Roberta Cooper

Roberta Agnes Cooper, age 88, passed away on October 7, 2026. Born October 18, 1937, in Jackson, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of Cecil and Ruth (Moore) Dudley. Roberta graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and built a life defined by hard work, creativity, and compassion.

She worked at Bliss in Hastings for eight years before owning and operating her own reupholstering business for more than two decades. On June 28, 1980, she married Gordon Cooper, and together they shared many wonderful years, wintering in Florida and enjoying the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Roberta devoted herself to helping others, serving as a Victim Advocate in Barry County and later driving the Transit Bus in Hastings. She loved painting ceramics and poured her heart into crocheting hats and blankets for newborns at Pennock Hospital. At home, she delighted in feeding her hummingbirds, camping, reading, doing puzzles, and watching her favorite “trash time” TV shows.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Cathi Earl Bowerman; son Charles Earl; daughter-in-law Anna Piscopo; daughter‑in‑law Barb Earl; brothers Mark, Rich, and Dave Dudley; sister Pat Mix; and sister‑in‑law Marsha Brown.

Roberta is survived by her husband, Gordon Cooper; sons Cameron Earl, Christopher (Vicki) Earl, Steven (Cheryl) Cooper, and Danny Cooper; grandchildren Nicole (Ray) Mears, Roberta Earl, Andrea (Gerald) Hannigan, Adam Earl, Cami Earl, Seth (Jessica) Earl, Austin (Ari) Earl, Stevie Cooper, Allison Page, Lance Cooper, and Kaitlyn (Dalton) Lopez; brother‑in‑law Greg (Vicki) Cooper; and brother‑in‑law William Brown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Hospice, Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or online at the organization’s website.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.