Mary L. Kopkey

Mary Lois Kopkey, 96, of Winamac, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Dec. 18. She passed away peacefully at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac. 

Mary Lois was born on Oct. 9, 1929 in Salisbury, North Carolina to the late Rev. C.D. and Myrtle (Eudy) Barringer.  In 1947, she graduated from New Castle High School in New Castle, Virginia. The Barringer family moved to Winamac in 1949 when C.D. took the job as Pastor at First Christian Church. Mary Lois married Jay F. Kopkey on July 29, 1950 at the residence of Dale and Mary Combs in Winamac with her father officiating. Jay passed away on Jan. 16, 2016.   

Mary Lois was a longtime member of the First Christian Church Winamac. Mary Lois enjoyed going out to eat, especially having breakfast after church. She was a 50-year member of Crystal OES #165. Mary Lois was the quintessential homemaker who loved to cook and bake – the kitchen was always open! Mary Lois was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren brought her tremendous joy. She was fondly known to them all as “Gigi.” Mary Lois lived a life of Christian love, leaving us all with great memories.  

She is survived by daughters: Jackie [Jeff] Hadley, Winamac and Vickie [Rex] Manikowski, Winamac; son Randie [Chris] Kopkey, Leesburg; grandsons: Brent Reutebuch, Bradley [Tricia] Reutebuch, Jarred [Cate] Kopkey and Nick [Holly] Kopkey; great-granddaughters: Drea Manikowski, Skyler Kopkey, Harper Kopkey, Piper Kopkey, Ellie Kopkey and Emerson Kopkey; great-grandsons: Broderick Reutebuch and Jay T. Kopkey; two great-great grandsons: Maximilian and Benjiman; nephew Tony Barringer; nieces: Nancy [Jean Michael] Juin and Carol Sue Torgerson; and many cousins.

Preceded in death by parents: Rev. C.D. and Myrtle (Eudy) Barringer; husband Jay F. Kopkey; brother Jerry [Kathy] Barringer; and uncle Eugene “Tunny” Eudy.

Visitation was from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating.

Burial took place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.  

Memorial contributions may be made to LifeWise Academy at Winamac or Pulaski County Human Services.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — Dec. 24, 2025)