Eleanor Jean Kops

1928 - 2024

Eleanor Jean Kops

January 25, 1928 - November 17, 2024

Eleanor "Jean" Mabie Kops created joy wherever she went. Jean passed away as the sun rose on November 17, 2024, surrounded by family members and an infinite amount of love.

Eleanor Jean Mabie was born to James and Hazel (Hotchkiss) Mabie January 25, 1928. She attended elementary school in Bassett and then went on to Rock County High School where she met the love of her life, Lyle Kops.

Jean went on to attend the University of Nebraska - Lincoln for 2 years. She returned to Bassett and was united in marriage to Lyle Kops on October 17, 1948. They raised their five daughters on their ranch south of Bassett and lived happily there for 57 years.

A dedicated wife and mother, Jean cherished time with family above all else. She spent her daughters' younger years guiding them through their many activities, including 4-H where she passed on her excellent skills of sewing and cooking (to some more than others). Jean was passionate about music, serving as a piano instructor to each of her girls, instilling a love of music in them as well. She continued to play beautiful music even into her nineties. The family loved playing games, especially card games, something Lyle and Jean always enjoyed doing with friends as well.

She was actively involved in Eastern Star for over 75 years, and recently received the Order of Eastern Star Imhoff Award for the member with the longest period of membership in good standing in Nebraska.

Following Lyle's passing, Jean moved to Lincoln to fulfill a lifelong goal of completing her degree. She graduated from the UNL in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts. Her lifelong love of learning and eternal curiosity continued even after she graduated. She lived on her own in her home in Lincoln through her final years, soaking up every minute of life, recognizable by her purple shock of hair. She spent time with friends and family, traveling, trying new hobbies, playing games, and of course, shopping.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Lyle; parents James and Hazel Mabie; brothers, Ted and Jim Mabie; sisters-in-laws Fran Mabie, Charlotte Mabie, and Doris Nutgrass; brother-in-law Tom Nutgrass; and grandson, Jason Lauer.

Jean's light lives on through her family and many friends who loved her. Daughters Patty and Rick Collura of Ashland, NE; Barb and Bill Merritt of Omaha, NE; Cathy and Ron Rasmussen of Elgin, Illinois; Carol and Mike Nygren of Newhall, CA; Cheryl and Jay Wagoner of Dragoon, AZ; 11 grandchildren (plus 10 grand spouses she considered her own), 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 4 step-grandchildren (plus 4 step-grand spouses), and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

She was an inspiration to many, a friend to all.

Services are planned for the weekend of January 25, 2025 in Lincoln, NE. An additional open house celebration of Jean will be held at Hidden Paradise in Long Pine, NE on Memorial Weekend 2025. Details for both will be shared at a future date.