Vera Irene (Andres) Hooper, 99, passed away May 5, 2024 with her son and daughter by her side. She was born August 8, 1924 to Lawrence and Minnie (Syring) Andres on the family farm southeast of Alta Vista, Kansas.

After graduating from the Alta Vista High School, where she took the Normal Training Course, she taught the District 62 (South Pole) country grade school in Wabaunsee County for the next four years.

She married Oscar (nickname Dick) Warren Hooper on August 4, 1946, after he returned from his military service in World War II in Europe. Due to his job transfers while working for the Gambles Store, she lived in Junction City, Clay Center, Abilene, and Salina. They enjoyed sixty-three happy years together before Oscar passed away in 2009.

She was a homemaker, devoted wife, and mother, always a hard worker, but ready for visits with relatives and friends or to help when needed. She shared her love with family, friends, and caregivers, verbally, and with hugs and kisses.

She is survived by her son, Barry, and daughter, LaVonda, both of Salina, a niece, Nyla (Gene) Jones of El Cajon, California, nephews, Gary (Gloria) Brunswick, of Yuma, Arizona, Rick (Glenda) Hooper, of Hutchinson, Leland (Diana) Swartz, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jason (Jennifer) Hooper, of Gilberts, Illinois, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Fern Brunswick.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 9th, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 10th at 11:00 am, at Alta Vista Cemetery in Alta Vista, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Salina Food Bank or Interim Hospice, in care of the funeral home.