Bettie R. Copeland

Bettie R. Copeland, 92, born September 25, 1930, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Tel-Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, PA. She was the widow of the late Donald C. Copeland, Sr. who died in 1987. They shared 37 years of marriage together. Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late Parke Rife and Dorothea Slaymaker Rife.

Bettie was an area resident most of her life, being a 1949 graduate of the former Scott High School in Coatesville. She married her high school sweetheart and cherished being a stay-at-home mom.  In later years she focused on grandparenting many children, her own and others.

Bettie never learned to swim but loved being around water and the beach.  While living in Ocean City, NJ, she attended Chapel By The Sea church.  Daily Bible reading, unceasing prayer for family and others, and generous giving were her lifestyle.

She is survived by two sons; Donald C. Copeland, Jr. and wife Carol of Palm City, Florida, and Jay W. Copeland of Coatesville, daughter-in-law Denyce Nafziger Tober of Parkesburg, eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by one son Bruce A. Copeland.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 549 Swan Road, Atglen, PA 19310 followed by a luncheon of her favorite foods.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolence can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com