Rose Marie Copher, 88, made her transition on March 19, 2020 while a patient at Freeman’s Hospital in Joplin. She had a heart condition and suffered complications after a recent fall and a bout with the flu.
Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband Ray Copher by 20 years. While together they owned and operated several businesses in Joplin, including Frosty’s Restaurant &Tavern at 9th and Main for 29 years.
She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church in Joplin, and participated in many service groups over the years including the Fraternal Order of Eagles. She has worked in hospice care, made lap blankets for people in nursing homes and delivered Meals on Wheels, always helping others in need.
Rose was one of the twelve children of Elza and Nettie Cutsinger and lived her entire life in Joplin except for the two years she spent in Portland, OR after her husband’s death.
She is survived by one son Patrick Copher of Burlingame, KS and two sisters, Vera Presley of Phoenix, AZ and Verla Ann Willbanks (Jack) of Vancouver, WA. Nine of her eleven siblings have passed on.
She also leaves behind granddaughter Melissa and great granddaughter Katie as well as three other granddaughters: Stacey Thompson and Stephannie Allen of Huntsville, TX and Sherrie Smith of Georgetown, TX. Great grandson Austin lives with his mom Stacey Thompson in Huntsville, TX.
She was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews that include: Julia Sparlin (Mark), Ronald Cusick, Tammy Surgi (David), all of Joplin, and Michael Fellwock (Betsy), of Tulsa, OK. Others include Terry Presley of Phoenix, AZ, Barbara Patton Unger (Charlie), Rex Patton, and Linda Patton of Pasadena, CA, Dan Patton of New Egypt, NJ, Wayne Patton, Teresa Patton, Becky MacFarlane and Richard MacFarlane of Oregon and Anthony Willbanks (Sarah), Tim Willbanks, Andrew Willbanks, and Regina Willbanks (Eric) of Washington state. Arizona nephews include Virgil Smith, Raymond Smith and Jimmy Smith. Two other nephews Kerry Presley of Phoenix, AZ and Benny Patton of Portland, OR predeceased her.
At last count, great nieces and nephews number about 25 and 18 great-great nieces and nephews.
Rose is remembered with love and appreciation for being someone who always showed up for family and neighbors, her personality displaying spunk and her character compassion. She was a loving sister, devoted wife, mother and daughter, and a fun aunt who shared adventures. She had a strong faith in God combined with an excellent work ethic which began at age 12 when she worked at a corner café with her sister Verna. Rose enjoyed dancing with her late husband Ray Copher at their Eagles Lodge social gatherings. She also had a passion for gardening and delighted in her spring and summer blooms.
A memorial will be announced later.
She also leaves behind granddaughter Melissa and great granddaughter Katie as well as three other granddaughters: Stacey Thompson and Stephannie Allen of Huntsville, TX and Sherrie Smith of Georgetown, TX. Great grandson Austin lives with his mom Stacey Thompson in Huntsville, TX.
She was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews that include: Julia Sparlin (Mark), Ronald Cusick, Tammy Surgi (David), all of Joplin, and Michael Fellwock (Betsy), of Tulsa, OK. Others include Terry Presley of Phoenix, AZ, Barbara Patton Unger (Charlie), Rex Patton, and Linda Patton of Pasadena, CA, Dan Patton of New Egypt, NJ, Wayne Patton, Teresa Patton, Becky MacFarlane and Richard MacFarlane of Oregon and Anthony Willbanks (Sarah), Tim Willbanks, Andrew Willbanks, and Regina Willbanks (Eric) of Washington state. Arizona nephews include Virgil Smith, Raymond Smith and Jimmy Smith. Two other nephews Kerry Presley of Phoenix, AZ and Benny Patton of Portland, OR predeceased her.
At last count, great nieces and nephews number about 25 and 18 great-great nieces and nephews.
Rose is remembered with love and appreciation for being someone who always showed up for family and neighbors, her personality displaying spunk and her character compassion. She was a loving sister, devoted wife, mother and daughter, and a fun aunt who shared adventures. She had a strong faith in God combined with an excellent work ethic which began at age 12 when she worked at a corner café with her sister Verna. Rose enjoyed dancing with her late husband Ray Copher at their Eagles Lodge social gatherings. She also had a passion for gardening and delighted in her spring and summer blooms.
A memorial will be announced later.
No comments:
Post a Comment