Janet Marie Hopkins

Janet Marie Hopkins was born on July 2, 1941. She was born to Chester and Mildred Short in Wichita, KS. She died on April 9th, 2026 peacefully surrounded by her family. Janet was a dedicated wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Janet married Jarold Hopkins on January 20, 1962. They had 64 years of marriage together and have two sons, Kevin and Kyle.

Janet graduated from Wichita East High School in 1958 and attended Southwestern College for two years. She returned to Wichita State University in her late 30’s, completing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1983. She then spent over 25 years teaching elementary school in Hutchinson, Kansas at Holy Cross, Winans and Morgan elementary schools. She was beloved by all of her students and in 1986 was awarded the Davis Foundation Teacher of the Year for the Hutchinson Public Schools.

Janet and Jarold were long time members of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was passionate about many issues of social justice in Reno County and served as a volunteer for CASA and Circle of Hope. She never missed one of her sons’ concerts or athletic events and cheered on her husband while coaching basketball, football and softball teams. She loved to say that she raised her boys on church pews and sports bleachers. She continued to show that same support to her grandkids’ many activities. She loved playing bridge, reading, and having coffee with her retired teachers’ group.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mildred and Chester Short, her brothers Melvin and Kenneth Short, and her sister-in-law Gloria Short.

She is survived by her husband Jarold and sons Kevin Hopkins (Carol Eades) and Kyle Hopkins (Christi), grandkids Isaac Hopkins (Meredith), Benjamin Hopkins, Jordan Hopkins (Chelsea Inglett), Navya Hopkins, Marshall Hopkins (Madeline Malinowski), Kedzie Hopkins (John East), Selci Hopkins, Divya Hopkins, one great-grandchild Olive Louise Hopkins, sister-in-law Lois Short, brother-in-law Richard Hopkins (Rosé) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main Street, Hutchinson. Inurnment will take place in the church columbarium at 9:30 a.m., prior to her service. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.  The family will receive friends following her service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.