Lois D. Copeland
Lois Dean (nee Blankenship) Copeland, 88, of Gerald, MO, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 12, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Lois was the oldest of Alva & Elsie (Strothkamp) Blankenship’s children, born May 21, 1933. She was raised in Strain Japan, where she attended Holy Martyrs Catholic School and later graduated from Sullivan High School, class of 1951. In May 1953, she was united in marriage to Richard (Gene) Copeland. The two resided in Gerald, MO, and had four children: Debbie, Diane, Randy & Roger. The pair later divorced.
Lois was a dedicated mother and grandmother. Her children, and especially her grandchildren, were her main priority in life. She was a very hard worker, working for Ramsey/Dana Corp. until the age of 76. She was a devoted Catholic, attending Holy Martyrs from childhood. Lois was a wonderful cook & enjoyed cooking for her family. She was the matriarch of her family & will be deeply missed.
Lois is survived by her two sons, Randy Copeland of Austin, TX & Roger Copeland & wife Donna of Gerald, MO; eight grandchildren: Scott Baumbach and wife Taylor of Villa Ridge, MO, Jeremy Copeland and wife Mandy of Sullivan, MO, Brandy Bruning and husband Wesley of Sullivan, MO, Kristi Board and special friend, Erik Proug of House Springs, MO, Chase Copeland, Emily Copeland, both of Gerald, MO, Dustin Ross & Carly Brown, both of Gerald, MO; eight great-grandchildren: Haley, Hunter, Konner, Sophie, Aviana, Bentley, Timothy & Caroline; twelve brothers & sisters: Edgar and Goldeen Blankenship of Bland, MO, Lana & Danny Gauer of Sullivan, MO, Rich & Donna Blankenship of Steelville, MO, Janet & Mike Terris of St. Charles, MO, Lorene & Mike Ransom of Cuba, MO, Shirl & Jerry Burchum of Sullivan, MO, Lisa & Tony Caltry of Sullivan, MO, Linda & Mark Heuer of Cuba, MO, Carol Schlueter of Bourbon, MO, Rod & Rita Blankenship of Sullivan, MO, Joan & Ronnie Strothcamp of Zalma, MO, & Jack & Betty Blankenship of Sullivan, MO; sister-in-law, Shirley Blankenship of Spring Bluff, MO; & many nieces & nephews, other extended relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Debra and Diane Copeland; her parents, Alva & Elsie Blankenship; one sister, Mary Theresa; & two brothers, Charles Blankenship and Earl Blankenship and his wife, Linda.
A private visitation, for family only, was from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Eaton Funeral Home.
A private graveside service, for family only, was 11 a.m., Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Holy Martyrs Cemetery in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions in Lois’ memory may be made to Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church.
Friends may send online condolences to Lois’ family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Sullivan.