Norma Copeland 1924-2013
Norma “Jean” Copeland died March 13, 2013, at Kansas University Medical Center. She was born Dec. 30, 1924, in Coffeyville to Earl R. and Dollie M. (Young) Ford. On Jan. 10, 1942, she married James Franklin Copeland. He preceeded her in death Oct. 28, 1986. Her parents and sister, Peggy Swanson, also preceeded her in death.
She was a member of Mullinville U.M. Church in Mullinville, and Trinity U.M. Church in Salina. She lived in several Kansas towns as a young girl, as her father was a minister in the United Brethren conference: Kimball, Fort Scott, Wichita West Side and then Mullinville, where she met Frank. Together they raised their family of three sons and three daughters on the family farm that Frank’s parents built and raised their family.
Jean worked as a secretary and bus driver for Mullinville Grade School, as bookkeeper for Greensburg Equipment and Hildinger Lumber in Greensburg, and lastly as bookkeeper for her son Rod at his optometric practice in Dodge City. Jean was an office volunteer for Hospice of Salina.
She is survived by her children: Vic (Joyce) Copeland, of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Greg (Karen) Copeland, of Sylvan Grove, Linda (Gregg) Gilmer, of Salina, Kathy (Tom) Stickney, of Olathe, Nancy (Donovan) Lee, of Lawrence, Rod (Patti) Copeland, of Dodge City; and her beloved 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to honor Jean’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Salina.
Private family graveside ceremony on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Mullinville.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Mullinville U.M. Church or Trinity U.M. Church, Salina, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street, Salina 67401.