Stella Mae Copeland

Today we say farewell to Stella Mae Copeland, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was born August 25, 1942 in Ogden, Utah, the daughter of Evertt Eugene Gardner and Betty Viola Sickler.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Wilson Copeland, sons, Wilson E. Copeland, Randall G. Copeland, daughters, Rebecca L. Stockett, Dona R. Wohlfield, brother, Sidney Gardner, sister, Rayanne Archer, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Gardner.

Stella and Wilson were high school sweethearts for 3 years before getting married in 1959. Soon after Wilson joined the Navy and Stella stayed busy raising 3 children on her own until Wilson retired from the Navy after she gave birth to their youngest daughter. Stella was extremely proud to be a Vietnam Veterans wife.

Stella continued to raise their 4 children and support Wilson in his mining career by following him to a number of different towns and states.

Stella’s greatest passion was animals, especially dogs. Her hobbies included racing drag cars (she loved being THE crew chief for Wilson’s race team), riding dirt bikes, camping, fishing, reading, sewing, drawing and dancing. She graduated from college with a degree in Middle Eastern dance; went on to become a professional dancer with a belly dance troupe and then taught dance to college students.

Stella didn’t need a bucket list because she lived life to the fullest.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Springerville building, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the Springerville Cemetery.