Obituary: Theora Story Hoppe

Theora Story Hoppe of Wellington, 92, painted her way through a colorful life until October 19, 2016.

She was born to Grovenour and Madeline Story on March 14, 1924.

Theora recalled a memory when she was four years old. Her mother, who was a teacher, was substituting for Waterford school. Theora badly wanted to go with her, stowed herself in mother Story’s car, and was later found by one of the students, Winnie Albright.

She was a “Tomboy” or else a “Book worm”. She enjoyed reading old magazines in Aunt Vesta’s attic. Her dream was to become and artist like her sister, Betty, and Grandpa Rinehart.
Theora graduated from Beverly High School, Beverly, Ohio in 1942 and won a 2 year scholarship to Marietta College. She attended The Chicago Art Institute for classes in drawing. She graduated from Marietta College and later returned to receiver her Masters in Zoology and took employment at Shimer College.

She was most happy being outdoors, painting and teaching her students about the beauty of art while capturing the essence of nature on her canvases.

But her most cherished accomplishment was being a mother to her daughter, Ruthie. Theora passed her love of art to Ruthie and her family. Her contagious smile will be missed.
Theora leaves behind her loving daughter, Ruthie (Larry) Pegg; 2 grandchildren, Allen (Claire) Pegg, Tammy (Kenny) Ward; and 2 great-grandchildren, Katie and Ryan Pegg.

Visitation and services were held at Resthaven Funeral Home. Interment was at Resthaven Memory Gardens.

Family and friends may view the online obituary and sign the guest book at www.resthavencolorado.com.