Georgia "Mike" Coopes

COOPES (Salin),

Georgia Mianne (“Mike”)

Mike Coopes passed away May 28, 2017. Mike was born September 28, 1930, in Portland, MI. She was raised in Lansing, MI, and graduated from Eastern High School. She then went on to work in various governmental departments for the State of Michigan. Mike met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Coopes, and they were married in 1950. He preceded her in death in 2003. They had five children, two now deceased – Kristin Ann Coopes (1979), and Richard “Deke” Coopes (2011). Surviving children are Kathleen Coopes DeLong (Donald), Michele Coopes, and John Coopes (Joan), Kristine Coopes Herring (Elliott). Also surviving are her grandchildren – Alison Kroes, Elizabeth Kroes Shull (Corey), Ryan Kroes, Eiren DeLong Hendrie (Michael), Robert (RJ) DeLong, Kristin DeLong Davison (Scott), Colin DeLong, Rachel Coopes, Ben Coopes, Carrie Coopes, Erike Coopes, Wes Coopes, and Kevin Coopes. Great grandchildren include – Kate, Brooke, and Michael Hendrie, Laila Shull, and Owen Davison. Also preceding Mike in death was her beloved brother, Robert Salin. She adored him her entire life. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Visit Mike’s personal webpage at betzlerfuneralhome.com where you can archive a favorite memory of photo of her, and sign her online guest book.

Mike lived for her family. She was the happiest when all of her children were home. She was a wonderful cook, homemaker, and mother. In many ways, Mike epitomized the kind of moms seen on classic TV shows, but she was also quite a character. She was known for speaking her mind in no uncertain terms, handling all financial decisions for her family, smoking a cigarette (in the days before she quit) like a movie star. She was particularly skilled at sewing and quilting – making beautiful quilts for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mike loved her husband, local veterinarian Dr. Robert Coopes, with all her heart. Married for over 50 years, they were both known for the senses of humor and kindness. They loved to travel and saw many exotic places in the world – their favorite was a trip to Kenya, Africa. They loved their dogs, boating, singing, dancing and the outdoors. Their love for each other was obvious to everyone who knew them.

Mike was an avid reader and writer. She was a crossword puzzle fanatic and could conquer the most challenging ones in no time. She kept yearly journals, filled with insights, quotes, and poetry. One quote from her journal, “Most hope to leave their footprints on the sands of time – however, most of us, I’m afraid, leave only smudges.” That may be true for many, but not for Mike Coopes. She left a large footprint on the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.