Yvonne Cope

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Yvonne Irene Cope, age 82, of Joplin, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Cope, daughter of the late Vernold and Ella (Godlove) Peterson, was born on October 19, 1937 in Salina, KS. She grew up and received her education in Salina graduating with the Class of 1955. Soon after she moved to Minnesota for schooling as an Airline Ticket Agent.

She soon returned to Kansas where she was united in marriage to Claudius Cope, on February 10, 1957 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2009. She was employed as a customer service representative for Cabela’s and a clerk for probation offices before she and Claudius relocated to Joplin to make their home. 

During their time in Joplin, they owned and operated Cope Auction Services. Yvonne was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star receiving her fifty year pin from Emporia Miriam Chapter. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include one son, Steven Cope, and his wife, Jeri, of Joplin; two daughters, Brenda Valentine, and her husband, Lee, of Peculiar, and Tracey Elsten, and her husband, Jay, of Joplin; seven grandchildren, John Valentine, and his wife, Brandy, Chris Valentine, and his wife, Christina, Paul Cope, and his wife, Jody, Stefanie Cope, and her fiancé, Cole Munson, Anna Lee Branner, and her husband, Joe, Tristan Elsten, and Carissa Elsten; three great-grandchildren, Cort Jackson Cope, Carson Allen Valentine, and Jocelyn Munson, with an additional great-grandchild due in December.

Please Note****Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory is committed to the health and safety of the families we serve with compassion and utmost care. We are following the guidelines and protocols provided to funeral homes and funeral directors by the CDC and NFDA during the Covid-19 epidemic. These are challenging times, and we assure you that your family and friends are very important to us.

The service will be available to view via live stream at www.masonwoodard.com at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Yvonne will lie in state from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. However, to abide by the mandates from the CDC and the State of Missouri only ten people are allowed in our facility at one time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Kansas Cancer Center and may be entrusted to the mortuary. The family would like to give a special thank you to Deanna, Stephanie, and all of the Integrity Hospice Staff.