Olene C. Hopkins

Olene Clapper Hopkins died in the evening of April 8, 2008 at the Bedford County Colonial Courtyard.  She was approaching her 88th birthday on June 7, and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.  Olene was born in Weyant, daughter of Clarence and Margaret McDonald.  Like many young women of her generation, she grew up in difficult times working their small family farm along with her brother Ross McDonald and sister Ruby Crist who both survive today.  She married Edmund Clapper of Bedford in 1939 and together they built their life around continued hard work, raising, educating and enjoying their children: William Clapper of New Hope, Gail Stellabbot of Statesboro, GA, David Clapper of Fishertown and Norma Gully of Tampa, FL.  Early in their marriage they moved to Harrisburg, then Philadelphia and on to Washington DC only to return and retire in Bedford in 1968.  They enjoyed life together traveling, playing golf visiting their children and grandchildren until Ed died in 1975.

In the years that followed, Olene met and married Allen R. Imler of Bedford and regained her zest for life and restated her golf game, card playing and entertaining family and friends in their home on Preston Street in Bedford.  She always appreciated that Allen’s family opened their hearts to her and made her feel part of their extended family.  Allen passed away in 2000 and she bravely chose to manage her affairs alone until illness required her to depend more and more on others.  She was appreciative of the support from all of her family, extended family and especially her youngest son David and his wife Crys who lived close by and were always there for her.

After a serious illness, Olene took up residence at the Bedford Colonial Courtyard in 2002 where she was provided care and support from the staff that her family attributes to her added years of life and where she regained much of her inner strength and high energy.  As was not unexpected from her family, she met and married William Hopkins, a resident at the Courtyard and while they had only a few short years together, she truly loved his companionship and compassion. Bill survives today and will sadly miss her.  Olene and her family truly appreciated Bill’s loving ways and constant support.

Many of her family will travel from distant locations to celebrate her life on Saturday morning, and know she would enjoy your presence there also.  Olene will be fondly remembered by their three children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held  Saturday 11:00 am in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with Rev. Raymond E. Short officiating. Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park  Friends received from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.