March 28, 2024

Hope Lynnette (Hotchkin) Cockerton

April 2, 2015

On Aug. 8, 1939, to the parents of Charles and Mary (DeHart) Hotchkin in Kellogg, a beautiful set of twins were born — Hope and Stephen. Not only were they known as the “Hotchkin Twins” but also the “Kellogg Triplets” with the birth of family friend Gayle Veber born later that same day.

Hope Lynnette Hotchkin grew up in Kellogg, and married the love of her life, Robert Joseph Cockerton June 28, 1956, at the Newton Christian Church. Bob and Hope began their lives together in California where Bob was serving in the U.S. Navy. Returning to Jasper County and settling in Newton, Bob and Hope created a loving home for their children, Theresa, Julie and Kirk.

Hope spent many years balancing family and working outside the home. As the family grew Hope was able to be a full-time homemaker and provided many family and friends with support in every way she could.

One of Hope’s personal accomplishments was graduating from high school. She attended Kellogg Schools prior to moving to California. While raising her family, Hope returned to the classroom through the Newton Schools Adult Education Program graduating in 1971, with her diploma in hand.

Bowling was a favorite activity of Hope’s. Hope spent many, many years on the Tuesday morning Newton Welcome Wagon League and later the Thursday evening Women’s Evening League. In 1978, she won the Women’s Jasper County District Tournament.

Hope’s life was filled with many simple pleasures, taking time to enjoy her husband, children and grandchildren in their many activities, gardening, reading, cross-word puzzles, time with family and friends and the farm she shared with Bob for 35 years.

Hope was diagnosed with Squamons Cell Carcinoma in July 2013. She told her family she would fight with everything possible. Not giving in, Hope fought until the morning of Thursday, April 2, 2015, when she couldn’t hold on any longer. She was surrounded by her family and sent off with all their love.

Bob and Hope were married for just a couple months short of 59 years. What a wonderful life they shared together.

Family left to honor Hope are her best friend, love of her life and husband, Robert (Bob) Cockerton; daughter, Theresa Cockerton of Newton; and grandson, Matthew and wife Kelly of Carlisle; daughter, Julie Ostdiek, husband, Stephen and grandchildren, Perry and Amelia, all of St. Joseph, Mich.; son, Kirk Cockerton, wife, Julie and grandchildren, Joseph, Kayla Hope, Blake, Lucas, Callie, Dakota, Desirae and Malaki all of Newton. She is also survived by her brother, David Hotchkin of Seattle, Wash.; and sister, Pat Pierce of Grinnell.

Family who preceded Hope includes her parents, Charles and Mary Hotchkin; and siblings Neil, Dennis, Diane and Stephen.

Hope’s Family would like to thank Dr. Patrick Edwards for his many years of kind and compassionate care of Hope.

We would also like to thank Skiff Hospice for their kind care of Hope and supporting the family through her illness.

The family requests memorials be mailed to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge — Iowa City 750 Hawkins Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 (please include Hope Cockerton on the memo line). Memorials may also be left at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory — Attn: Cockerton Family for a later designation.

Cremation has taken place and a family visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 1 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home. Immediately following the family will gather and celebrate Hope’s life at Fore Seasons Golf Practice Center, 6232 Hwy S74 S. in Newton.