VINTON:  Tressa “Irene” Hopper, 87, died Sunday, May 18, 2008 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following an extended illness.
     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at the First Christian Church in Vinton with Rev. Connie Wacht officiating.  There will be no visitation and the casket will remain closed at all times to honor Irene’s wishes.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton    
     Irene was born May 29, 1920 at Garrison to William and Tressa (Parker) Craddock.  She graduated from the Garrison High School in 1937.  On November 2, 1938 she married Oran Hopper at the Cedar Rapids home of her Aunt and Uncle, Walter and Nellie Parker. Oran preceded her in death in 1981.  Prior to her retirement, Irene for worked at the Green Giant and Vinton Produce Plants in Vinton.     
    Irene was a 50 year member of the First Christian Church where she was an active Circle member as well as a member of the Vinton Garden Club.  Irene spent many years giving back to her community.  She was a Virginia Gay Annex volunteer for 27 years and volunteered her time to public schools.  Irene was also a foster parent to 14 children.  In 2005, she was honored by Governor Vilsack for volunteer work.
     Irene is survived by her her brothers, Wayne Craddock of Kirksville, MO and Edward Craddock of Vinton; her sisters, Florence Willer and Mary Rommann, both of Vinton her granddaughters, Tressa (Karl Rank) Burch of Norway, Michelle (Jamie) Neuenkirk of Vinton, and Laurie (Joe) Penton of Williamsburg; six great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
     In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Burch; her grandson, Dan Burch; and four brothers, George, Bob, and Dean Craddock and Donald Craddock in infancy.
     A Memorial Fund has been established. Philllips Funeral Home, Vinton is in charge of arrangements.