Sally Elzora Koop May 21, 1941 - Nov. 23, 2022
Sally Elzora Koop was born on May 21, 1941 in Los Angeles, CA. She was the youngest of three children born to Roy and Thelma Sanders. The family moved back and forth between Oklahoma and California before becoming permanent residents of the Central Valley around 1949. Even though mama was very young when she lived in Oklahoma, she would often share her memories and speak of the good times.
On December 21, 1958, with her parents blessing, mama married her soulmate, Robert Bob Koop. A short few months later, in June of 1959, mama was a proud graduate of Porterville High School.
Sally and Bob made their home in Porterville where they shared many good memories with their parents and where they had both grown up. In 1964, they were blessed with their first daughter Kathleen Renee. Two years later they welcomed their second blessing, Rhonda Gail. The family looked to be complete until the surprise of their youngest daughter, Amy Marie, in 1975.
Sally stayed home to raise the children and be a homemaker, working jobs at Newberrys and Smiths Drug Store before entering into the field of insurance in the 80s. Mama started her career with Farmers Insurance and retired from Allstate. She loved being an insurance agent. Her customers meant so much to her, she truly enjoyed helping and visiting with them. Mama loved running into customers, friends, and family around town and getting to visit. There was no quick trip to the store with mama, because she would stop to say hello and visit with so many people. These interactions completely warmed her heart through the years.
In 1996, mama was blessed with the birth of her granddaughter Jessica Sally. Being a grandma was one of the most cherished gifts in her life.
Mama retired in 2004 and enjoyed traveling the country with Bob and sharing stories from their adventures. She loved spending time with her beloved family, visiting with good friends, and being right by Bobs side. She looked forward to the Girls Trips she would take each year with Kathleen, Rhonda, Amy, Jessica and Emily. These were some of the most precious and fun times. Mama and daddy would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary December 21, 2022. Mamas endearing kindness, happiness, and faith in the Lord have always been some of her most admirable qualities that will be cherished by her family forever. She was truly one of the most genuine and sincerest people. A true Angel on Earth.
Mama was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Thelma Sanders, her daughter, Kathleen and many other family and friends. What a Welcome Home party Heaven must be having.
Sally is survived by the love of her life, Bob Koop. Daughter Rhonda Koop and Granddaughter Jessica Sally Koop. Her youngest daughter Amy Koop and Daughter-in-law, Emily. And Son-in-law Mike Obrien (Kathleen).
The family is having a private service for Sally. For those that knew and met mama through the years, Thank You for meaning so much to her. We were the lucky ones. Always in our thoughts and hearts. We love you.