Mary Copeland

Mary J. (Moorehead) Copeland, 91, of Yakima, died peacefully at Memorial Hospital, April 2, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on August 16, 1934, in Yakima, Washington, to Melvin C. Sr. and Jeanette Moorehead.

She loved growing up on the family farm with her younger brothers, tending to the animals and exploring nature. As a child, she walked to Armstrong School on Ahtanum Road. Later, she attended Yakima High School graduating in 1951 at 16 years old! After high school, she enrolled and graduated from Yakima Business College.

Mom met the love of her life, Jack E. Copeland, while he was on maneuvers at the Yakima Firing Center. They were married on August 14, 1954, at St. Michael’s Church two days before turning twenty. She always said she wanted to be a teenage bride.

After dad’s enlistment in the Army ended, the couple moved to the South briefly to be near his family, and then the East Coast, mainly Delaware, where their two daughters were born. Homesick, they moved back to Yakima in 1958, settling off Ahtanum Road in Union Gap completing their family with the addition of two sons.

As a wife and homemaker raising four children, mom worked part time as a cashier at Layman’s Market and Skateland. She later secured employment with Washington State Department of Vocational Rehab as a Secretary, soon advancing to Clerical Supervisor at Department of Social and Health Services. During this time, she volunteered as a Campfire Girls Leader, Union Gap School P.T.A. member and later becoming Union Gap School Board President. She retired from the State after 30 years of service to spend more time with her family and grandsons in 1991. Mom was a member and volunteered her time for Northstar Lodge Knitters, Wellness House of Yakima, and the Plaid Door for many years.

We have wonderful memories of camping and picnics in the mountains, also holidays and family gatherings at the farm. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles while going out to breakfast daily. She was a loving wife, Mother, Aunt and Grandma Mary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, husband, and infant son, Terry Copeland.

Mary is survived by daughters, Jeanie (Kevin) Kirby, Jackie Copeland; sons, Jay Copeland, Jeff Copeland; grandsons, Shawn (Heather) Copeland, Phillip (Elliza) Radke, Jared and Derek Kirby; two great-granddaughters, Gillian and Taylor Copeland and several nieces and nephews.

We know mom has gone on to be with our dad and first-born child, Terry Copeland. We all loved her, and she would always say, “Love You More”!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Keith and Keith Funeral Home. A family graveside service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local charity.