She graduated from Crestland High School in Early, Iowa and received her accounting degree from Buena Vista University.
Tammy met Mike Hopkins in kindergarten, and their friendship grew into a lifelong love. They were united in marriage on August 23, 1975, and shared many wonderful years together. Tammy started her career in oil and gas accounting in Omaha, Nebraska. As the company was acquired and relocated to Houston Texas, she continued her professional career at Enron Natural Gas where she spent a majority of her career.
Tammy took great pride in her professional career while raising her three children. Tammy loved watching her three kids pursue what they loved and never missed a baseball, football, or basketball game, all while building a successful career and making a lasting impact in the business world.
Upon retirement she found immense joy in becoming a grandmother to five grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with them and was grateful to be a loving and active part of their everyday lives.
Tammy was also an avid runner, heading out for her daily run every morning before 5 a.m., rain or shine. Tammy lived a full and active life and devoted herself to everything she did, especially when it came to caring for her family.
She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald and Betty Ellinger, her brothers Terry Ellinger and Tim Ellinger.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Mike Hopkins; her children, Jessica Withrow (John) of The Woodlands, Texas; Mike Hopkins (Mica) of Dallas, Texas; and John Hopkins (Sara) of Austin, Texas; her five grandchildren, Campbell, Addison, Carley, Bryce, and Ava; sister Toni Chancellor and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, Grand Hall, 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, TX 77384, US, on August 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed immediately by a Committal Service at Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery.
A luncheon will be provided after the services, starting at 12:00 PM, at The Woodlands Country Club, Palmer Course, 100 Grand Fairway, The Woodlands, TX 77381.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) in Tammy's honor.
