Betty Kaye (Roop) Roper, age 78, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, June 13, 2021, while surrounded by her loving family.
She leaves behind her husband of 59 years, Gerald “Jerry” Roper of Townsend, TN. She is also survived by her children, Mike Roper and his wife, Teresa of Knoxville, TN, Sharla (Roper) Galan and her husband Carlos of Jenks, OK, Charity (Roper) Rutter and her husband Ian of Townsend, TN. Seven grandchildren, Zak Roper of Fayetteville, WV, Zane Roper and wife Jessica of Knoxville, TN, Nicolas Galan, Lucas Galan and wife Allison, Natalie Galan of Tulsa, OK, Willow Rutter and Boone Rutter of Townsend, TN. Four great grandchildren, Calen, Chandler, Camden and Cade Roper of Knoxville, TN.
Born May 9, 1943, in Tulsa, OK, Betty grew up in Canton, OK and graduated from Canton High School in 1961. In 1962, she married the love of her life, Jerry Roper. She furthered her education at the Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, OK and completed her degree in education from Central State University in Edmond, OK. After years of teaching and serving as an elementary school principal, she continued her education at Central State University where she received her master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. She dedicated her career to teaching and counseling children and helping them succeed no matter what their circumstances. She worked in Carney Public Schools and Chickasha Public Schools through her career and retired in 1998. During her retirement she volunteered in an Adult Education Program where she taught illiterate adults to read.
She lived life to the fullest, lit up a room with her smile and positive attitude and always had a funny little song to add to any conversation. She spent her retirement years in Townsend, TN with her husband living in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and traveling the world. She leaves a legacy of love, friendship, and encouragement. She was a loyal friend, loving mother, grandma and wife, wonderful counselor, and teacher. She will be sorely missed.
There will be a graveside service at the Roop Family Cemetery on Sunday, June 20 at 1 pm in Warrensburg, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Betty’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital.