Sarah Louise “Sally” Eischeid Hopkins was born October 15, 1942, to Mark and Gertrude (Broyles) Eischeid at Hand Hospital in Shenandoah, Iowa. She attended Forest Park Grade School and graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1960, a class she loved dearly and stayed connected to throughout her life.
Following graduation, Sally attended Duchesne College and later Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. With her sharp attention to detail and organized mind, she found a career she truly enjoyed working as a legal secretary, a profession that suited her well.
On October 15, 1970 - her birthday - Sally married William G. Hopkins of Omaha in Naples, Florida. Together they made their home in Southwest Florida, living in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers for more than fifty years. Though Florida became home, Sally’s roots always remained firmly planted in Shenandoah. She loved her hometown and often spoke about the friendships she shared with her classmates from the Shenandoah High School Class of 1960.
Life in Florida suited her well. Sally enjoyed boating, golfing, tennis, and the warm coastal lifestyle. She was a devoted member of Saint Therese Catholic Church in North Fort Myers and remained connected to her faith throughout her life.
Sally had an active and curious mind. She loved technology and was rarely without something to keep her engaged - reading a book, working crossword puzzles, talking with loved ones, or keeping up with current events. She followed politics closely and proudly supported Donald Trump, often noting with pride that he called Florida home. She was also a dedicated sports fan and could often be found cheering for Nebraska football - Go Big Red.
A talented seamstress, Sally continued making alterations even earlier this year. Precision mattered to her, and her attention to detail became legendary among those who knew her best—her label maker was even labeled “label maker.”
Sally had strong convictions and a sharp wit that made her unmistakably herself. She respected strength, valued knowledge, loved her country, and never hesitated to speak her mind. She also enjoyed shopping and had a talent for finding just the right accessory or the best deal. Whether in stores or online, she approached shopping with enthusiasm and a discerning eye. Above all, Sally loved her people. She was fiercely loyal to those she cared about, and treasured time spent with family and friends.
On the Friday before she passed, knowing she had lived a full life, she was asked if there was anything she needed. Her response was simple and sincere: “My favorite people are in this room with me — my very favorite people.” Sally was preceded in death by her husband, William G. Hopkins; her parents, Mark and Gertrude Eischeid; her sister-in-law, Carol Eischeid; and her stepson, William Hopkins. She is survived by her brother, Mark Eischeid of Riverton, Iowa; her sister, Mary “Patti” McClane of Ketchikan, Alaska; her step-daughters, Sharon Reis of Naples, Florida and Linda Reber of Kansas City, Missouri; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and beloved classmates.
Sally never liked to be kept waiting. If you arrived late, you could almost always expect to hear her familiar question: “Where have you been?” It was never said harshly—only with the honest wit and straightforward nature that defined her.
She also loved the beauty of simple moments. Sally took great delight in the sunrise and sunset photos shared with her by Stephanie and young Brooks, often admiring the colors of the sky and the promise each new day brought.
For someone who appreciated those daily horizons, it seems fitting to imagine Sally now enjoying the most beautiful one of all. And if heaven happens to be running just a little behind schedule, we can almost hear her asking the question so many of us heard before: “Where have you been?” And in true Sally fashion, she might also remind us with a little humor and wisdom: “If you want to get to heaven, there’s a coupon for that. It’s between Genesis and Revelation. I hope you redeem yours too.”
A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The family will greet relatives and friends with a visitation at the Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Shenandoah on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Community School in Sally's name for a memorial bench and tree planting. Inurnment will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery immediately following the service and then everyone is invited to the Elks in Shenandoah for a time of fellowship and lunch with the family.
