Cover for Beverly Hooper's Obituary
Beverly Hooper Profile Photo

Beverly Hooper

March 5, 1937 — December 24, 2025

Beverly Hooper

Beverly Jean Hooper

Age 88, of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Wilmington, Illinois and Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at Rock Creek at the Park Memory Care.

Born on March 5, 1937, in Florence Township, Beverly was the daughter of Chester and Harriet (Reils) Hooper. She was raised and educated in Wilmington and Symerton, Illinois, graduating from Wilmington High School with the class of 1955, the first class to graduate from the new high school. She continued her education at Joliet Junior College.

Beverly enjoyed a long and fulfilling career marked by dedication and distinguished service. She began her career with the United States Army at the Joliet Arsenal before transferring to the United States Air Force, where she worked in the Pentagon. She retired in 1996 after an accomplished career, serving within the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics. Her role in the Senior Executive Service was of a rank equivalent to that of a three-star general, reflecting her leadership, expertise, and commitment to public service. During her career, she also traveled extensively for work, including trips to Alaska and twice to the Middle East, visiting Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Egypt.

Beyond her professional life, Beverly embraced many interests and hobbies that brought her joy. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing cards, and was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan. For over 30 years, she wintered at her condo in Sun City, Arizona, where she enjoyed hitting the greens and watching the Cubs spring training. She also had a fondness for games of chance and could often be found enjoying recreational games and a bit of gambling. During her working years, she played softball on her work team, building friendships and lasting memories.

Beverly loved to travel, with a special fondness for Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and other East Coast destinations. She cherished her annual week spent at her timeshare in Williamsburg, Virginia, a tradition she looked forward to each year. Known for her warmth and enthusiasm, she was the best tour guide whenever friends and family visited her in Virginia or Arizona. She also had a deep appreciation for music, concerts, and movies.

A woman of generosity and compassion, Beverly volunteered at the Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia, where she delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need. She also selflessly served as co-executor for a friend suffering from dementia, demonstrating her loyalty and care for others.

She is survived by her loving family, including her nieces: Lori (Jim) Sternisha of New Lenox, Illinois; Joni Hooper of Elwood, Illinois; Geri (Rickey) Vaughan of Elwood, Illinois; Sherry (Steve) Carlock of Sparta, Tennessee; and Terri Putnam of Great Lakes, Illinois; great-niece, Shauna (Chris) Hidlebaugh; great-nephews: Shane (Lauren) Carlock and Jonathan Putnam; her great-great-niece and nephew, Lily Hidlebaugh and Charlie Carlock as well as her special friends: Vicki (David) Warner, Patricia Donat, and Charles Collier, and several cousins.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Leonard (Marilyn) and Donald (Elsie) Hooper. She also shared a lifelong friendship of over 60 years with Marion Joyce Putzler, who preceded her in death in 2014.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rock Creek at the Park Memory Care for the compassionate care they provided, especially in her final weeks. Their kindness and dedication meant so much, and they often expressed what an honor it was to care for her.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Following the services, she will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Memorials in Beverly’s name may be made to Rock Creek at the Park Memory Care or to the Air Force Aid Society.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs, and share Beverly's memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Beverly Hooper, please visit our flower store.

Upcoming Services

Memorial Service

Friday, May 1, 2026

11:00 am - 1:00 pm (Central time)

Baskerville Funeral Home Wilmington

700 East Kahler Road, Wilmington, IL 60481

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Friday, May 1, 2026

1:00 - 1:30 pm (Central time)

Baskerville Funeral Home Wilmington

700 East Kahler Road, Wilmington, IL 60481

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Friday, May 1, 2026

2:45 - 3:15 pm (Central time)

Baskerville Funeral Home Wilmington

700 East Kahler Road, Wilmington, IL 60481

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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