Geri (Ridens) Copeland's Obituary
Geri Elynn Copeland, the daughter of George and Joyce (Douglas) Ridens, was born October 3, 1959 in Mtn. Grove, Missouri and departed this life Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Cox Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri after a two year battle with cancer at the age of fifty years, six months and seven days.
She was preceded by a son, Duane Copeland; grandparents, Archie and Geneva (Kelly) Douglas and Oscar & Rosa (Fagan) Ridens. Elynn is survived by a son, Douglas Copeland and his wife, Jamie; a grandson, Gavin Duane Matthew Copeland of Lees Summit, Missouri; her parents, George and Joyce Ridens of Norwood, Missouri; a sister, Elaine Dugger and her husband Randy of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; two brothers, George Ridens, Jr. and his wife, Sheryl of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Gary Ridens and his wife Geraldine of Newport, Tennessee as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Elynn was the Valedictorian in the Norwood High School graduating class of 1977 and later graduated received an associates degree from S.M.S in Springfield. She made a career as a floral designer in Raytown, Missouri where she worked at Licatas for eighteen years. She earned an A.I.F.D. designation and was the past president of the Missouri Telefloral Association. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, collecting lighthouses and at Christmas she would be in demand to decorate homes for the holidays. Elynn was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and niece and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will cherish the many wonderful memories.
Services will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 13, 2010 in Holman-Howe Chapel in Mansfield, MO with burial to follow in the Thomas Cemetery near Norwood, MO.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Hospital or the Duane Copeland Scholarship Fund and made through Holman-Howe Funeral Home, P.O.box 199 Mansfield, MO 65704
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