John Bert (JB) Hoopes passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024, after 90+ years of goodness and love. He is survived by his sister Marilyn Ladner, brother Richard (Tamara) Hoopes, brother Doug Hoopes, children Scott (Deborah) Hoopes, Tamara (Russell) Doughty, Melinda (Phillip) Belnap, Janece (Julie Deveraux) Hoopes, Jonathan Bert (Rachel Miles) Hoopes, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. JB was preceded in death by his wife Paula Louise Partridge (1934-2006), twin daughters Marilyn and Millicent (1967), grandson Jonathan Miles Hoopes (2000), brother Frederick Hoopes (1932-2022), and recently, second wife RuthAnn (Woods) Crandall (1935-2024)

He was born on March 25, 1934, in Safford, Arizona, to Dr. Lavell and Mrs. Olive Nash Hoopes, and raised on a ranch near Thatcher, Arizona. Named after his grandfathers, John Nash and Bert Hoopes, he was affectionately called “JB” to honor both.

Being raised on a ranch, JB learned the value of hard work and determination early in life, and this work ethic defined him throughout his life. He graduated from Thatcher High School in 1952, where he excelled in sports and music. He especially enjoyed football and agreed to his mother’s condition that he could play sports only if he also took music lessons. Throughout his life his rich baritone voice was enjoyed by all who heard him. He was active in scouting and earned his Eagle Scout award, as did his three brothers. He continued his education at Eastern Arizona Junior College, graduating in 1954 as the student body president, before serving an LDS mission in Australia from 1954-1956.

JB met Paula Louise Partridge at a church dance in Los Angeles. Paula was the divorced single mother of 3-month-old Scott. Upon returning home from that dance, Paula stood next to Scott’s cradle and told him “I’ve found your new daddy.” They were sealed on September 10, 1957, in the Los Angeles Temple and JB adopted Scott soon after. JB graduated from USC Dental School in 1961 and practiced dentistry in North Hollywood, California, with his father-in-law, Truman Partridge.

Their family continued to grow; daughters Tamara and Melinda were born in 1959 and 1960, respectively. In 1967, daughters Marilyn and Millicent were born, but shortly returned to their Heavenly Father. Two weeks later Janece was born; the family welcomed the 5-day-old beautiful baby girl into their home, and she was adopted soon after. Their family was complete in 1971 with the birth of Jonathan Bert.

1971 was also the year of the devastating Sylmar earthquake which shook their home off its foundation and the family relocated to the mountains of northern California in Meadow Vista. JB established a successful dental practice in Carmichael, California. The family returned to Southern California in 1976, where JB continued his dental career, focusing on underserved populations.

JB’s generosity extended well beyond his profession. He held various leadership roles in the Church, including serving as president of a Spanish-speaking branch and as a temple worker in several temples. Extended family, neighbors, and friends of his children recall with gratitude all the kindnesses and service JB rendered them over the years. He has changed lives in tangible ways that continue to bear fruit as generations are raised with his loving spirit in mind.

After retiring in 2001, JB and Paula moved to Eagle, Idaho, to be closer to their family. JB tenderly cared for Paula as she suffered with deteriorating health, and she passed away in 2006.  In 2007, JB married RuthAnn Woods Crandall, a childhood friend he had grown up with in Thatcher. They enjoyed traveling, and spending time with the welcoming Crandall family who he loved as his own.

JB was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying skiing, hiking, boating, hunting, and fly-fishing. He loved nothing better than sharing hair-raising stories of growing up in rural Arizona. He made friends everywhere he went. During his last months, JB’s reply to anyone expressing love was, “I love you more.”

JB leaves behind a legacy of optimism, bear-hugs, and love. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held, 10:00 am, Saturday, July 13, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2090 N. Eagle, Rd., Eagle Idaho, with a viewing beginning at 9:00 am. A committal service will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 Hill Rd., Boise.

To attend the service virtually please visit https://zoom.us/j/97749961550

Please be aware of road closures on Saturday, July 13, 2024, due to Eagle Fun Days. Please refer to the road closure map on the following website https://www.cityofeagle.org/498/Eagle-Fun-Days Adjust your route accordingly.