Joanna Marie Copeland

Joanna Copeland, 83, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025. She was born on October 9, 1941, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Howard and Florence Metheny.

She was united in marriage to Jimmy on February 21st, 1960, in Russell, Kansas. Joanna was a woman of many talents and an unwavering devotion to her family. After graduating high school, she attended beauty school and proudly opened her own beauty shop. Over the years, she worked side by side with her husband, Jimmy Copeland, as a bookkeeper in the parts stores, he owned and managed. She also worked as a bank teller and later fulfilled a dream of owning her own bakery in Springfield, Missouri. Joanna’s heart was always with her family. She loved baking treats for and with her children and grandchildren, sewing beautiful quilts, working in her garden, and spending time camping and enjoying the outdoors with loved ones. Her home was filled with warmth, delicious smells from the kitchen, and the laughter of generations.

She is survived by her children, Lana Copeland of Manhattan, KS; Jana (Kevin) Baker of Manhattan, KS; and James (Angela) Copeland of La Salle, CO. She was a proud grandmother to Brent (Kallie) Kolterman, Becky (Matt) Marsh, Brandon Baker, Ryan (Megan) Baker, Alyssa King-Copeland, and Jacob (Emily) Copeland, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jenna, Takara, Tarik, Jaden, Kalan, McKenzie, Kanton, and Knox.

Joanna is also survived by her siblings: Ruthie (Leonard) Steinle, Bonnie (Leonard) Boys, Frank (Jana) Metheny, Jeanette (Scott) Wilke, and Annette (Chet) Look.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Copeland; her parents, Howard and Florence Metheny; and her grandson, Zachary James Copeland.

Joanna’s legacy of love, creativity, and kindness will live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of Joanna’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 07, 2025, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Friday, June 06, 2025, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday evening. Memorials may be given to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice of Manhattan, Kansas, and can be sent to the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.