(From Parker Mortuary)Donna M. Roberts, of Joplin, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 25, 2021. She was 83 years old.
Donna was born at home on June 19, 1938, to the late James and Agnes (Bichsel) Copenhaver in Shelbyville, Missouri. She was raised on the family farm with her three brothers and one sister.
Donna attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Quincy, Illinois, and accepted a position as a Registered Nurse at Boone County Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri.
During her proud tenure as a nurse in Obstetrics, Donna met a medical student who would become the love of her life, Howard Roberts. They married on March 15, 1963, and shared over 58 years, three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild together.
Following an invitation to serve his country and the completion of his training, Donna and Howard settled in Joplin in 1970 where she helped her husband build his practice and raise their family. From Family Dinners, tennis camps with the grandkids, picnics on the hill, and the special birthday “Grandma Days,” Donna made sure everyone knew how much they were loved. Her family was her focus, and she raised her children and grandchildren with a calm and joyful spirit.
Alongside her caring role as a mother and grandmother, Donna was an active member in the community. She was a talented artist and participated in regional shows and workshops. Donna was a founding member of Local Color Art Gallery & Studio where she displayed her watercolor, acrylic, and mixed-media paintings and taught a range of classes. Donna was a member of the MSMA Auxiliary and enjoyed lunches with her circle of friends, “The Geezerettes”. She was also a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin. Together, Donna and Howard participated in several medical missions to Jamaica where they served, loved and shared the Gospel to many. To know Donna was to love her, and she will be greatly missed by all.
Donna is lovingly survived by her husband, Howard: children, Kelly Moreland (Jim), Christopher Roberts (Jeane), and Mysti Murphy (Tim); grandchildren, Alex Moreland (Kristen), Zac Moreland, Blake Roberts (Shelby), Ashley Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Jack Roberts, Caleb Roberts, Claire Murphy, and Malcolm Murphy; great-grandson, Hunter Roberts; siblings, Bill Copenhaver (Sharon), Delores Threlkeld, Stanley Copenhaver (Rene), David Copenhaver (Sally); together with many extended family and friends.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Weidenbenner officiating. Interment will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Bob Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, June 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Morturary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to LifeChoices, Joplin, in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.
Following an invitation to serve his country and the completion of his training, Donna and Howard settled in Joplin in 1970 where she helped her husband build his practice and raise their family. From Family Dinners, tennis camps with the grandkids, picnics on the hill, and the special birthday “Grandma Days,” Donna made sure everyone knew how much they were loved. Her family was her focus, and she raised her children and grandchildren with a calm and joyful spirit.
Alongside her caring role as a mother and grandmother, Donna was an active member in the community. She was a talented artist and participated in regional shows and workshops. Donna was a founding member of Local Color Art Gallery & Studio where she displayed her watercolor, acrylic, and mixed-media paintings and taught a range of classes. Donna was a member of the MSMA Auxiliary and enjoyed lunches with her circle of friends, “The Geezerettes”. She was also a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin. Together, Donna and Howard participated in several medical missions to Jamaica where they served, loved and shared the Gospel to many. To know Donna was to love her, and she will be greatly missed by all.
Donna is lovingly survived by her husband, Howard: children, Kelly Moreland (Jim), Christopher Roberts (Jeane), and Mysti Murphy (Tim); grandchildren, Alex Moreland (Kristen), Zac Moreland, Blake Roberts (Shelby), Ashley Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Jack Roberts, Caleb Roberts, Claire Murphy, and Malcolm Murphy; great-grandson, Hunter Roberts; siblings, Bill Copenhaver (Sharon), Delores Threlkeld, Stanley Copenhaver (Rene), David Copenhaver (Sally); together with many extended family and friends.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Weidenbenner officiating. Interment will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Bob Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, June 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Morturary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to LifeChoices, Joplin, in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.
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