Helen Deloris Copeland

Helen Deloris (Dee) Copeland, 100, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at The Springs of Lima. 

Deloris was born on October 18, 1924, to John Jefferson and Marcella Irene (Ulrey) Copeland. Deloris loved and was much loved by her parents and achieved her goal to be 100 years old like her mother. 

Dee was proud to be the 1925 winner of the Auglaize County Fair Prettiest Baby Contest. She graduated from Wayne High School (Waynesfield) in 1942 at the age of 17. After graduation, she attended a Bible College for one year. Around 1944 she started working at Blattner’s as an accountant in Lima. She then worked at Excello making airplane fan blades. Then, with her best friend Charlotte Prater, and two other women, they began Lima Discount Mart, on Metcalf Street and Grand Avenue Kitchens on Grand Avenue. Proud of being born a farm girl, she grew up outside of Waynesfield and enjoyed watching fields being planted and then harvested including her own farm co-owned with her friend, Charlotte. The two traveled the world and enjoyed time in Florida. Delores loved God, and with her friend and business partner, Charlotte of 70 years, leaves their combined blessings to several charities specifically chosen to spread the hope, love, forgiveness, and peace of Jesus to as many people as possible. 

Dee worked the republican polls in Lima for over 20 years. She was also a member of the American Legion auxiliary and VFW auxiliary member for over 21 years. Dee was also a Fraternal Order of Eagle Auxiliary member for 26 years, Blue Star Mother’s auxiliary member of 20+ years, and a member of the Lima Christian Women’s business club. She also donated Scholarships to Waynesfield Goshen High School students. 

Dee enjoyed playing baseball with her cousins, Nelson Ulrey, Ruth Ulrey Shaffer and Lawrence Ulrey. She loved to play basketball too. She especially loved playing BINGO. Dee loved watching nature and people. She enjoyed the birds and geese outside her window at The Springs. At The Springs, Dee had many friends who loved her as much as she loved them, and they were very much her family. Her dinner table group had a special bond. She shared a lot of jokes and card playing time with her friend Janet. 

Dee leaves behind many cousins and friends, who are grateful for the wonderful care she received from all the staff at The Springs, from Hospice staff, especially Tara, a long-time friend, and from Union Chapel Missionary church visits and flowers. Her family thanks everyone for their prayers and birthday wishes. 

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Rev. Mark Bayliff will officiate. Burial will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Wapakoneta.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.