Alice Hopper

The marks by which we define a meaningful life may vary. Hard work yields success, integrity and philanthropy give future generations a positive example, and devotion to family builds the heartfelt foundation upon which stands one legacy.

Alice Hopper died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

Surrounded by family, Alice Pattengill Hopper entered her eternal home. She was born in Sikeston, Missouri, on Oct. 13, 1911, to parents W.C. Pattengill and Nellie Pray Pattengill.

Her family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1922, where she attended May Greene Elementary School and graduated Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1929. She graduated from Southeast Missouri Teachers College.

She married Loren L. Hopper on July 29, 1933, in Benton, Missouri, and he passed away Aug. 27, 1987.

In July 1946, Alice and Loren opened the Southern Cafe, one of the first concepts to house a restaurant and gas station in the same building, on Morgan Oak Street. The station was owned by her sister-in-law, Lila, and husband, Clyde Foeste. Together, Alice and Loren created many wonderful memories serving home-cooked meals to loyal customers.

In retirement, Alice traveled, fished and was active in Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church and the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star. Among her fondest memories were the winters she and Loren spent in the Florida Keys.

Survivors include two sisters, Marie Nettles of Yuma, Arizona, and Evelyn Zimmerman of Cape Girardeau; a sister-in-law, Nola Pattengill of Saint Louis; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters and seven brothers.

Alice left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, with her positive attitude, zest for life, caring heart and culinary skills. She will be missed by many.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.