Claudia Ruth Colpoys-McEwen

Claudia Ruth Colpoys-McEwen, age 72, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born on February 17, 1954, in Niagara Falls, New York to Helen and Duane Colpoys. In 1964, Claudia moved with her family to Whitehall, Michigan, where she built lifelong friendships and deep community roots. In 1965, she met her dearest friend, Mary Atkinson Dobbins, beginning a bond that would last a lifetime. Though Mary relocated to Florida in the early 1980s and preceded Claudia in death in 2023, their friendship remained strong and steadfast through the years. Claudia graduated from Whitehall High School in 1972. Fiercely strong and independent from a young age, she became deeply involved in horseback riding during her middle and high school years. Claudia famously broke a horse that no one else had been able to ride — and then persuaded her parents to buy it. She competed in riding competitions, earning many trophies, and spent countless hours working at the stable where the horses were housed. Those formative years shaped the resilience and determination that defined her life. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Michigan State University in 1976 and later completed her Master of Social Work degree in 1995 at Grand Valley State University. A licensed social worker, Claudia dedicated her professional life to serving others with compassion and integrity. She spent 15 years with the State of Michigan as a Social Services Specialist and also worked with the Children’s Law Center, White Lake Area Community Education, Hackley Hospital, Every Woman’s Place, and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. She also served as an instructor in the Human Services program at Baker College, mentoring and preparing future professionals in a field she cared deeply about. After a decade together, Claudia married her beloved husband, Charles McEwen, in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 8, 2000. Together they enjoyed traveling, visiting friends, attending the sporting events of their grandchildren, and spoiling their beloved fur babies. After Charles became paralyzed, Claudia became his full-time caregiver, caring for him with unwavering devotion and strength until his passing in 2006. Her steadfast commitment during that time reflected the depth of her love and the courage that defined her character. Claudia is preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Claudia is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Colpoys of San Francisco, California, and Rosemary Drury of Melbourne, Florida; her nieces, Maggie Colpoys of Vero Beach, Florida and Erinn Drury of Nashville, Tennessee; her nephew, Alex (Anna) Drury of Nashville, Tennessee; and her brother-in-law Lester McEwen along with his wife, Darla, with whom she enjoyed spending time. Clinton “Bumpy” Anderson and his wife, Karen, were dear friends whose companionship, laughter, and steadfast support meant so much to Claudia and Charles throughout the years. Claudia shared a very special bond with her sister-in-law, Mary Greer, cherishing their many adventures together. She was a proud and devoted supporter of her stepson, Charles “Sparky” (Christie) McEwen Jr., faithfully following his football career as both a player and coach. She is also survived by her stepchildren Kwan (Shawn) McEwen Rosser, Laton Allaway, Marcus Bufkin, and Myama Boone; her Godson, Jordan Carter; her Goddaughter, Jasmine Cloud; and many other relatives and dear friends whose lives she touched. Claudia was a devoted supporter of the Michigan State Spartans and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. An avid gardener, she was known for her beautiful flowers and carefully tended gardens and beds of flowers. She deeply loved her cats and dogs, who brought her immense joy throughout her life. Claudia will forever be remembered for her fierce independence, compassionate heart, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She leaves a legacy of strength, service, and steadfast love which will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.