Courier Post, April 9, 2014

Ruth Louise Michener Hopewell, 90, of Albion, IN, formerly of Marlton, NJ, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served, on April 4, 2014.

Mrs. Hopewell was born to Aubrey and Sara (Minshall) Michener on May 25, 1923, in Chester, PA. From a young age, Ruth committed her life to Christ. She graduated from Wheaton College in 1943 with a degree in Missions. God providentially brought to her the one who shared her passion for missions: on July 23, 1943, she married William James Hopewell, Jr., who was also a Wheaton graduate. They partnered in marriage for 66 years before Bill was called home to Heaven in 2010. Dr. and Mrs. Hopewell spent 50 of those years involved in overseas ministry, reaching people with the Bible's message of salvation. At times they lived in the Philippines, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and Scotland, and visited field missionaries on five continents.

Mrs. Hopewell is best remembered for her tireless giving to family and friends, through prayer, music, writing letters prolifically, cooking and baking, and countless other gifts. Her high view of God and Scripture demonstrated that her ultimate purpose was to glorify her precious Savior. She has left behind a priceless testimony of faith and wisdom.

She is survived by her five children: William James Hopewell, III (Charlotte) of Spearfish, SD; Carol Kilian (Roger), of New Hope, MN; Sharon Santamaria (Jaime) of South Amboy, NJ; Thomas Hopewell (Jane) of Winamac, IN; Lois Anderson (Walter) of Albion, IN; and by her 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her four sisters: Mary Burns (Charles, dec.), Esther Bentley (William), Margaret Reese (Robert), and Sara Joan Wagner (Curtiss, dec.). She is preceded in death by her husband William, her parents, her brother Aubrey W. Michener, Jr., and granddaughter Angela Rachelle Hopewell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 2:00 pm at the Hardingville Bible Church, 979 Whig Lane, Monroeville, NJ. A private family burial at the Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood, PA.