Katie Ropp

Katie (Hochstedler) Ropp, daughter of William and Lizzie (Miller) Hochstedler was born June 11, 1936, at Thomas, OK. She peacefully passed away in her home on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the age of 89 years, 8 months, and 2 days.

She surrendered her life to the Lord at a young age and lived faithfully for her Lord until He called her home.

On June 16, 1955, she was united in marriage to Emery J. Ropp. God blessed their home with 6 sons and two daughters. Lester [deceased](Ruby Hostetler) of Seymour, MO; LaWayne (Lynette Yoder-deceased) of Estacada, OR; Lillian DelValle of Harrisburg, OR; Lavon of Fairland, OK(Lucinda Stelfox); Lynn (Bernice Beachy-deceased)(Wilma Hershberger) of Fairland, OK; Leaetta (Tim Rohrer) of Spring Hope, NC; Loyal [deceased] (Melrose Weaver now married to Jerry Good) of Seymour, MO; Lavern (Shawn Kropf) of Seymour, MO.

In March of 1968 they moved from Iowa to Seymour, MO. She was a woman who believed in doing her best in whatever capacity the Lord called her and always freely gave her all. She was gifted in many ways and known for her love of cooking and willingly hosted many guests and hospitably served them. She was a particular and capable seamstress and used that talent for God’s work in altering many suit coats. She always maintained a strong faith in God’s providence in spite of the tragic passing of her mother on her 21st birthday, and years later, in the sudden passing of two of her sons. These events deepened her faith in God, so that in her later years, an oft repeated phrase she used was as follows: “I am gripping tightly to God’s hand.” She was fond of animals, especially horses and birds. At 89, she was still capable of shooting 6 hapless squirrels who ventured too near her bird feeder and met their untimely death. She wasn’t one to joke a lot, but had a healthy sense of humor. Those who liked to tease-found her an easy candidate for their humor. Her rebuttal quips were “big deal” and “hang it up.”

After her husband of 55 years passed away in 2010, she missed him tremendously and longed to join him there. She would often say, “I’m waiting the call,” or “I’m in the waiting room and the latch is on the outside.” Her family and friends would then remind her that her time on earth wasn’t over yet, and that God still had a work for her to do; namely, in praying for those she loved.

In 2021, at the age of 84, she left Seymour where she had lived for 53 years and moved to Spring Hope, NC, to live next to her daughter Leaetta. They built her a cozy cottage and patiently and lovingly cared for her as needed. She was warmly welcomed by the Mill Creek Mennonite Church. They were her new “church family” and were faithful in visiting and encouraging her. She felt loved and accepted, which made the transition at her age so much easier.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Emery J. Ropp, two sons, Lester and Loyal, and two daughters-in-law, Bernice and Lynette, and two great grandchildren.

Besides her family, she is survived by one brother, Lester Hochstedler.

Her presence and her faithful prayers will be greatly missed, but we are grateful for her faithful example.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care and compassion felt during this time. The thoughtfully-planned meals and snacks and the hospitable lodging were greatly appreciated. The Church at Mill Creek is deeply grateful to the Ozark Mennonite Church for being willing to host the funeral and burial of a well-loved, dear sister of their congregation.