Clara ElNora Hoppal

Clara ElNora Hoppal (83) of St. George, UT, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The daughter of William and Louise (Castrop) Munkres, Clara was born February 28, 1942, in Denver, Colorado.

Clara was raised in Littleton, CO, and graduated from Littleton High School in 1959. She began her career at Martin Company, where she met the love of her life, Robert Hoppal, and they married on May 19, 1962, in Sterling, Colorado.

Over the years, Clara and Robert made their home in Texas, Missouri, and Utah. During their time in Texas, Clara attended beauty school, nurturing a passion for care and connection. Robert and Clara built a home and a life centered on love and family. Their marriage was filled with laughter, hard work, and devotion. The strength of Clara and Robert’s bond continues to inspire their family.

Clara opened her heart to everyone and had a way of making others feel instantly welcome. She built a foundation of love and belonging that extended far beyond her own household. She was the “favorite” of many because of the warmth and love she radiated. Friends were embraced as family, and all commonly addressed her as “Mom.” Clara created a safe place where everyone felt valued, encouraged, and uplifted, even if she was helping Dad to quickly clear off his desk at the office. You could easily understand her thoughts and scowls through her beautiful eyes and expressions. Her gift was her kindness and gentle touch to help guide others through life choices and events.

Clara is survived by her children: Wayne (Cindy) Hoppal, Rodney Hoppal, Charee (Troy) Keepers, Lisa (Nick) Garcia; twelve grandchildren; eleven great- grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by Robert J. Hoppal (husband), William L. Munkres (father), Louise H. Munkres (mother), Florence “Toots” M. Neyens (sister), William L. Munkres, Jr. (brother), Vera Leona “Dolly” Munkres (sister), Stella L. Classen (sister), Albert Lee “Peanut” Munkres (brother).

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2260 Red Cliffs Dr, St. George, UT 84790. If you would like to join the full worship service, it will begin at 9:00 a.m. Following the service, all are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 346 North Marsala Drive, St. George, UT 84770, where family and friends will gather to share memories and fellowship throughout the day.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Zionsway Home Health and Hospice staff for the years of care they provided to our mother and the friendship they built with her. She loved each one of you as deeply as you cared for her.