Ireta F. Copen

Ireta Fay (Ridenour) Copen went to her Heavenly home on June 28, 2019.
She was born in Mansfield, Ohio on March 31, 1935 to Charles Edgar and Jewell Fay (Williams) Ridenour. She moved to Vienna, WV in 1945 where she lived until she was married on October 4, 1970 to John W. Copen and lived in Marietta, Ohio.

She graduated from Parkersburg High School class of 1953 and later went to Shenandoah College in Virginia for about one and a half years. She worked for Dils Department Store in Parkersburg. She loved to do crafts, scrap booking, play on the computer and was an avid reader and prayed for those in need. She was a very outgoing, beautiful lady and loved to make people laugh.

She was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Vienna, WV for over 67 years and for many years she was involved in many different organizations in the church as secretary and Sunday school teacher. When she wasn’t able to travel to Vienna she started attending the River of Life Assembly of God Church in Marietta, Ohio and became a member. After she wasn’t able to go to church she served the Lord at home.

Surviving are her step-children: Diane (Larry) Brown, Joyce (Paul) Rea, David (Pam) Copen; 4 nephews, Andy (Carla) Brooks, Steve (Lynne) Brooks, Jeff (Tommie) Brooks, Alan Brooks; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 4 great nieces and nephews; 6 great-great nieces and nephews; her sister, Sue Brooks and Ireta’s very special dog, “Buttons” that was her caregiver, friend, protector and confidant.

Also surviving are her very special Cincinnati, Ohio friends who made her their honorary grandma and great grandma: Janet (John) Woeste, Kelly Woeste, Kristin (Jake) Mahle, Emlyn and Megan Mahle and also very special friends: Rachel Hendricks, Marilyn Stegner, Marie Johnson, Pauline Ritchie and Betty Deal.

Preceding her in death were her husband, John W. Copen on September 15, 1983, granddaughter, Erin and brother-in-law, Art Brooks and her parents.

McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.Lankfordfh.com.