Gloria Theresa Bentz Hophan

Mrs. Gloria Theresa Bentz Hophan, age 72, lost her battle of twelve years with cancer and went to be with our Lord on September 17, 2009 in Gulfport. Mrs. Hophan was born July 23, 1937 in Pass Christian and was a lifelong resident of the Coast. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955. She worked at Keesler Air Force base for eight years where she met the love of her life, Charles A. "Buddy" Hophan of Philadelphia, PA. They were married November 22, 1957 in Pass Christian and just celebrated 51 happy years together. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanaford Bentz, Sr. and Elveria Bentz of Pass Christian; and two young nephews, Donald L. Bentz of Long Beach and Aaron Brown of Georgia. She was a loving wife and mother who leaves behind her husband, Charles A. "Buddy" Hophan; a daughter, Charlotte A. Hophan Smith and husband, Charles V. "Chad" Smith, Jr.; a son, Richard D. Hophan and wife, Darlene Hophan, all of Gulfport; three wonderful grandchildren, Charles V. "Clay" Smith, III, Christina Marie Hophan, and Cassie Ann Smith, all of Gulfport; a sister, Shirley O'Hara and husband, Maynard of Alabama, three brothers, Stan Bentz, Jr. and wife, Betty of Long Beach, Raymond Bentz, Sr. and wife, Ruby of Gulfport, Leonard Bentz and wife, Helen of Biloxi; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Hophan was a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport. She was an avid pro-life supporter and volunteered over the years at Morning Star Pregnancy Care Center. She brought many leaflets to display at church and she was a member of the Legion of Mary. She conducted a rosary prayer group in her home for years. The family would like you to continue to pray. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, September 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Gulfport where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com