In 1943, they purchased their home on Cuming Street, which is where Wilma resided until her death. Brick worked as an auto mechanic in Fremont. She received recognition as a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church, as did her mother. Wilma was a church school teacher for over thirty years. Wilma kept busy caretaking children at home even into her 70's and many would grow up thinking of her as their "second mom". She also worked the election polls at Grant Elementary School for many years.
Throughout life's difficulties especially in out-living her husband (November 1989), her sons, and many friends, she remained strong in will. Remarkably even to the end, she maintained her desire to live independently and to have things just the way she wanted them.
Survivors include a daughter, Teri Applegate of Seattle, WA; sister, Thelma Evans of Columbus; daughter-in-law Diane Dunton, Climax, NC; Grandchildren: Chuck Copple of Dale, IN; Dan Copple, Sr. of Uehling; Colleen Copple of Council Bluffs; IA; Dennis Copple of Climax, NC; and Dr. Wendy Weber of Seattle, WA. 13 Great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren... And two turtles.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harold "Brick" Copple; her brother Durwood "Dubs" Cameron; and her sons Cameron "Bud" Copple and DeLos "Dee" Copple.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Ron Croom will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 16 from 2-8 p.m. with family from 6:30-8pm at Ludvigsen Mortuary. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery near Ashland.
Memorials have been established for the church, and for the children at the Crisis Center.
Condolences(5)
Daniel B. Schou
St Charles, MO Friday, January 16, 2009 Many of my fondest childhood memories were from the time spent at Wilma's house. She was the best babysitter my sister Elizabeth, brother Jon and I could have asked for. I recall wonderful memories of playing in her sandbox, loving her dogs, turtles and ferrets. I remember the fun we had swimming in her old tin make-shift pool during the summers. I look now at my hectic life in the big city of St. Louis and wax-poetic about the simple life of our childhood. What a wonderful time in all of our lives. It is an easy statement to make how the simple times in a person's life are often the fondest. There are too many memories to count and I am smiling while writing these words. Wilma was a wonderful woman and no doubt a positive influence to all of the lives she touched. She will be dearly missed. We love you Wilma. -Danny Schou.Amy Kaup(Vanshur)
Fremont, NE Friday, January 16, 2009 Wilma babysat me, and I have kept in contact with her ever since. She was able to come to my wedding in 2002, and for that was icing on the cake.She gave me a Christmas ornament, years ago, that means so much to me, and have put it on our tree every year. There are so many great memories that I'll cherish. Wilma was a second mother to me, and for that I'm so blessed.She'll be missed. Love, AmyJanet and Chuck Pliske
Seattle, WA Friday, January 16, 2009 Knowing her only "in spirit," we have been inspired by WIlma's capacity for love and her steadfast desire to live. She does indeed "dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Perhaps death is one step in the dark between two lighted houses. We send her light and love and know that the love she gave 'here' will guide her way 'there.' We send our love and light to her great family at this time of sorrow and loss. - Chuck and Janet Pliske, SeattleCharlene Schou
Fremont, NE Thursday, January 15, 2009 Wilma meant a great deal to me and my children. She helped raise my children. Through he love and attention, she helped develop strong character and values in my three children. My kids, Dan, Beth, and Jon were devoted to Wilma and Brick. My boys live in St. Louis and Beth in Fremont. I called them as soon as I heard about Wilma and they were sad to her of her death. She was always upbeat and ready for the day. She never let us know when she was not feeling well as she had an important job to do, raise children. She did her job well. Wilma is a second mom to me and was my mother's (Dorothy Greenfield) best friend. I grew up knowing and loving her. Wilma came to my 50th birthday party a few years ago and I was thrilled to have her here. She still had that great spirit and a zest for life. Wilma was a saint and will be missed. Charlene (Greenfield) SchouNancy Boyles
Fremont, Ne Thursday, January 15, 2009 I was very sorry to hear about Wilma's passing. She was a remarkable woman and I for one will miss her dearly. She used to go with Sherry & I to visit our mothers in Wahoo and both my mother and Vi always loved having her there. I loved to listen to all the stories she told us about her life. She really did have a good, interesting life. My sympathies to the family and her many friends for her loss. God Bless You.