Julie Katherine Koppes, 69

Julie Katherine Koppes, 69, of Hampton, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023, at her home. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Counsell Woodley Funeral Home in Hampton, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 p.m., at Maynes Grove Cemetery, 1341 90th Street, Hampton, Iowa. Counsell Woodley Funeral Home of Hampton is caring for Julie and her family.

Julie was born May 13, 1953, in Hampton, daughter of Herbert and Harriet (Ward) Walker. She graduated from Hampton High School, class of 1971. Julie was united in marriage to Steve Koppes. They later divorced. To this union one daughter was born, Melanie Jill (Koppes) Harrison.

Julie worked for many years at the local newspaper in Hampton. She made some long lasting friendships there. Later on she worked at a publisher in Belmond and eventually retired from there.

Julie and Randy Chaney have known each other since childhood and they have lived together for 34 happy years. They went on some notable adventures together; most memorable was a cruise to Cozumel Mexico, a trip to Yellow Stone, and most recently a trip to Savannah, Georgia. Savannah, Georgia was special to her, because her parents were married there, and her dad was stationed there for part of WWII. She considered Randy's children and grandchildren part of the family and enjoyed get-togethers around Christmas and other important occasions with them.

Julie enjoyed refurbishing and collecting antiques, flea markets, country music and bird watching. There were always tons of goldfinch and orioles at the feeders outside the kitchen window. She had a garden every year and enjoyed tending to it and canning. Her most joyful times were spent with her grandson Evan & daughter Mel. She liked taking Evan to the Franklin County Fair and parade or just for a walk around the neighborhood; anything to spend time with him. Julie had many neighbors that she was close to, especially the Kew family next door. She was proud to be "grand neighbor" to the Kew grandchildren & enjoyed visiting with Jon and Joni when she could.

Julie is survived by her fiancé Randy Chaney of Hampton; daughter Melanie (Keith) Harrison of Ackley; grandson Evan Harrison of Ackley; sister Toni Walker of Latimer; niece Dolly (Ryan) Meyer of Latimer; nephew Mark Pralle of Latimer; great-nieces Jordan and Jaida Meyer of Latimer; along with many cousins; Randy's children: Mike (Jamie) Chaney of Popejoy, Travis Chaney of Hampton and Teresa (Matt) Barnes of Ackley; Randy’s grandchildren: Alex, Brendan, Cory & Austin Chaney, Emily & Caleb Chaney and Dillon & Alicia Barnes. She was preceded in death by her parents.