Michelle Roper

Michelle Roper

Cedar Rapids

Michelle Roper, 60, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in the comfort of home surrounded by her father, sister, daughter, grandchildren and two special dog companions, Cookie and Juice. The family will greet friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Private burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Michelle was born April 19, 1962, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the first born child of Ronald and Darlene Blakey. Soon after fulfilling the requirements of her high school education, she married Greg Roper, whom she later divorced.

Michelle was diagnosed as having Schizophrenia in her early 30s. This diagnosis impacted her relationship with her family, friends and unfortunately did not allow society to celebrate all that she had to offer. The people in her life were forced to mourn her loss before she was gone, and although there were barriers, her family always advocated for her quality of life.

Michelle was often remembered for her beauty and lovely smile, calm reserve and quick wit, along with her love of animals and family. She enjoyed listening to music and watching movies. She loved cracking jokes with her granddaughters, Natalie and Valerie, and you could always count her to ask for a soda or a slice of chocolate pie. Her only child, Ashley was her primary caregiver for the past decade and shared a special bond that only a mother and daughter could.

Michelle is survived by her father, Ronald Blakey of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Marcy Blakey of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Ashley Turner of Cedar Rapids; two granddaughters, Natalie and Valerie Turner, both of Cedar Rapids; two special dog companions, Cookie and Juice; and a host of cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Darlene Blakey.

The family would like to use this space to encourage People of Color to advocate for mental health services and treatment and support loved ones as they face certain adversities and diagnoses. Although Michelle faced certain hardships, her family remained on her side until the very end to ensure she had autonomy over self and support her in the best ways possible. Michelle will be missed in many ways.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to her daughter and family, 1105 33rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Please share a memory of Michelle at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.