Roberta “Bobbie” Hoopes

Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Hoopes had music in her soul. She had a song at her fingertips for any occasion, including small, daily occurrences – mealtime blessings were often sung, with ‘the more voices around the table the better.’ She often had an ‘earworm’ and would gladly share it and get it stuck in your head, too.

With sadness, we announce Bobbie’s passing on June 15, 2026, at the age of 87, from pancreatic cancer. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who brought warmth, kindness, and the gift of her attention into every room she entered.

Roberta Ruth Grooters was born on January 28, 1939, in Media, PA to Robert and Ruth [Boylan] Grooters. Bobbie graduated from Swarthmore High School in 1956 and married Raymond T. Hoopes in 1958. She and Ray settled first in Lompoc, CA and later in Milwaukee, WI, before putting down permanent roots in Clearwater, FL, in 1963. Bobbie and Ray were married for 60 years and raised their four children in Clearwater. She attended the University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Master of Music in both Choral Conducting and Voice Performance.

Bobbie dedicated over 30 years to teaching music in a variety of settings, inspiring many students with her creativity and compassion. She taught in the Pinellas County School System for 14 years, with assignments at Dunedin Middle School, San Jose Elementary, Leila Davis Elementary, and Clearwater High School. She also served as Choir Director at Faith United Church of Christ in Clearwater and as Director of Music Ministries at Christ Presbyterian Church in Largo. Bobbie truly loved teaching others how to create beautiful music together.

For several years, Bobbie was a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, an experience that included recording Mahler’s Eighth Symphony with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Shaw.

Bobbie also taught private voice lessons, holding a particular affection for students she called “uncertain singers”—beginners and those who doubted their own voices. She articulated her teaching philosophy in this way: “It is my purpose to further, in as many students as possible, the joy of singing, helping them to let the voice and the music come out.”

Bobbie was deeply involved in the life of Trinity Presbyterian Church for more than six decades. She was a cornerstone of the choir, serving as a regular soloist and as Interim Director on multiple occasions. Over the years, she served as a Deacon, an Elder, taught Sunday School classes, co-led the HS/College youth group, and led church music activities including Song Chimers, the handbell choir, and several musicals. She loved her many friends at Trinity and the church’s focus on service in the community.

Most of all, Bobbie loved spending time with her family, including domestic and international trips, Christmas gatherings in Clearwater, visits with the kids and grandkids, road rallies with John, and Scrabble and cribbage games with anyone who wanted to play. Her home was known as a welcoming place to gather and many parties and celebrations were hosted there.

One of her favorite places on earth was the cottage her parents built in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. On her visits there she enjoyed kayaking, walking in the woods, and spending relaxed time with friends and family. She rejoiced in nature, appreciating the tiniest details and knowing the names of many birds and flowers. Until the very end, she took daily walks to visit her beloved neighborhood lake.

Bobbie is survived by her four children: Linda Hoopes (Jack Feldman), Barbara Hoopes (Steve Mutter), Carol Hoopes Way (Steve Way), and John Hoopes (Kristen Salomon); and four grandchildren: Stefanie and Anna Mutter and Mikaila and TJ Way; her brother Dave and his family; and her loving companion Denzil Williams, a joyful surprise and great blessing in her last few years. Bobbie was preceded in death by her brother John in 2014 and her husband Ray in 2018.

A celebration of Bobbie's life will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Clothes to Kids (clothestokids.org), local food pantries, or public broadcasting.

Her joyful spirit, gentle humor, profound sense of gratitude, life of service, and boundless love will remain in our hearts forever.