Judy was born July 25, 1940 to Marvin and Mildred (Hoegh) Frederick in Brayton, Iowa. She grew up in Brayton and graduated from Exira High School in 1958, following graduation she married the love of her life, Jim Hopson on December 10, 1958 in Exira, Iowa. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Cindy Howe, and two grandsons, Donnie and Steven Howe, Judy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Judy never met a stranger, she was a bit of a social butterfly, and she spent a number of years co-hosting dinners and events at their house, at Iowa State, or abroad for Jims’ work. In addition, she spent over twenty years working in Ames Schools’ kitchens before retiring in 1999. She loved making large family meals and playing the role of host, she was known for her world famous ham balls and would never let anyone leave without taking some leftovers. A big Cyclone fan, Judy and Jim spent several years traveling and seeing the world with the ISU Alumni Association and she was able to see 49 of the states, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Russia, most of Europe, and countless sights on the sea all while waving cardinal and gold wherever she went.
She liked to play cards, especially pinochle, and would always find time for a singalong on the piano to nursery rhymes, Christmas carols, and kids songs, or an extra round of Trouble or Yahtzee with her grandkids. She led a busy life, and upon her retirement she and Jim settled in Arizona where they enjoyed hosting family and friends in the Arizona sun, rarely stopping to relax and always on the move to show their guests as much of the Phoenix valley as they could. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren supporting them in their activities attending basketball, choir, baseball, soccer, football, band, and many others.
Judy is survived by her daughter; Cindy of Ames, grandchildren; Donnie of Ames, and Steven of West Des Moines, sister; Shirley Bierbaum (Royal) of Griswold, IA, brother; Gary Frederick of Marion, IA, as well as many nieces, nephews, and additional extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years; Jim, parents; Marvin and Mildred Frederick, brother-in-law; Dennis Petersen, sister-in-law; Sandra Frederick, and nephew; John Bierbaum.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa State University Foundation 2500 University Blvd. P.O. Box 2230, Ames, Iowa 50010.
