LaVerne M. Hopper, age 74 a longtime Hobart resident was called home on Saturday, February 20, 2021.  She was born on June 4, 1946 in Little Rock Arkansas to the late Robert and Gurthie Troop.  LaVerne was raised in Chicago where she lived most of her life.  She worked many years as a waitress in Chicago.  In 1990 she moved to the Hobart area and worked several years as a CNA at Millers Merry Manor in Hobart.  Anyone that knew LaVerne understood two things, she was an avid gossiper, and loved stirring the pot. Her favorite line was "have any gossip?" Another thing everyone realized was the great bond she had with her side kick, her sis Imogene.  They did everything together.  LaVerne enjoyed playing penny slots, playing cards, and doing her nails & makeup. She also enjoyed old school true detective magazines and watching WWE wrestling.  Most of all she loved spending time with her family. She always had an open-door policy for anyone needing a place to stay or a family unit.  She will be remembered by her family and all as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Claude Dotson of Hobart, IN; 6 children, Ray Earl Hopper of Hobart, IN; Tammy (Randy Jones) Hopper of Chesterton, IN; Kathy (Scott) Nobles of Portage, IN; Tracy Dotson of Hobart, IN; Tina Dotson of Hobart, IN; Claude (Max) Dotson of North Attleboro, MA.  One sister, Imogene Smith of Hobart, IN; grandchildren, Tiffany (Juan), Ray Earl Jr., Trisha (Nathan), James (Amanda), Joseph, Christina (Freddy), Amanda (Jake), Tammy (Keith), Dennis, Skylar, Gabrielle, Savanah, and Bianca.  Great-grandchildren, Diamond, Nathan, Noah, Alorah, Amaylie, Jimmy, Damien, Madison, Anthony, Mackenzie, Nythan, Cooper, Raeanna, Trevor, Landon, Aiden, Emily, Terry.  Nephew's and Niece's; Tommy Miller, Robert, Darrell (Tammie), Donnie, Kimberly, and Jessica.  Numerous Great nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Laverne was preceded in death by her brother, James Williams, one granddaughter, Samantha Smith, one nephew Charlie Smith.

Funeral services are Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 5 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart.  Cremation will take place with Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Service.  Visitation is Wednesday, February 24, 2021 just prior to the service from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. also at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel.  (219) 942-2109.