Patricia Ann Copeland

Patricia Ann Copeland, 84, passed away peacefully at St. Lukes Hospice House in Kansas City Missouri on Saturday May 30, 2026.

Pat was born January 24, 1942 in Albuquerque New Mexico to Bill and Melba Murphy. As a young child she moved frequently due to her father working for the government in various Civil Aeronautics Administration positions. She also lived in Fort Worth Texas, Lima Peru South America, Washington DC, and returned to the Kansas City area around the age of 13.

In 1957 she married Rex Gifford, they lived in the Johnson County KS area and had 2 children, Ron and Rhonda. She married Eric Swanson in 1971, they lived in Raymore, MO and adopted a newborn girl, Angela. She married Jerry Copeland in 1987, they lived in Lees Summit, MO where they raised Angela and 3 granddaughters, Melba, Olivia and Patsy. She was married to Jerry for 36 years until his death December 3, 2023.

She worked at King Louie West in Overland Park, KS where she ran many bowling leagues and was a junior bowling coach. She also worked for the Kansas City Star as a newspaper carrier for many years. Pat had an infectious laugh and eyes that lit up when she smiled. She was a loving friend to many and had several “adopted” kids and grandkids.

She is survived by her children, Ron (JoAnn) Gifford of Thornton, Colorado; Rhonda (Jack) Soutter of Liberty, MO; Angela (Darren) Snyder of Harrisonville, MO; 7 grandchildren, Tony (Jazmin) Gifford: Brian (Marilee) Gifford; Joey (Katie) Soutter; Kevin (Taylor) Soutter; Melba (Matt Belgrave) Swanson; Patsy Swanson; Olivia Swanson; 6 great-grandsons, Kai Belgrave, Anthony Gifford, Emiliano Gifford, Theo Soutter, Ben Soutter and Daniel Soutter.

A visitation will take place Monday June 8, 2026, 11am to 1pm at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO.

Private burial will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO where she will be placed with her late husband Gerald (Jerry) Copeland.