Who are we to question Gods decisions.  Why Angela was chosen is understandable, but why now we will never know.  Angela Huschka Kops, 59 was taken from us Monday, July 17, 2023 in a tragic car accident.

She was born on February 8, 1964 in Miles City, Montana to Pius Pete and Lorraine (Dolajak) Huschka. The family moved to Glendive, Montana later that year.  She was such a sweet but extremely shy youngster and developed her love of reading, jigsaw puzzles, arts and crafts, and playing board games (especially weeks long games of Monopoly) during those early years in life.

After attending Sacred Heart Catholic grade school, Angela graduated from Dawson County High School in 1982. After high school she moved to Helena, later graduating from Montana State University.  She began her career as a Bank Examiner, moved from the Department of Labor to the Department of Insurance where she served as the Deputy Insurance Commissioner, and later as the CFO and CEO of New West Health Services.  She spent some of her most valued years as a teacher at the East Helena High School where she enjoyed not only inspiring young minds but found herself so inspired in return.  Of course, it helped that it gave her even more opportunities to 'amuse' Jaydee as often as possible.

It was during the years with the Department of Insurance and New West Health where she found the loves of her life.  Ken Kops and Angela were married on July 4th, 2009 to officially began their family with Hannah, Bailey, and Jaydee.  They didn't plan on a July 4th wedding, it picked them, but they loved the idea of combining a national holiday with an anniversary because it meant they could celebrate with their families most years.  They built a home and moved to East Helena where they loved celebrating events large and small.  With both Ken and Angela's moms living within walking distance, it wasn't long before this became the gathering place for family get-togethers over holidays and other special occasions.

Angela loved nothing more than spending time with family; whether that was at the farm north of Inverness driving the grain truck and perfecting her crochet techniques during harvest season; taking in all the sites and sounds on the beach at any coast line; decorating and dressing up for every holiday and birthday; or simply singing out loud with everyone in the car and making a Costco trip into a family event.  She loved making her friends and family happy and took great pleasure in gift-giving. The house was overflowing at Christmas time; nothing was too small or insignificant to put a bow on or serve up on the giant kitchen island; and she very quickly adopted the Kops tradition of Christmas stockings.  Which means hand-making them because it's not possible to buy one large enough for all the traditional and completely unconventional or unique stocking stuffers.  Angela didn't hesitate to take on a challenge or try something new.  That could be anything from gardening or rock art to jumping on a plane or in the car for an adventure or deciding to teach high school students to spend more time with Jaydee.  She had an amazing knack for addressing the finer details of anything she set out to do, if Angela was involved in a project, it was certain to be not only completed, but polished with love and a personal touch you likely hadn't even considered.  She would make sure everyone she met was included, and had a smile and laugh that was infectious, which touched those around her.

Of course, the career Angela cherished the most was her job as Mom, Wife, and Step-Mom.  A favorite was shopping of any sort with Hannah and Bailey, but especially Black Friday Shopping.  It seemed most anything she and Ken did together was enjoyable, they even made simply watching Dateline together on the couch look cute.  When Jaydee was young, she began writing him notes for various things and including notes in his school lunch boxes, like many mothers do, but in typical Angela fashion, she's continued that for nearly 18 years leaving volumes of notes all over the house for Jaydee, even if it was just to tell him how much he was loved.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Kops; step-daughters Hannah Kops and Bailey Kops (Lane Grove), and son Jaydee Huschka, all of East Helena; brother Keith Huschka (Teresa Lamphier) of Dickinson, ND; brother-in-law Don Hoffman of Helena and their children Melissa (Louis) Nerey and Brett; sister Karen (LaVaine) Kraft of Billings; brother Gerald (Janine) Huschka of Glendive and their children, Padyn (Brittney), Skylar, and Baylee (Shane) Ware; sister Gina (Jim) Conrad of Highlands Ranch, CO; brother Cory (Ronni) Huschka of Deerfield, WI; sister-in-law Karen (Pat) Wynne of Helena; Sister-in-law Kathy (Ken) Haugen and their children Heather Wendell (Reed Link) and Erik (Kari) Haugen all of Great Falls, as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Family members who previously passed on are her parents, Pete and Lorraine Huschka; sister Geri Hoffman; sister-in-law Andrea Huschka; step-niece, Katy Hoffman; and Ken's parents Melvin and Bonnie Kops.

Angela's love and generosity for others will endure among those who knew and loved her; and as an organ donor she will continue to touch many more.

Memorials may be sent to the East Helena School District (226 East Clinton Street, East Helena, 59635), a cancer awareness organization, or a charity of your choice.

The family's asks that you consider breaking with the subtle and traditional funeral attire for Angela's services.  Her favorite color was purple so bright colors to honor her are welcome.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" ~ By Winnie the Pooh

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Our Lady of the Valley Church, with a reception following at the church. Simple Cremation Montana is assisting the family. Remembrances and condolences may be sent to the family at simplecremationmt.com.