Reba Rippy Hoopaugh

Reba was born September 17, 1926 in Cleveland County, NC to the late E.E. and Victoria Rippy, one of seven children. She grew up and attended school in Grover, NC. Reba lived a full life, loved her family and friends, and the Lord.

She married Dan Hoopaugh, a navy sailor, on December 7, 1947 and they settled in Charlotte. They went on to have two children, and were active members of the community in which they lived. Reba was the matriarch of the Hoopaugh Grading Company, helping Dan launch a successful grading business that continues to thrive 65 years later.

Reba was an avid bird lover, and enjoyed watching them in her front yard. For those who knew her, while she had her quirks, she loved to make people laugh and had a keen sense of humor. For years, she put on a skit at local church programs as the character Lufeiffe Packinstacker. She would tell jokes and engage with the audience, all while dressed as a homeless bag lady.

She enjoyed being outdoors, often taking daily walks and fiddling with her plants. After Dan passed away, Reba enjoyed socializing and making friends at the “Lunch Bunch” program. When her grandchildren were young, she would endlessly entertain them, and loved spending time with them, as they did with her. Reba remained healthy for much of her life, mostly by staying active and taking good care of herself. She enjoyed playing hymns on the piano, and entertained the residents of The Laurels Assisted Living, where she spent her final years.

Reba was a longtime member of Woodlawn Baptist Church, and an active member of the congregation for many years. Above all, she was sweet, kind-hearted, and witty. Reba lived a wonderful life, and will be greatly missed.

She shared a special bond with, and is survived by her sister, Norma McDaniel of Grover, NC; her children, Larry Hoopaugh (Melinda) of Chester, SC and her daughter, Debbie Gibbons (David) of Raleigh, NC. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Matt Gibbons (Toni), Josh Gibbons, and Lauran Harris (Justin); as well as great-grandchildren, Nathan, Lacy, and Banks. Reba was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Dan Hoopaugh; her brothers, Allen and Eldon; and her sisters, Oleta, Doris, and Lela.

Reba’s family will receive friends from 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, February 20th at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road followed by a service in the funeral home chapel at noon.

The family would like to thank Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill for their care during her last days.

Memorials may be made to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 4622 Nations Crossing Road, Charlotte, NC 28217 or Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731.