjoy reading in her early years, she developed an appreciation for it later in life.

Jean worked at Hallmark Cards while in high school but soon decided it wasn’t the right fit. She went on to work as a file clerk for several companies, primarily in the insurance industry. It was during this time that she met Bob Fenton, a Marine. They married and raised two sons together. Bob passed away on March 25, 1989, at the age of 63.

After twelve years as a widow, Jean met Noble Hopkins, a retired farmer. They married and lived outside Wellsville, Kansas, for five and a half years until his passing on March 10, 2006.

Jean later moved to Gardner, Kansas, where she attended Grace Baptist Church. At the age of 90, she was baptized by Pastor Joey on October 20, 2015—an important and meaningful moment in her life. In February 2022, she made her final move to assisted living at Silvercrest at College View.

One of Jean’s most cherished memories was her surprise 90th birthday party at Perkins in Gardner. What she thought would be a simple lunch turned into a joyful gathering as friends and family arrived one by one to celebrate her.

Jean volunteered at the Olathe Clinic and served as an ambassador at Olathe Medical Center. She loved entertaining, embroidery, baking pies, and visiting with anyone she met. She never met a stranger. Though she was not one for the spotlight, she was a loyal and devoted presence in the lives of others.

She especially enjoyed walking, often strolling around the parking lot in nice weather. Sometimes she would walk to the corner near Silvercrest, sit on her walker, and wave to passing cars—bringing smiles to many.

Jean’s final weeks were difficult, as she was no longer able to speak or move. However, she was lovingly cared for by the compassionate caregivers of St. Croix Hospice and the staff at Silvercrest.

Jean lived a long and meaningful life, touching many with her warmth and kindness. She is already deeply missed by all who knew her. We find comfort in knowing her wish to go home to Jesus has been fulfilled.