Mary Katherine Cooper

     With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mary K. Cooper on Monday, October 1, 2026, at age 77. She was a lifelong resident of Ithaca and maintained strong ties to her community. A proud member of the Class of '67 and a dedicated Yellowjacket fan.
     She will be remembered for her joy in bowling, love of Elvis, and karaoke, affectionately known as Sugar. She was proud to have earned multiple computing certificates from Davenport University. Mary was delighted to use her computer skills to help organize the Wheeler County school reunions and to upkeep the family tree.
     Mary is survived by Larry Cooper, her high school sweetheart and husband of 58 years. Her sons: Steve (Dottie) Cooper and Terry (Jaqi) Cooper, her siblings: Roger (Mary) Pendell, Cheryl (Sidney) Hull, and Dale Balcolm. She will also be remembered by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents Duane and Bertha Pendell and her sister Beverly Balcolm.
    Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, October 5, 2026, with Jo Jones officiating. Burial will take place at Chapel Gardens Cemetery, Seville Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ithaca Senior Center or Gratiot County Commission on Aging. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.