Gerri 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 in death by a son, Duane Copeland; her grandparents, Archie and Geneva (Kelly) Douglas and Oscar & Rosa (Fagan) Ridens; and a niece, Trish Dugger. 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 in the Class of 1977 and later 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 held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 13, 2010 in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Mansfield. Burial will be in the Thomas Cemetery near Norwood. Visitation is Monday evening 6-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Mansfield, Missouri. Return to top
What’s your fondest memory of Gerri?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerri?
Share a story where Gerri's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerri you’ll never forget.
How did Gerri make you smile?