Marilyn Arlene "Monnie" Copeland

Born on January 20, 1931, Marilyn Arlene Copeland (Evans) was welcomed into this world by her parents, “Gimmer” and Bessie Evans along with her sisters Bea, Ila, Mae and Rosemary.

She spent the early years of her life near Perrysville, Ohio before her family moved to the Bowerston area where they started the Evans Nursing home which is now known as Bowerston Hills Nursing Home. As the years passed by, she attended Bowerston High School along with her high school love, Virgil Copeland. Graduating in 1949, the two married in August 1950 and started their lives on the eastern outskirts of Bowerston where they raised their three children, Randy, Cynthia, and Roberta. In 1980 she and Virgil moved to their forever home on the Copeland Family Farm where she balanced farm life and daily fitness routines with her professional career keeping track of operations at Huebner Chevrolet, The Atwood Lodge, and finally at Bowerston Lumber.

During her life, Marilyn (Monnie) cherished every moment with her family as it grew throughout the years, bringing her joy as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her days were spent fully engaged in the lives of those she held so dearly close to her heart, seeing only the best in all and championing support of her family to the extent most people in the world could use more of. Unequivocal. Her hours of concern and worry for the health, safety and well-being of her loved ones guided her prayer life daily as she petitioned each one’s cause before the Lord Almighty. When all was well with her family she could be heard singing throughout the house as she tended to daily chores. She would also sing to the younger ones of the family when they were down as she tended to them expressing her genuine love the best way she knew how.

On March 28, 2026, Monnie’s well-lived life came to pass in the presence of her family both near and far. Surrounded physically and in spirit by those she held most dear and joining her siblings preceding her in life: Brothers Paul and Duane (surviving Patty) Evans; sisters Ila (Frank) Masters, Mae (Coe) Smith, Rosemary Evans, and Bea (Dan) Warner.

Both mourning our loss and celebrating her life, Monnie leaves behind a growing family of nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren whose memories are etched with her steadfast support.

Husband and partner of life for 75 years, Virgil R. Copeland

Son Randy (Terrye) Copeland; Jennifer (Trevor) Sloan and Isabelle; John (Ashley) Copeland

Daughter Cynthia (Kevin Ralston) Straight-Curley; Sean (Hope Sussman) Curley, Erin Curley, and Tabitha (Cameron) Tripp

Daughter Roberta (John) Raber; Logan (Jill) Putnam, Brett (Alyssa) Putnam and Zachary Putnam; Tiffany (Seth) Oszust, Harper, Londyn, and Sully; Jessi Raber; Josh (Nicole) Raber and Lincoln.

As the family reflects on a long life well-lived, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. At her request there will be no funeral services held. Any family or friends wishing to honor her life are encouraged to send donations to The Truman House in lieu of flowers. Truman House - 716 Commercial Ave. SW - New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663

*Monnie's obituary was written by her loving family.