Obituary of Betty Jean Stopko

Betty J. Stopko, age 81 of Oxford, died Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral Mass will be held at 11am Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford where there will be a time of visitation Saturday January 8th from 9-11 am. Burial will be at the Mt. 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 @ www.gayandciha.com. Betty Jean Gage was born August 5, 1940, in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan the daughter of Raymond and Beulah (Peck) Gage. Growing up on a farm near Brimley, Michigan. 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 August 12, 1961, in Rudyard Michigan. 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 that was willing to take a spin. Betty also enjoyed, crocheting, 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 Washington. 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), 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.