Jo Ellen Copeland

JO ELLEN COPELAND

Solon

Jo Ellen Copeland, 91, of Solon, passed away Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, with her loving children at her side.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lensing's Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd. in Coralville. Services will begin Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Shueyville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Shueyville Cemetery.

Jo was born March 21, 1930, in Okemah, Okla., the daughter of William Horace and Iva Beatrice (Woodward) Coale. She grew up in the Okemah area and had many fond memories of time spent in her parents' country store in Haydonville. She loved sharing stories of her childhood, the pecan orchard and time spent with family and friends.

Having met the love of her life, Don, when she was just 5 years old, they married on Dec. 24, 1952, at her family home. After Don's years of military service, he began a career in the oil industry which took the couple to Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and, finally, Iowa. Many lifelong friendships were made along the way, and Jo always made sure to stay in touch.

Jo was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, not only to her own family, but for many others as well. She loved cooking and baking, and nobody ever left her house hungry. The M&M jar was always full, and her pecan pies and pound cake were unforgettable. Good thing, as she always wanted to eat dessert first. She was an avid collector of cow figurines and angels, and had an enviable talent for growing beautiful flowers and plants. She also loved cheering on the Hawkeyes. Above all, her family was her life.

Survivors include two sons, Bruce (Jan) Copeland of Cedar Rapids and Mark (Amy) Copeland of Davenport: a daughter, Sue (Greg) Kuntz of Coralville; nine grandchildren, Robert (Lezlee) Copeland, Scott (Erin) Copeland, Alyssa (Arsal) Shareef, Monica Copeland, Brian (Megan) Copeland, Steven (Haley) Copeland, Alex (Melanie) Kuntz, Nick Kuntz and Ben (Samantha) Kuntz. Jo was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Clay, Tyson, Madison, Easton, Emmitt, Deacon, William and a baby boy on the way. Also surviving are her loving cousins, Pat Barr and Velda Jo Bradley; brother-in-law, C.J. Garrett; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Copeland; and nephews, John (Margaret) Copeland and Jim Bill (Darlene) Copeland.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2012.

Jo's family would like to thank the staff members of Keystone on Forevergreen and Care Initiatives Hospice for their caring and compassionate care. And, a special thanks to Cathy Mason for her years of friendship and care that allowed Jo to stay in her own home as long as possible.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

www.lensingfuneral.com