Elta Kay Hooper

Born on January 2, 1945, in Hays, Kansas, Elta lived a life defined by love, generosity, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

A chance meeting at Nelson's Pool in Phoenix brought Elta and Glenn Hooper together, beginning a love story that led to their marriage on April 6, 1963, in Glendale, Arizona. Together, they built a life centered on family, shared experiences, and lasting memories.

Above all else, Elta was devoted to her husband, Glenn, her children, and her grandchildren. She was a caring and generous woman who gave freely of her time, talents, and heart. Whether through a home-cooked meal, a handmade gift, or countless hours spent bringing someone else's idea to life, she had a special way of making the people she loved feel cherished.

Elta spent nearly three decades working in the wholesale grocery industry, with Associated Grocers and Fleming. During those years, she developed many lasting friendships and built relationships that extended well beyond the workplace. Her colleagues and friends became an important part of her life.

After retiring, Elta and Glenn moved to Taylor, Arizona, where they embraced a new chapter of life and quickly made many new friends. She found community and camaraderie among her neighbors, fellow quilting enthusiasts, and members of the vintage car community. These friendships and shared interests brought new experiences and lasting connections to her retirement years.

Elta was gifted with an extraordinary creative spirit. She loved sewing, cooking, baking, painting, and crafts of every kind. An accomplished and multi-award-winning quilter, she brought patience, artistry, and exceptional skill to everything she created. But her talents extended far beyond the finished product. When Elta took on a project, her determination was relentless. She was not one to do things halfway.

Her grandchildren were especially fortunate beneficiaries of her creativity and dedication. They could always count on having the best Halloween costumes, thanks to the many hours she devoted to perfecting every detail of their designs. And when young grandchildren dreamed up an ambitious craft project, Grandma somehow found a way to make it happen, bringing their imaginations to life through her ingenuity, skill, and seemingly endless determination.

Food was another expression of Elta's love. When family came to visit, cherished favorite meals and homemade treats were always on the menu. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and connection, where family traditions were continued and memories were made.

Elta was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Mary Tustin; her beloved daughter, Kerry Lynn; and her sisters, Edis and Margie.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Glenn Hooper; her daughter, Mary Gayle Hall; her son, Michael (Stephanie) Hooper; her grandchildren, Matthew Hall, Colin Hooper, and Molly Hooper; her sister, Lois; and her brother, Elmo.

The legacy Elta leaves is woven into far more than the quilts she created, the meals she prepared, or the countless projects she brought to life. It lives on in the family she loved so dearly, the friendships she nurtured, the traditions she established, the creativity she inspired, and the countless ways she made life more special for those around her.

She gave her family more than beautiful things made by hand. She gave them her time, her talents, her determination, and, most importantly, her love. Those gifts will be treasured for generations.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM November 13th at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever woven into the hearts of those who knew and loved her.