Katie Lynn Copenhaver
Katie Lynn (Murphy) Copenhaver, 44, of Muskegon, formerly of Ludington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday. November 27, 2025, due to complications from blood clots following a recent foot surgery. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who loved her.
Born on April 23, 1981, in Ludington, Katie was the first daughter of Thomas and Beverly Murphy. She grew up near Lincoln Lake and Cartier Park, spending her childhood riding bikes around the Rath Avenue subdivision with her sisters and the neighborhood kids. She was a 1999 graduate of Ludington High School.
After high school, Katie moved to the Muskegon area, where she worked as a service coordinator at Meijer before marrying her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Copenhaver, on October 24, 2004. Together they built a beautiful life and welcomed two handsome sons: Colin Allan James in April 2006 and Liam Benjamin in February 2008. Katie’s boys were her pride and joy, her purpose, and the center of every choice she made. Family was always first.
Katie later worked as a customer service representative at Muskegon Governmental Federal Credit Union before dedicating herself to childcare and, most recently, serving as a paraprofessional at Reeths-Puffer Intermediate School. She was a natural with children—patient, playful, and endlessly kind. When time allowed, she also loved working part time on the Tacos De Michoacan food truck; serving great food, meeting people, and bringing her vibrant spirit wherever she went.
A true people person, Katie lit up every room she entered. She had a heart of gold, a fabulous (sometimes delightfully snarky) sense of humor, and a laugh that could fill a room and lift any spirit. She loved butterflies, taking pictures to capture memories, sunflowers, anything sweet, and her newest addition to the family, her puppy Winnie, who brought her so much joy. She was full of life and energy, always ready to lend a hand, organize a gathering, or bring people together. She thought of everything and made sure each person felt special when she was around. She was the glue of her family; its planner, cheerleader, and brightest light.
Whether she was catching a Lake Michigan sunset, dancing like no one was watching, tending to the hydrangeas in her yard, or simply sitting around with her family, Katie lived life with enthusiasm. Her calendar was always full of fun; from bowling league to TeeTee Sleepovers, from BIB weekends at Pettibone Lake to cruising the Caribbean with Ben and her best friends. She will forever be missed.
Katie is survived by her loving husband, Ben Copenhaver, and their sons Colin and Liam, all of Muskegon; her parents, Thomas and Beverly Murphy of Ludington; her sisters, Kelly (Trent) Meyering of West Bloomfield and Kimberly (Taylor Bradley) Murphy of Rockford; her father- and mother-in-law, Allan and Helen Copenhaver of Whitehall; her sister-in-law, Aimee Zweigle of Whitehall; and her brother-in-law, Peter (Melissa) Copenhaver of Marquette. She is also survived by her cherished nieces and nephews: Zachary and Ian (Tayler) Zweigle, Kaija Copenhaver, and Jasper and Eve Meyering; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She will also be deeply missed by her closest friends: Mike Battle, Heather Boeskool, Jammie Cook, and Sheila Oplinger.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Frank and Betty Rutowski; her paternal grandparents, Angus and Frances Murphy; her step-grandmother, Mary Jane Murphy; her uncles, Gordon Rutowski, Jerry Grabowski, and Patrick W. Murphy; her step-aunt, Judy Loehr, her cousin, Jamie Grabowski; and her beloved black chihuahua, Cholo.
Katie’s love, laughter, and light will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her spirit will forever live on in her family, her friends, and the countless lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Katie’s children, Colin and Liam Copenhaver.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.
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