Effie Gaynell “Gay” Copley, 83, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. She was born March 5, 1942, in Chattaroy, West Virginia, to the late Enos and Hazel (Sammons) Robinson. On September 28, 1957, she married the love of her life, Herman Copley, and together they shared 67 years of devoted marriage.
Gay spent the last seven years living in Florida. She was a faithful member of the Freewill Baptist Church. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep faith, known for her loving heart and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, and tending to her garden—gifts she often shared with those she loved.
She is survived by her husband, Herman Copley; daughter, Roma (Tim) Oakley; son, Bruce (Vicki) Copley; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; brother, Ron Robertson; sisters, Sandra (Jim) Smith and Judy Robertson; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Delilah Ault; brothers, Jim Robinson, Richard Robertson and Gilbert Robertson; and sister, Vickie Ivan.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, August 7, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM at 100 South Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM, with Pastor Bruce Copley officiating. Gay will be laid to rest at Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillstone Freewill Baptist Church. Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario is honored to serve the Copley family.
