Jeffrey Brian Hoppes

I decided to write my own obituary. This way, maybe I can get the last word!

I was born in July 1956, in Springfield, one of 6 kids to the late L. Edwin and Mary (Chapman) Hoppes. My mother raised us to be honest and respectful, and she made sure to get us to church every Sunday. My father was a builder of quality affordable homes and developed the suburb of Northridge. Growing up in Northridge was idyllic. I knew where all my friends lived and we rode our bikes everywhere. The local drug store was my connection for Topps baseball cards and Marvel comics. I’ve always loved music, and the Beatles were (still are) my favorite. I graduated from Northeastern HS in 1974. I attended The Ohio State University and the Columbus College of Art and Design. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University. I met my beautiful wife, Roberta Sue Kelsey at Hillside Avenue Church of God (currently Restoration at Hillside). Her smile instantly stole my heart. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary Aug 19, 2025. We have two very talented and hard-working children, Megan Elizabeth and Zachary Brian. We are blessed with four grandchildren, Griffin, Camden, Oliver (Ollie-boy!) and Matilda. Church is and will always be an essential part of our lives. Growing up, I played baseball in our backyard with my brothers and my friends all summer. All my life, I have been a faithful Cincinnati Reds fan. I got hooked on the Big Red Machine. Our parents took us to many Reds games, and I carried on that tradition with my children. My Cincinnati Reds themed basement is my pride and joy.

Jeff was unable to finish his version of his obituary, so we will append it with the traditional obituary.

Jeffrey Brian Hoppes, 69, devoted husband and family man passed November 7, 2025. Jeff fought a long difficult battle with lung disease. He was surrounded by his loving family as he went to be with our Lord in Heaven. Born July 10, 1956, he was the son of the late L. Edwin and Mary Frances (Chapman) Hoppes. Jeff is survived by his wife, Roberta (Kelsey) Hoppes, daughter Megan (Kyle) Birk, and son Zachary (Chrissy) Hoppes, four grandchildren, Griffin and Camden Birk, Oliver and Matilda Hoppes. He is also survived by sister Ann (Damon) Baker, sister Jody (Adam) Porter, brothers Joseph (Nina) Hoppes, and Russell (Ruthie) Hoppes, and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful friends. Jeff was a kind, gentle, loving soul with an unmatched sense of humor. He was wholeheartedly dedicated to his wife. He was proud of his kids and their many accomplishments. He adored his grandchildren. Jeff loved being with family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00pm Friday, Nov 14, and 10:00am Saturday, Nov 15, at Restoration at Hillside, 2021 Hillside Avenue. Service to follow on Saturday at 11:00am. The service will be a Cincinnati Reds Baseball theme. Feel free to wear Red’s attire or the color red. 

Interment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jeff’s memory to the Mary Chapman Hoppes Children’s Library (Northridge Branch), 4925 Middle Urbana Rd., Springfield, OH 45503.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Jackson, Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center.