Ruby Katherine (Hopkins) McJunkin, Age 91
June 28, 1934 – July 23, 2025
Katherine, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully to be with her Savior on July 23, 2025, in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, and raised in Covington, she graduated from Byars-Hall High School, where she formed lasting friendships and developed a passion for basketball, much like her mother. She went on to study liberal arts at the University of Mississippi and joined the Kappa Delta sorority before being selected as a stewardess for American Airlines—an honor she treasured.
In 1955, her stewardess friends invited her to Dallas, where she met Herb McJunkin at a lake outing on July 8. Less than a month later, to the surprise of many, especially her father, James T. Hopkins, they married on August 2 in California. Herb’s service in the Air Force soon took them to Nagoya, Japan. Upon returning to Texas in 1957, they settled in Fort Worth, where their first child, Brad, was born—he often reminded her he was “made in Japan.” By 1961, they made their home in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, where Kirk and then Ellen joined the family.
Katherine partnered with Herb in homebuilding, using her talents in design and decorating. She often carried kids on her hip to job sites throughout North Dallas and Richardson. Eventually, she embraced full-time motherhood, a role she cherished deeply. Her love for animals began early. She loved riding both horses and her uncle’s 300-pound sow. Her love of riding continued throughout her life. From kittens to dogs, fish, birds, a raccoon, and
even a skunk, Katherine’s home was full of furry and feathered friends. Sharing an ice cream cone with her toy poodle was not an unusual sight.
Later, her passion for horses reignited, starting with Susie and a mischievous pony named Peanut. She spent over 30 years showing Tennessee Walking Horses and even “inspired” Herb to join her in breeding and training them. Her bougie preferences caused her to refuse the many hunting trips with “the boys,” though she happily endured hot, fly-filled barns all summer long to prepare horses for shows. She cherished the horse community and expanded her storytelling and joke repertoire during these years.
As the horse shows waned, she found new joy in Colorado. For nearly 20 years, she spent summers in Lake City—what Herb called her “second home” and “contributor to a 50% increase in the local GDP.” There, she joined a Jeep club, taking friends on white-knuckle rides through mountain trails, often grinning while casually pointing out the danger. Known as "Mammaw" Katherine delighted in cheering on her nine grandchildren in sports, dance, choir, and cheer. She never missed a chance to spoil them—with desserts, shopping sprees, or thoughtful gifts, always offered with love. Herb often said her grandkids rekindled her joy—and exceptional talent for shopping.
Most of all, Katherine was a faithful and devoted wife to Herb, especially in his final struggle with cancer. Her selfless care deepened their love. Even at ninety, she insisted on caring for her daughter Ellen after surgery, undeterred by their mutual limitations. Her presence was her ministry; her heart always centered on serving others.
Katherine knew Jesus as her Savior. When she could no longer attend church in person, she found spiritual encouragement at Watermark Community Church and broadcasts by David Jeremiah and Charles Stanley. She now rejoices in Heaven, reunited with Herb.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Coleman (Kinney) Hopkins (known as Billie), and her father, James Thomas Hopkins.
She is survived by her brothers James (Jimmy) and Louis; her children Brad (Deborah), Kirk (Cathy), and Ellen; nine grandchildren—Kelly, Morgan, Gracie, Blake, Jena, Martha Kate, Bert, Herbert, and Keely—and nineteen great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Monday, July 28, 7:00–9:00 PM
Graveside Service: Tuesday, July 29, 9:00 AM
Location: Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243
Phone: 972.238.7111
All that were blessed to know Katherine, or the family are welcome to join us Monday, July 28, during visitation. The graveside will be family only. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to either Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship ([email protected]) or to Kids Across America (https://kaakamps.org/ways-to-give/#check).