Obituary of Zona M. Koopman

Zona M. Koopman, 80, of Ontario died April 24, 2019 after a long illness at home with her loved ones by her side.

Zona was born to Mary and Robert M. Schwartz, in Denver Colorado. She was the little sister to Robert F. Schwartz. The Schwartz family lived in Denver until 1943 when Robert M. joined the Navy and was assigned to the Seabees. The family went to Raton, New Mexico to live with Mary’s parents, Dale and Iva Walker, while Robert M. was overseas. Zona went to Kindergarten and first grade in Raton. When Robert came home, the family lived in Denver on a little truck farm. In 1950 the family left Denver traveling to find work. The family settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico where both Zona’s parents worked for Sandia Laboratories. Zona graduated from Highland High School in 1957. After high school she worked at different jobs for a year then joined the Navy.

While in the Navy, Zona was assigned to several places, Bainbridge, Maryland, Jacksonville, Florida, Pensacola, Florida, and finally Washington, DC. to work at the Naval Photographic Center.

There, Zona met her husband. Andrew Koopman. They married in 1961. Once out of the Navy, Zona and Andy went to LaGrande, OR so Andy could attend college at Eastern Oregon University. Zona worked at a few places in LaGrande while Andy was in school.

Andy graduated in 1965 and they moved to Halfway, OR. where Andy started his career in teaching. Zona became a homemaker after the couple had two boys, Daniel James, and Mark Andrew. Both boys graduated from Pine-Eagle High School. In 2003 Zona and Andy relocated to Ontario, Oregon.

Zona enjoyed many crafts, but she loved oil painting. She has paintings throughout the United States.

She felt blessed with the friendship of many relatives and friends. Zona enjoyed family gatherings. She loved having those she cared for close by. Zona and Andy loved to travel and enjoyed many trips through out the United States, several ocean cruises as wells as trips to Canada, Europe and Australia. They had many adventures and memories of places and the people they met.

Zona is survived by husband Andrew, son Mark and his wife Tonya. Parhez and wife Runa Sattar. Granddaughter Jesica Thomas partner David and Great Granddaughters, Carly Jo and Raelyn. Heidi Lea and son Zach Lea. Jessica, Jason Aurora, Amiyah Mumm. Renae, Terry, Andrew, and Kelsy Weber. Trini Hank. Jackie and Gary Schneider.

Zona was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Mary Schwartz. Son Daniel James. Brother Robert F., and special friend Earl Perry.

Memorial service will be held at the Lienkaemper Chapel in Ontario, OR on Saturday May 18th at 10:30 am, followed by a gathering at the family residence. A graveside service will be in Halfway, OR at a later date.