Obituary: Ropp

A graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Community Cemetery in Cornelius, North Carolina on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm for Harolyn (Treadwell) Ropp, who died early Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Harolyn was born June 26, 1945, to the late Harold and Nina (Hume Rasner) Treadwell. Harolyn was born in Chicago, IL, then moved to Fairbury, IL when she was 9 years old. She went on to graduate High School in 1962 and then Illinois State University with a degree in Home Economics Education in 1966 and then Masters in Guidance Counseling. She married James O. Ropp on June 19, 1966, originally from Gibson City, IL who died on May 11, 2013.

Soon after the start of their marriage, Harolyn began teaching Home Economics. In later years, she became an editor of a newspaper called, The Record. This editorial experience then led her to Computer Programming at the company, Blackdot. She had a love for computers which led her to teach computer programs at Catapult.

Once James retired from teaching, they moved to Friendsville, TN. They had 13 years there enjoying lake life. Harolyn often said her heart was in Tennessee.One of her life passions was the further education of women and their right to vote. She was involved in AAUW where she was president both in Illinois and Tennessee for a time. She would often share how she enjoyed running and organizing the “Sister to Sister Summit”. This was an event that would help teach teenage girls education, values, and a strong work ethic.

What stands out most of all about Harolyn is her love for others, especially family. In her younger years she enjoyed her friend group the “Georgia Peaches”. All her life she loved being with family, either enjoying a meal, an outing or playing cards.

Survivors include one sister, Janice Meiss (Curtis) of Fairbury; one son, Doug Ropp of Burlington; one daughter, Christina Lynn Dowell (Rob) of Mebane; two granddaughters, Kayla and Annabelle Dowell. Extended family include nephews, Ken Meiss (Marli), Roger Cramer (Kris), and Jim Cramer (Liz); nieces, Traci Daimid (Scott) and Marie Cramer; great nieces, Elsa McCartney (Curran), Emma and Tessa Meiss, Adelyn and Katelyn Daimid, Cassie Becker (Nathan) and great-nephew, Keifer Cramer (Jody).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alamance Christian School in Graham, NC either for student scholarships or to support their teachers. These donations may be mailed to Alamance Christian School, 1336 Town Branch Road, Graham, NC 27253.