The Richmond News, Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 5, 1954-Aug. 5, 2025 Richmond Cynthia Ann Theresa Hopkins passed away peacefully at 1:23 a.m. on her 71st birthday after a courageous and unrelenting battle with cancer. Born Aug. 5, 1954, in Kansas City, Cynthia – known to almost everyone as “Cat” – lived a full, fierce and deeply loving life.

For the past 34 years, she made her home in Richmond, where she raised her family, built lasting friendships and left her unmistakable mark on everyone she met.

Cat was sharp, witty and never afraid to speak the truth, especially when no one else would. Her intelligence was matched only by her generosity of spirit and the deep loyalty she held for those she loved. If she loved you, you knew it and you were one of her own.

She was a mother in every sense of the word, not only to her two sons, but also to the many people she “adopted” along the way. Her children called her “Mom” and her grandchildren knew her as “Mimi,” a role she cherished more than anything. Her love for her grandchildren was fierce, boundless and unconditional.

Cat had a soft heart for animals, especially those with fur and whiskers. Her home was always open to strays and her heart never ran out of room for one more.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald G. Johnson; mother, Georgia “Ann” Johnson; brother, David M. Johnson; and beloved cats, Stormy, Bella and Skits.

She is survived by her sons, Brian Johnson and Derek Hopkins; daughter-in-law, Mellissa Hopkins, whom she proudly claimed as her own; and four grandchildren, Zoë and Kaylee Johnson, and Jeffery and Nicholas Hopkins.

Cat’s legacy lives on in every laugh she inspired and every memory she leaves behind.

In honor of Cat’s deep love for animals, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Humane Society of Ray County (EIN: 43-1644724).