​On March 25, 2026, at 4:51 pm, our world grew a lot dimmer. We lost our mom, Amy Denise Hope, and if you knew her, you know that to be loved by her was to be family ❤️ She was "the neighborhood mom"— the one whose door was always open and whose rule was very simple: "Don't ever knock. The first time you visit, you’re a guest; after that, you’re family."

​Mom was all things light and love; she shined so brightly, and her genuine, compassionate nature was absolutely infectious! She lived her life with a spirit of deep kindness, creativity, and a loving, faithful heart ❤️ She poured that beautiful heart into everything— whether she was crocheting blankets for friends or tiny dresses for her dog Trixi, lovingly attending to her many plants with her green thumb, cooking immaculate meals for her family, reading and/or listening to her favorite books, listening to newly discovered music artists together with me (Kate) or gathering for our monthly "girls' craft nights." Those craft nights were something she looked forward to with so much joy; creating seasonal treasures and memories alongside us ❤️ She was always so happy to be included!

​She shared a unique and special bond with each of us; her "kiddos". She lived for the excitement of attending Sabaton concerts and St. Louis Cardinals games with my brother, Kory, and cherished the quiet, magical moments of reading stories aloud to my sister, Kelsey. She was the kind of person who would faithfully brake for butterflies and offer a shoulder to cry on for anyone in need ❤️ She was beautifully eccentric, a little chaotic (okay, maaaybe a lot; that's where I get it from!), and loved all of us- her entire family- with every fiber of her being and made sure we all knew it! Her love was truly like no other; unwavering and undeniable, there was no question about it- she loved big and she loved loud! ❤️

​Right now, as we are navigating this immensely dark time together, the road ahead is uncertain. While both she and our dad are heartbreakingly no longer with us, we have the absolute honor of being a walking mosaic of both of our wonderful parents, spreading their love and joy. They live through us now ❤️

​In this heart shattering turn of events, Mom and I were right in the middle of planning her mother's (our Mimi's) memorial service when she passed away so suddenly and tragically. Everything was almost ready, but now the very memorial she was planning has become hers too...

​We are raising these funds to directly cover:

• ​Mom's cremation and final arrangements.

​• A private autopsy- so our family can have the clarity and peace of mind we desperately seek.

​• The Memorial service- We will now be combining Mom’s service with Mimi’s (Mary Katherine "Kathy" Zuehl). We are currently planning to gather on May 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Rolla Lions Club. (Please note this date/time/location may be subject to change; I will post updates here and to our facebook event page if needed.)

• ​Care for her devoted pets. To support the ongoing needs of her beloved dog Trixi and her bobtail kitty Willow that she left behind ❤️‍

• Any final bills and personal affairs. (I'm still getting all of that sorted, it has certainly been a process, to say the least...) Since I (Kate) am currently taking off from work to handle all of these responsibilities, these funds will help ensure every expense is handled with the utmost care that Mom deserves ❤️

​We miss her more than words could ever say. Now she is with her sweet son- our 3 year old brother "Nik Nik", our beloved father Randy, her brother- our uncle Tim, her mother- our Mimi, and so many more loved ones gone too soon.

If our beautiful mother has touched your life in any way, there is absolutely no obligation to donate; just sharing this page and sending love, light, and prayers our way means the absolute world! Our last name reminds us that even when life gets dark, no matter what, we will always have a little Hope ❤️

Thank you all for loving her bubbly, bright, animated, and vivacious self alongside us, she was truly a rare gem in this world and her radiant light will never be forgotten ❤️

​Note: For those who can donate and prefer to send support directly to avoid platform fees, or for your convenience, I also have CashApp; either method is fine and greatly appreciated!

My $CashTag is: $CheesyKaterTots

Thank you immensely and may you all have a day as lovely as you are! ❤️