Ricky R. Hopping

Ricky R. Hopping, 71, of Galesburg, Illinois, died following a brief illness at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Ricky was born in Galesburg, Illinois on September 8, 1954, the son of Ralph Yates and Mae Victoria (Linner) Hopping, Jr. Ricky graduated from Galesburg High School and married Terri C. “Sis” McLaren on February 19, 1972 in Galesburg. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage and only spent 41 days apart following her death on June 11, 2026. He and Terri were never far apart.

Ricky is survived by his three children, Scott (Angie) Hopping, Gail (Mitch) McMillan, and Brad (Heather) Hopping all of Galesburg. Ricky is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren, Emily Stogdill, Dylan (Emily) Hopping, Carson Hopping, Logan Hopping, Carter Clary, and Jessica McMillan; and his adored four great grandchildren, Scarlett Stogdill, Ava Stogdill, Camryn Hopping, and Layla Ayers. Ricky is also survived by one brother, Robert Hopping of Naples, Florida; and one sister, Sally (Calvin) Wetterow of London Mills, Illinois. Along with his wife and parents, Ricky was preceded in death by one sister, Joan Townsend.

Ricky worked on the same few blocks his entire career. He began working at OMC Gale Products until their closure; he then worked at Maytag until their closure, and lastly worked for Dick Blick, retiring on July 31, 2023. Ricky loved attending his grandkids and great grandkids sporting events, very seldom missing an event. Ricky was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and enjoyed taking many family trips to Wrigley Field where you could find him enjoying a Chicago Dog. Ricky was also an accomplished wood worker and loved to tell dad jokes. His family will miss many things about him included his unbridled love for otter and other emoji’s when sending a text.

Cremation will be accorded and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to Galesburg Youth Baseball Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.