Cheryl Janet Hopkins

Cheryl J. Hill Sargent Hopkins, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025. She was born on July 22, 1943, in Trona, California, to Euvalva (Val) and Edith Pixler Hill.

Cheryl met the love of her life, Kenneth Sargent, and they married on Friday, May 13, 1960. Their motto and Ken’s CB handle was “Lucky 13”. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. As a devoted Navy wife, Cheryl lived in many locations throughout Ken’s service years until his retirement in 1978, when they returned home to Trona, California. At the time of Ken’s passing, they had been married for 44 wonderful years.

In 2006, Cheryl married Nick Hopkins, and they traveled to see family and friends until his passing in 2022. In her later years, she made her home in Polson, Montana, where she spent the last five years of her life surrounded by family and friends.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Euvalva (Val) and Edith Hill; her husbands, Kenneth Sargent and Nick Hopkins; her brother, Harold Hill; her sister, Donna Hill Kramer; and her beloved daughter, Delores Diane Sargent.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra R. (Howard) Vassar; brother-in-law Clarence Kramer and sister-in-law Janice Hill; nephews Kurt (Kimberly) Kramer, Michael (Theresa) Hill, Kasey Kramer, Brian Hill, and Craig (Jill) Hill; and niece Varina (George) Millang. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Vassar and his wife Andee and Caitlyn Vassar Rose and her husband Verner; her great-grandchildren, children Diezel, Madalynn, Remy June, Josephine Louise and Huxlee. Cheryl was deeply loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Cheryl was known for her creativity, kindness, and warmth. She loved cake decorating, crocheting, and sewing, and she shared her talents generously with others. She served her community as a Girl Scout leader, a Pink Lady, and a volunteer, always giving her time with a smile and laughter that brightened every room she entered. In her later years, Cheryl bravely faced dementia with grace and dignity, surrounded by the love of her family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 13, 2025, at the Searles Valley Cemetery in Trona, California, with a reception to follow at Haughton Hall. A memorial service will be held in Polson, Montana, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haughton Hall, the Trona Senior Center, or a charity of your choice in Cheryl’s memory.

Cheryl’s love, humor, and generous spirit will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.