Johnie Rittenberry Skains Kopyar
Johnie Rittenberry Skains Kopyar passed away peacefully on April 08, 2020, at the age of 76 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was compassionate, caring, and generous with her love and her friendship and she will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.
Johnie was born in Nashville, TN on June 18, 1943 to John and Ruth Rittenberry. Johnie graduated from Litton High School in 1962 and joined the U. S. Navy where she met and married Jerry Skains, with whom she had one child. Johnie married Paul Kopyar in 1996 and remained married until her death on April 08, 2020.
Over the course of her life, Johnie served 3 years on active duty in the United States Navy, and 17 years in the Texas ANG as a reserve where she retired. She also worked for the Texas Highway Department, Fisher Valve and was a Treasure and Editor for the British Motorcycle Owners Club of Houston for 7 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Rittenberry.
Johnie is survived by, her husband Paul Kopyar; son, Jerry Skains Jr., wife Cyndi; grandchildren: Samantha James, husband Casey, Jordan Skains, Lauryn Skains and Corwyn Skains; great grandchildren: Alexis, Ryan, Brayden, Thaddeus and Everleigh; and a multitude of friends including three very special friends Sylvia Mulcahy, Margie Medlin and Vera Dean.
Johnie was fun-loving with a zest for life and was always looking for the next adventure with family or friends. She made the best of the bad times and was always there when you needed her. She made the most of the good times celebrating life with everyone around her. She thoroughly enjoyed family functions, playing games, attending concerts, ball games, and traveling. She developed a multitude of friendships across the country in her lifetime. She truly lived by the saying, “never met a stranger.”
There will be a memorial service Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10a.m. in the chapel of Crowder funeral home in Pearland. Entombment of ashes to follow at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, TX at 12:45 p.m.
For those who can not make the serivce and would like to join
Jerry – So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Johnie–we’re going to miss you dearly, especially at the birthday celebrations and watching the ballgames. The Birthday Gang won’t be the same without you. Rest in peace, dear friend.
What a wonderful service. I was so dad would not beable to make it since I was out of town I’m so thankful for this. Johnnie was such an amazing woman and friend I miss her greatly.
So sorry I couldn’t be their Johnie, words can’t express how I feel right now, you were a very special friend and I am going to miss you dearly. We had some great times together. I love you Johnie.
Johnnie was a sweet and fun loving person. She will be missed greatly. I did not see the notice in time to attend the services. She is in a better place today I know. Betty Stoneman