Dorla (Dodie) Hopkins Lawver, age 93, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on October 4, 2024.
Dodie graduated from Ellet High School in 1948. In 1949 she married Bob Lawver, later attended Kent State University, and became a licensed funeral director. They, together with Dodie’s parents, Otis and Gertrude Hopkins, son Ted and daughter Coral Bowers, owned and operated the Hopkins Lawver Funeral Homes in Ellet, Mogadore, and Uniontown. She also enjoyed working at Hopkins Lawver Mfg. of magnetic funeral flags established by Otis Hopkins, then owned by Mark and Deb Lawver. Dodie and Bob raised their family in Mogadore and later resided in Uniontown, Portage Lakes, Lakemore, and Ellet. Bob died in 1997 and in 2001, she married Leroy (Mac) McHugh, a retired funeral home owner and director in Solon. She was an active 70 year member of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church which was uppermost in her enthusiasm. She idolized her parents, cherished her family, and loved the years of her professional career.
Preceded in death by husband, Mac McHugh; sister, Phyllis Smith; and son-in-law, Rick Bowers. She is survived by daughter, Coral Bowers of Mogadore with whom she made her home for several years; sons, Mark (Deb) Lawver of Montrose, Ted (Mickey) Lawver of New Franklin, Dane (Anita) Lawver of Fishers, Indiana; 16 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; bonus daughters, Heidi (Dan) Michel, Shari (Doug) Stewart; sister-in-law, Connie Lawver; and Mac McHugh’s family.
A special thank you to Dr. Mark Smith for all the compassion and care given to Dodie and the entire family all these years.
Family and friends will be received Friday, October 11th from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 12th at 11 a.m. with an hour of calling beginning at 10 a.m. at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Ave. Akron, OH 44312. Burial will take place Monday, October 14th at 10 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Park. A procession for those wanting to attend the burial will begin at 9 a.m. at the funeral home.
Dodie requested memorials in support of her 8 year old grandson to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Checks can be made payable to Breakthrough T1D and dropped off or mailed to Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Donations can also be made online.