Lilly Ann Copple, nee Burnett, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, at Bethel Home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Known to friends and family as "Ann" or "Annie," she was the youngest daughter of Effie Pearl (Moore) Burnett and Admiral Perry "Miral" Burnett, born April 29, 1926, in Du Quoin, and graduated from Du Quoin Township High School in 1945.
Her siblings, already passed, were Harley, Ruth and Vinetta.
Ann was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Alden "Dick" Copple, who she married in 1950 in Centralia, Illinois. Dick's banking career took them to the Chicago suburbs where they had a rich and varied life, including raising standard bred horses in Woodstock. In later years, they lived in Nashville, Illinois, Tucson, Arizona, Ironwood, Michigan and Hurley, Wisconsin.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Mary Kay Copple Yeager (Brett) of New York, New York; son, Mark Alden Copple (Toni) of Madison, Wisconsin; and daughter, Carol Ann Copple Loeper (James) of Ironwood, Michigan.
She adored and was cherished by her grandchildren, Richard T. Gay (Adrean), David J. Gay (Suhyun), Jillian C. Gay Hanson (Danson), Nathaniel A. Copple, Caitlin J. Ginnery Albertus (Joseph), and Serena A. Copple. Great-grandchildren Adriana, William, Adam, Bryndelin and Brendan were her pride and joy. In addition, she was a loving aunt and had close relationships with many of her nieces and nephews.
Ann lived by the philosophy "brighten the corner where you are" and held a consistently positive outlook no matter the circumstance. She was a devout Christian, and as her physical strength waned and she faced challenges such as blindness, she was an example of graciousness and forbearance to her children and all who knew her.
A small private service was held by her children following her death. In accordance with her wishes, a memorial service and internment for both Ann and Dick Copple will be held in the autumn at Little Grove Cemetery in Walnut Hill, Illinois.
McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood, Michigan, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.
