Montie Belle (Irwin) Hopkins

Montie Belle (Irwin) Hopkins of New Braunfels, Texas passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the age of 87. She was born in Lamesa, Texas on February 18, 1934 to Claude Henry and Irene Irwin. Montie was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 37 years, Larry Hopkins; sisters, Wilta Hepp, Mary Robertson, and Joan Irwin; infant brother, Billy Irwin; sister-in-law, Sara Irwin; and brother-in-law, Harold Robertson. Montie is survived by her daughter, Laura Hopkins; grandson, Dale Utt III (Miranda Hada); granddaughter, Amanda Utt (Kris Bottoms); brother, W.R. Irwin; sister-in-law Gayle Speck (John); and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

During childhood, Montie’s family moved from Lamesa to Lubbock, where she attended Lubbock High School, graduating in 1951. Later that same year, she met her lifelong sweetheart, Larry, at a skating rink. They eloped in Clovis, NM on January 12, 1952, and were rarely apart until Larry’s death in 1989. Montie worked at a variety of jobs during the early years of their marriage, including as a keypunch operator for MKT Railroad, making her the earliest family member to have a job “in computers”. Montie was proudly a homemaker, however, following the adoption of daughter Laura in 1963. The family moved a lot, following Larry’s career as a textile engineer, but Montie and Larry moved to New Braunfels following Larry’s retirement in 1984. Montie had an exceptionally close relationship with her two grandchildren, each of whom knows they were her favorite. During their childhoods, they had dedicated “Mimi time” with her every spring break and for 2 weeks every summer, with no parents allowed. During these visits, the trio would visit museums and the zoo in San Antonio; have picnics and spend afternoons at Landa Park, playing on the playground, riding the train, and feeding the ducks; and splashing in the little swimming pool Mimi always had on her patio for them, which mysteriously grew in size each summer. They also had etiquette lessons every visit, which were then taught to their etiquette-lacking parents once back home. Montie loved gardening, jigsaw puzzles, playing bunco with the ladies in her neighborhood, and was a prolific reader of murder mysteries. She was amazingly generous and was ever the caregiver, keen to make sure everyone’s needs were met. This trait was never more evident than when she agreed to raise granddaughter Amanda’s puppy, Frank, for 9 months, while Amanda finished college. Mimi and Frank had a few battles, like when he ate her wicker furniture, but they loved each other dearly, and she was very happy to see him just a few weeks ago during a visit from both grandkids. Montie will be greatly missed, and all whom loved her will never forget her joy and zest for life and fun.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 11:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St. New Braunfels, TX 78130. A Celebration of Montie’s Life will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday at Zoeller Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park, 2951 TX Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78130. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, or to a charity of your choice.