Ruth Ann Hopkins Ph.D.

Ruth Ann Hopkins Ph.D., age 72, of Eagles Mere, PA, and Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully May 1, 2025, at her Florida residence, "Paradise Found" with her loving husband Barry S. Hopkins and her beloved Feline Boots at her side.

She was born November 29, 1952, in Harrisburg, PA, the daughter of Reverend Martin Wesley Hopkins and Betty Zeigler Hopkins. She graduated from the William Penn High School Class of 1970. She continued her education earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from West Chester University. She earned her master’s and Ph.D. from Temple University. Her Ph.D. was in Exercise Physiology.

Ruth Ann was the loving wife of Barry S. Hopkins, and they would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on May 26, 2025.

Ruth Ann's career path was in Education. She taught Health and Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education for the Manheim Township School District in Lancaster, PA. She wrote the Adaptive Physical Education Curriculum, for kindergarten through twelfth grade for the School District. In addition to teaching, she coached gymnastics, diving, cheerleading, and softball. Once she earned her Ph.D. she taught Kinesiology at West Chester University.

She belonged to many Professional Organizations including the Manheim Township Education Association (MTEA), Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), National Education Association (NEA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).

Ruth Ann swam competitively for the Penn Colonial Swim Club and the Eagles Mere Lake swim teams. She was a lifeguard and a certified Water Safety Instructor (WSI).

An avid runner, she ran the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington D.C., the Philadelphia Half Marathon, and the Red Rose 10K to name a few. Summers she could be seen running daily around the Eagles Mere Lake with her "Bestie" and long-time running partner Elaine Bidelspacher of St. Croix USVI.

Surviving besides her loving and devoted husband, Barry are sisters: Nancy Hopkins Slott of Bradenton, FL, Barbara Stewart of Newtown Square, PA, and her brother John Hopkins of York, PA.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her sons Barry Scott Hopkins II and Brett Austin Hopkins.

Ruth Ann loved golf and was a member of the Eagles Mere Country Club for 28 years. One golf memory was winning the much coveted "Pickle Plate" with partner Ted Lingenheld in the Mixed Partners Championship otherwise known as "The Divorce Golf Tournament.”

She had a beautiful smile and a radiant face that would light up any room. The first moment you saw it, you instantly knew you were a friend. She was a prolific reader, a passionate gardener, and brilliantly skilled at solving the hardest levels of Sodoku.

Ruth Ann was a member of the Junior League of Lancaster and the Eagles Mere Civic Club. She served on the Eagles Mere Conservancy Board for 8 years and Chaired the Nature Trail Committee where she was instrumental in the creation and development of the trail.

There will be a Celebration of her life at the Eagles Mere Country Club in July, and the date will be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests honoring Ruth Ann's memory through donations to the Eagles Mere Conservancy, P O. Box 64, Eagles Mere, PA, 17731, or online at eaglesmereconservancy.org.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA.

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.