Obituaries

Cecelia Ann Cooper, best known as “Sally,” age 88, of Dafter, Michigan, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones as the angels took her to heaven on July 13, 2026. She was born on March 24, 1938, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to John and June Hieftje.

Sally grew up with her two younger brothers, David and John Hieftje. She was known for her kindness to others and her faith in the Lord. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years to all ages and in multiple churches. She moved to Alcona County in the 70’s and ran a fruit Market and then work for the state in AIS homes as a manger and in 1985 started Cooper’s Adult Foster Care Home in Mikado. She attended church every Sunday at the Solid Rock Church of God, and was the bookkeeper for many years. As Sally’s parents aged, she sold the care home and moved her parents from Traverse City to Oscoda where she served as their full-time, live in caretaker. After her parents passed, Sally enjoyed traveling, her many crafting hobbies, and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. As she grew older and her own health declined, her three daughters and their spouses helped to care for her.

Sally is survived by her younger brothers, David (Lana) Hieftje and John (Kathryn Goodson) Hieftje; eldest daughter, Laurie (David) Eller; twin daughters, Suzanne (John Wernet) Morisse and Kathleen (Tom Pyle) Kutas; grandchildren, David, Johnny, Phillip, Kristy, Misty, and Ashley; along with her seven great-grandchildren.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, John and June.

Sally is deeply missed by those who love her, but we know that even though she is no longer an angel on earth, she will forever be our guardian angel in heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held in October at New Amsterdam Village Condos, in Jenison, Michigan. If interested in attending, please contact Sue at 906-440-0215.

Donations in Sally’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.