Loretta Faye (Westerman) Cope, age 77, of Bellflower, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, with her family by her side.
Faye was born on May 13, 1948, in Mexico (Audrain County) and later made Columbia her home. She retired after a 35-year career with MFA. She was known for her strong faith, her kind spirit, sassy attitude and her unwavering dedication to family and community.
In 1970, Faye married the love of her life, Don Cope. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage, raising a family grounded in love, hard work and compassion. Faye was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend who took joy in the simple pleasures of life – time spent with loved ones, working hard, baking, crafting, sewing and offering a helping hand to anyone in need.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Don Cope of St. Louis; their children, Kelly (Rene’) Cope and Michelle (Kris) Nolph; their beloved grandchildren, Christian (Jessica), Tory (Elise), Austin (Tabitha), Madison (Thomas) and Ian (Emily); great-grandchildren; Calvin, Bohannan and Ellie. She also has many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Amanda Westerman, along with Richard, Bonnie and Paula.
Faye was a member of Missouri United Methodist Church and lived out her faith daily through acts of service, kind words, an open heart and her love of young children. She enjoyed baking, crafting, sewing, bowling and golfing. Her strong spirit was always present at Columbia College, University of Missouri athletics and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. Annually, she showed her passion for bowling with her unwavering volunteerism as the Show-Me State Games Commissioner of Bowling for over four decades. She was also inducted into the Columbia Bowling Hall of Fame in 2001.
To celebrate Faye’s life, a visitation will begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The visitation will be held at Missouri United Methodist Church; 204 South Ninth Street in Columbia. The service will begin at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Columbia Youth Bowling League in care of Linda Creason, 4810 N Griffitts Ln., Columbia, MO 65202, in honor of Faye’s generous heart.
Faye's legacy is one of strength, deep love, and a life well-lived. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always by her beloved family and friends.
Live big, love bigger, pray more…
Live like Faye!
