Mary Laura Copley

On Thursday, January 22nd, surrounded by her six children, Mary Laura Copley entered into the presence of the Lord.  She was reunited in heaven with her husband, sister, mom and dad, as well as other family and friends.  It must have been a glorious reunion! 

Mary Laura was born April 26, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Edgar Rex and Anna Eleanore Prather.  Nine years later, their family welcomed Cheryl Ann to the family and Mary Laura became the big sister she always wanted to be.  Soon after Cheryl’s birth, the family relocated to Glenwood, Iowa. After graduating from Glenwood High School, she attended the University of Nebraska to start her dream.  She was soon swept off her feet by a handsome Marine recruiter, John Smith Copley, who was the brother of one of her best friends, Marjilyn Copley. Over cribs (a dessert in the student union), their relationship blossomed into a wonderful, loving marriage in 1956.

Mary Laura remained a devoted wife and full-time mother while she supported her husband’s education to become a physician.   Their marriage brought forth six children, including two sets of twins. With the many moves throughout the western United States came the making of many memories and close friends, which she cherished all her life.  Widowed in 2010, Mary Laura continued to enjoy her life to the fullest. She treasured her family, including all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her beloved friends were also a big part of her life. She remained active in Bible studies, a knitting group, and community activities such as the Spokane Symphony. Mary Laura had a zeal for life and was a fighter in her final years, continuing to enjoy family, friends, and her many activities, all while enduring and overcoming significant health battles. She amazed us with her resilience. Mary Laura joyfully lived a full life of faith, prayer, hope and love. Her family and many cherished friends will miss her dearly, especially her smile and wisdom.

She is survived by her six children and their spouses: Amy (Greg), Beth (Ron), David (Anne), John (Rebecca), James (Kelly), and Daniel (Molly); many nieces and nephews; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many cherished friends.

Services will be held Friday February 20^th, 2026, at the Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Spokane, WA.  A public funeral service will begin at 1pm, followed by a graveside burial at Greenwood Memorial Terrace at 2pm.  Services will conclude with a catered reception back at the funeral home chapel from 2:30-4pm.  We sincerely hope you will all join us in celebrating the life and memories of our beloved Mary Laura Copley.