Laren “Larry” Roper, Sr.

Laren “Larry” Alden Roper

June 1, 1939 - Nov. 10, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — Laren “Larry” Alden Roper, Sr., age 82, of McCook, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, at Community Hospital in McCook.

Larry was born June 1, 1939, in Grand Junction, Colo., to parents, Alden H. and Imogene Wilma (Hale) Roper. He was one of two siblings who graduated from high school in Grand Junction with the Class of 1957. While in high school, Larry met the love of his life, Betty Lou (Snook) Roper. The couple wed on Dec. 28, 1958, in Grand Junction and were blessed with three children.

Larry went on to further his education by received his bachelor of arts degree in wildlife management from Colorado State University. He also earned a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Idaho as well as his PhD in counseling from Emmanuel Baptist University in North Carolina.

Larry and Betty felt God’s calling to be missionaries and moved to Copper Center, Alaska, in 1976. They returned to Kremmling, Colo., in 1984 and began Refocus Counseling, a not-for-profit Christian counseling ministry.

Wanting to be closer to their children, Larry and Betty moved to Scottsbluff, Neb., in 1994, where they continued their work in counseling until retirement in 2007. Due to declining health, the couple moved to McCook in 2016 to be near son, Laren.

Larry and Betty attended Grace Chapel, a non-denominational church, while living in Scottsbluff. Larry had a strong love for the Lord, his family and people. He was an avid horseman and hunter.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Betty Roper in 2019.

Those left to celebrate his life include his three children, Laren (Tanya) Roper of McCook, Kristi (Randy) Hughes of Wasilla, Alaska and Celeste (Brad) Avy of Mist, Ore.; sister, Sharon (Dave) Roper-Dashner of Grand Junction; 17 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army, 526 West B Street, McCook, NE 69001.

A memorial service in honor of Larry will take place at a later date in Scottsbluff.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.