Bettie Marie Copeland

Born January 15, 1934, in Decatur to Melvin Luther and Mary Marie (Spain) Snoke, she married Everett Ray Copeland in 1978. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Joni (Scott) Andrews of Tremont and Sandy Marie (Fred) Garfield of Mexico, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Linett (Mike) Sturch of San Jose, California and Melanie Berman of Moline; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Debra Ann Murphy, Mel Gass and John Gass; one brother, Howard Snoke; one sister, Joyce Elaine Singleton and one great-great-grandchild.

Bettie retired as a bookkeeper for Hopedale Medical Complex. She was also an Avon Ambassador for many years.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing and gardening. She loved spending time with her family, her life revolved around her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Bettie was a member of First Church of the Brethren of Peoria.

Her memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 at First Church of the Brethren of Peoria. Pastor Dana McNeil will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will be at Springdale Cemetery at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614.