Barbara Lee Kopps

Barbara L. Kopps, age 86, of Griggsville, IL passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022 in her home surrounded by family.  She was born on October 21, 1935 at her family farm house north of Perry IL.  She was the daughter of the late Harvey D. and Mamie L. (Akin) Kallenbach.  She married Robert F. Kopps on November 18, 1956 at the Perry United Methodist Church. 

Barbara was a 1953 graduate of Perry High School.  She later went onto Gem City Business College in Quincy IL to obtain her Accounting Degree.  When Robert was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1959, they came back home to Illinois to start his career as the proprietor of Kopps Lumber Company Inc. in Griggsville.  Barbara stood by his side as his Co-secretary and bookkeeper.  They successfully retired in the fall of 1997 after 40+ years in business.  

She was known for her great works as a seamstress making many of her and her daughters clothes.  She was also known for her cooking and baking skills.  She loved music like her husband and would sing while playing the piano.  She knew how to dance, as well, with her husband and she could also tap dance.  She was an active member of the Griggsville United Methodist Church, serving as a secretary on several committees including the Financial, Council, and Sunday School where she also served as Treasurer. Barbara sang in the Madonna choir and always gave a helping hand with the Bazaar of the famous Turkey Dinners.  Her family was very important to her and she will be missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Angela (Corey) Kopps-Bedenbender of rural Griggsville, IL; two grandsons, Johnathon Scott Bedenbender and Joshua Robert Bedenbender, both of Griggsville, IL; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Kopps of Pittsfield; one niece, Elaine Sorrell of Jacksonville; and one nephew, Carl Staff of Oquawka.

Preceding her in death were her loving husband of 65 years, Robert F. Kopps; one brother, Richard Kallenbach; sister, Kathleen Staff; brothers-in-law, Norman Staff and Lawrence Kopps; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL and interment will follow at Griggsville Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to funeral from 10:00 AM until time of service.  Memorials can be made to the Griggsville United Methodist Church, Perry United Methodist Church, American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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