Judith Lee (Hilgers) Kopp, 87, of Festus died Sept. 29, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mrs. Kopp was a speech pathologist and therapist who worked in the Crystal City and Jefferson R-7 school districts. She was a member Grace Presbyterian Church in Crystal City, where she was a Sunday school teacher and Pioneer Youth Group director. She also was a former Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother and enjoyed playing bridge. Mrs. Kopp and her husband lived in Shekou, China from 1991-1998. While living as an expat, she volunteered at a local school and was involved in fundraising for an orphanage. She also was a cabin mother at Camp Barnabas, a Christian camp for special needs children, in Perdy. Born July 3, 1936, in Madison, Wis., she was the daughter of the late Doris Jane (Johnston) and Roman J. Hilgers.
She is survived by her husband: Paul Kopp; a daughter: Carol (Denny) McHenry of Republic; two sons: Chris (Nickie) Kopp of Sappington and David (Kari) Kopp of Crestwood; a brother: Mark (Katie) Hilgers of Waunakee, Wis.; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; as well as many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister: Susan Coombs.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Kayla Roe, Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church of Festus. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.