Obituary of Gail Hopp

Beryl Matta was born in Oxford, Maine on December 21, 1947. She was the daughter of John Simon Matta and Della Harriet (Truman) Matta. As a young girl she was adopted into a loving home and became known as Gail Lois Wordon. Growing up she developed a love for the outdoors and fondly recalls the Ocean in Maine. She married Ray M. Hopp on July 18, 1975 in Hammond Bay, Michigan after a six month courtship. She worked in several occupations over the years. She worked as a Chef and was employed at the Elks Temple for many years. Gail had also worked in Northern Michigan planting and harvesting potatoes for a local farmer. In addition to these other tasks Gail was a homemaker. Gail was a naturalist. This probably was due in part to her Native American heritage, of which she was extremely proud, and she was also very spiritual. Gail appreciated the changing of the seasons. She enjoyed the birds; woodpeckers, redwing blackbirds, and humming birds that came with the spring. She enjoyed the snow and the beauty that it brought, but she always said that she could live without the cold. Gail enjoyed camping in rustic locations without the modern day conveniences just a tent and a sleeping bag. Her outdoor activities extended to hiking, fishing and hunting, but she felt that the latter two were only essential for food not for trophy. Gail enjoyed challenging her mind with word puzzles. She enjoyed cooking, and especially the preparation that went into the meal and the serving to those that she was entertaining. Ray stated that she could practically take nothing and make something delicious. Gail Lois Hopp age 61, of Monroe passed away, November 24, 2009 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. She had been in declining health for some time. Her passing was preceded by her parent, and a beloved cat: Shadow. During her final illness she cherished the time spent with Ray having dinner and a movie and her hospital bedside. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband: Ray Hopp of Monroe; four children; one sister; and two grandchildren. Private services were held and cremation followed. Arrangements were entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.