Patricia Ann Copeland
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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.
So sorry for your loss she was a great woman
I love you grandma even if I wasn’t family by blood I still consider yall my family and I am forever grateful for the skills you have taught me growing up, sewing, cleaning, and you taught me my eye of color and I will always use it and I will make sure you are never forgotten by my family
I’m so sorry Angie ..I’ve known your mom since we were little and have nothing but awesome memories and kind thoughts of Pat..i have to work and unfortunately won’t be able to attend the visitation I love you Angie
I find comfort knowing my grandma is back with my papa again. Those two helped raise me, and were a huge part of my life from the very beginning. I grew up with them, their routines, their jokes, their stories, all the little things that stick with you without you realizing it. I can picture them together now, probably already laughing, teasing, and nagging each other. Losing her hurts, but knowing they’re side by side again, the way they were through so much of my childhood, makes it a little easier. I’ll always carry both of them with me and I know they’ll do the same.
Im ao aorry angie your mom was a great lady. Im glad ive known her and my prayers are with you and the family. Sorry wish i could be there. Hugs babygirl.
I knew we all would have to face this. As much as I hate this but she is better off now with out the stress and pain. This world deals us. Patty ill miss you forever you were always there like a mom for me. Ill never forget that. Im glad that the last time I seen you you recognized me and you were happy to see me. I am sorry I wasnt able to attend. I know God had a spot for ya.