Deborah Marie Cooper

Deborah Marie Cooper December 26, 1955 – July 9, 2026 Deborah Marie Cooper, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away on July 9, 2026 at the age of 70. She will be remembered for her loving heart, feisty spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. Deborah was born on December 26, 1955, in Helena, Montana, to Clarence "Ozzie" Cooper and Margaret Smigaj Cooper. She was raised in Avon, Montana, where she learned the values of compassion, and the importance of family—values that remained with her throughout her life. Nothing brought Deborah greater joy than her family. She was a devoted mother whose love, guidance, and strength were a constant source of comfort to her children and grandchildren. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved and watching her family grow through the generations. Deborah is lovingly remembered by her children: Melissa Kelly (Blaine Nyberg), Daylen King (Shannon King), Clarisa Bordenkircher (Joshua Bordenkircher), Kayln Cooper and her adopted father Bill Smith. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Alex King (Allan) and their son Silas; Kailee Heimark (Nathan) and their children, Kaycen and Brynley; Brandon Kelly (Bailey); Bridget Bragg (Dalton); Olyvia King; Ashlyn Vuicich; Ozzie King; Jaron Latonio; and Anni Fode; as well as Blakely and Knox Antila. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence "Ozzie" Cooper and Margaret Smigaj Cooper; her brother, Clarence "Buzzy" Cooper; her sister, Pamela Ann Davis; adopted mother, Elizabeth Smith; her granddaughter, Madison Ann King and great-grandson, Zephyr. Deborah's legacy is one of unconditional love, tenacity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, including fishing, picking huckleberries, camping and taking rides in the mountains. She leaves behind countless cherished memories that will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, wisdom, and the example she set will remain a guiding presence for her family for generations to come. Deborah spent the final year and a half of her life at Beehive Homes in Butte, Montana. Their kindness, patience, and genuine love brought her comfort and dignity. The family also extends our deepest appreciation to the incredible team at Honeybee Hospice for the compassionate care and unwavering support they provided during Deborah's final journey. Their guidance, tenderness, and professionalism brought peace not only to Deborah but to our entire family. Following Deborah's passing, one of her hospice nurses shared words that will forever remain in our hearts: "Death is never easy, but you all did amazing with her. She truly loved you guys—she never stopped talking about all of you. And this is exactly the way she wanted this to happen, surrounded by all of her girls. It was pretty special watching you all today." Those words perfectly captured the love that surrounded Deborah in her final moments. We find comfort in knowing she left this world exactly as she wished—encircled by the family she cherished most.

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Deborah Marie Cooper

December 26, 1955 - July 9, 2026