Ronald Lee Hopper

WELLSVILLE - Ronald Lee Hopper, 76, of Wellsville, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at home following a lengthy illness.

He was born July 29, 1937, in East Liverpool, the son of the late Mildred (Miller) Hopper and Charles F. Hopper, his step-father who raised him, and the late Kenneth Wickam.

Ron graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1955. He served in the United States Army from 1958-1961. He was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1040 and the Wellsville Historical Society, where he formerly served as president and chairman of Christmas open houses. He was employed for twenty-seven years as a ladle operator for the former Crucible Steel Company before retiring in 1982. Ron was most recently employed for twenty-two years as a custodian in the Wellsville School District.

Survivors include his wife, Lenora (Ross) Hopper, whom he married December 31, 1960; two daughters: Lori Haddox and her husband, Doug, of Wellsville, and Andrea Thrasher of East Liverpool; one son: Chris Hopper and his wife, Rachael, of Salineville; five grandchildren: Joshua, Nicholas, and Ashley Haddox, Alexis Thrasher, and Christian Hopper; and four great-grandchildren: Aleia Hawk, and Baylee, Colton, and Kaden Haddox.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son: Robert Lee Hopper, who died November 14, 1964; his granddaughter: Abigail Hopper; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Mary and Angelo "Coke" Ross.

The funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, April 18, 2014, at the Roberts Funeral Home with Pastor Don Monaco of the Grace Hospice officiating.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday at the Roberts Funeral Home, 631 Main Street in Wellsville.