Betty Joyce (Glass) Cooper Ritchey

Betty Joyce Cooper Ritchey, age 86, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Blodgett Hospital, Grand Rapids. She was born on March 9, 1940, in Phoenix, Arizona, to the late Everett and Opal (Churchill) Glass.

Betty married George Kapinos on August 18, 1960. He preceded her in death on March 25, 1964. She was married to Wyatt Clarke Cooper for a time, and later, married Robert Ritchey on July 11, 1987. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1992. She then reunited with Wyatt Clarke Cooper in 2005, and they were married on December 10, 2005, until his passing on June 26, 2020.

Betty graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix and went on to attend Alderson-Broaddus College from 1982 to 1986, earning her master's degree in physician assistant studies. She worked in numerous settings as a Physician's Assistant for 20 plus years and had 20 years' experience in accounting and office management, working for four years at the Baha'i World Center in Haifa, Israel, and owning her own accounting business as well.

Betty loved nature, reading National Geographic Magazine, knitting, and crossword puzzles. She was of the Baha'i faith, and was always active in the Baha'i community, no matter where she lived. She most recently was part of the local spiritual assembly of the Bahá'ís of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Betty will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Monica Cooper of Phoenix, AZ; her step-children: Cindy Coronelli, Cathy Cummings, and Clarke Cooper; her six beloved grandchildren: Jenny and Ricky Coronelli, Aaron and Lizz Cooper, Jake and Ally Cummings; as well as her nephew, Chris Cooper, who took care of her for many years. She will also be missed by her Michigan family, including cousins in the Fruitport area.

A Graveside Service for Betty will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Nunica Cemetery.

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