Betty Stopko

BETTY J. STOPKO

Oxford

Betty J. Stopko, 81, of Oxford, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oxford, where there will be a time of visitation Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be

at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Oxford. A luncheon will be served.

A memorial fund has been established in Betty's memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.

Betty Jean Gage was born Aug. 5, 1940, in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., the daughter of Raymond and Beulah (Peck) Gage. Growing up on a farm near Brimley, Mich., she enjoyed the farm life, spending time with her cousins and often walking down the road to Tom and Martha's. Following school, she met and eventually married Robert Stopko, a soldier in the Air Force, on Aug. 12, 1961, in Rudyard Mich. Because of Robert's service to his country, their family lived in many different states, until settling to Oxford in 1974. Here Betty continued to keep house and raise the children. Betty also worked at the University Hospital. Betty enjoyed her pets, raising several dogs over the years. Sheldon, her beloved dog, was her companion until the end. Betty had a strong dislike for chickens as they chased her on the farm pecking her legs, this led to a fear of birds. She liked to dance and often attended the Oxford legion dances. She loved to polka and would grab anyone who was willing to take a spin. Betty also enjoyed crocheting and gardening. There were times she could be found at the casinos, playing slots and bingo. She and Bob loved to travel.

In her thoughts and always on her mind until the end was her only sibling, Dorothy, whom she visited this past summer in Walla Walla, Wash. She was a member of the Oxford American Legion Auxiliary, and a devoted Catholic who lived her faith daily.

Her family includes children, Michael Stopko (Lori), Melody Drewis (Tim), Kevin Stopko (Amy) and Holly Poeschel (Jim); grandchildren, Nash, Mitchell, Lauren Stopko, Kayla and Moriah Morrisey, Kennedy and Lincoln Drewis, Olivia, Peyton and Tiernan Stopko, Johnathan and Kara Poeschel; great-grandsons, Ryker Aldeman and Brantley Williams; Betty's sister, Dorothy Knudson; and her beloved dog, Sheldon.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and brothers-in-law, Clinton Cahoon and Irvin Knudson.