Cynthia Jane Ball Cope's Obituary
Cynthia Jane Ball Cope (Cindi) passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, with her daughter at her side. Cindi was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 10, 1953, to Stan and Jane Ball. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska with her mother and two brothers, Don and Roger. She earned a degree in Psychology from Hastings College and a Master’s in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.
In 1976, Cindi married Don Cope, and together they moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they raised their two children, Jeff and Melissa.
Over the years, Cindi wore many different hats. She held a private pilot’s license and was the former president of the Wisconsin chapter of the 99s, a group dedicated to supporting & inspiring female pilots. She later founded and ran her own recruiting business before becoming deeply involved in her children’s schools as well as bettering the Northwest Arkansas Community.
Cindi’s passion fully blossomed through her environmental work. She was a Master Gardener, fierce recycling advocate, and a constant champion for the planet. Her Fayetteville yard was filled with beauty—unique lilies, pollinator plants, and monarch butterflies. Her commitment to conservation and sustainability was recognized in 2009 as Arkansas Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year.
She was instrumental in launching the Community Habitat Wildlife Project and was a founding force behind the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, where she served on the board and helped design the Children’s Garden. She also chaired Fayetteville in Bloom for many years, leading the city to national awards through America in Bloom, where she also served as a judge.
Cindi was also a tremendous philanthropist. She was well known for donating her time to educate others on how everyone could positively impact the local ecosystem.
Cindi is survived by her daughter-in-law and son, Vanessa and Jeff Cope of Stamford, CT; her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Cope and Jeff Wilson of Wheat Ridge, CO; her brothers, Don and Roger Ball, and sister-in-law Gail Ball, all of Omaha, NE; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, from 1–3 p.m. at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (4703 N. Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR). Arrangements are under the care of Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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