Verla Jean Hoppe

Verla Jean Hoppe, 84, of Benton, Arkansas passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2026. She was born June 22, 1941, in Newport, Arkansas, to Ezreth Everett Severs and Hattie (Nelson) Severs.

Verla spent many years working for Honeywell in Phoenix, Arizona, in the documents control center. She was a hard worker, but what people will remember most was the way she lived life. Verla loved to have fun and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved gambling trips, dancing, reading, relaxing at the beach, and sharing laughs and good times with the people she loved. Her home was always a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and memories were made.

She was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Avilla, where she especially enjoyed singing in the choir. Her church family meant a great deal to her, and she treasured the friendships and fellowship she found there.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 36 years, Gary Daniel Hoppe; her children, Pam Jones and husband Walter, Allen King, Paul King, and Cody King and wife Mandy; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; her sister, Georgia Duty; along with many other family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Albert Lee Severs.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, with funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers are Walter Jones, Keith D'Atrio, Cody King, Les Brown, Cory Jones, and Josh Jones.  Paul King and Allen King are Honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 300 Avilla East, Alexander, Arkansas 72002.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook available at www.SmithFamilyCares.com