Beth E. Copenhaver

Beth E. Copenhaver, age 80, was born on May 14, 1928, in Newport, Wash., to Maude Graham Geaudreau and Guy Leonard Geaudreau. She was the second of three children. She passed away at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake on Oct. 23, 2008, due to complications from congestive heart failure. She grew up in Blanchard, Idaho where she attended grade school, and graduated from Newport High School in 1946. She attended the University of Idaho and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education in 1950. Prior to her graduation, she met and married the love of her life, Howard Vernon Copenhaver. They were married on Aug. 1, 1948, in Newport, Wash., and established their first home together in Moscow while completing their college educations. They had three children, Katie, Phillip, and Denise and lived there until moving with the Arden Farms company to Moses Lake in 1960. Her passion for life showed in the many organizations and activities in which she was involved. Beth spent many years actively working in Republican Party politics and served several years as the state committee woman from Grant County on the Republican State Committee. She enjoyed her work and met many of the national senators and representatives, governors and state officials. One of the highlights of her life was meeting President George H.W. and Mrs. Barbara Bush during a visit to Washington, D.C. Beth also enjoyed being a member and past president of the Daughters of the Nile and also was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for many years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake. She delighted in being a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. Some of her favorite activities and interests were travelling, swimming, reading, listening and playing all types of music and time at the family lake cabin. We will miss her strength of character, patriotism, ability to tell great stories, wonderful hugs, sense of humor and her smile. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard “Copie” and one granddaughter, Claudia Kay Rigsby. She is survived by her three children, Katie Rigsby and husband Larry of Richland, Wash.; Phillip Copenhaver and his wife Christine of Moses Lake; and Denise Pulliam and her husband Walter of Enumclaw, Wash. Her surviving grandchildren include Nicole Wagner and her husband 1st lieutenant, Kyle, Christopher Copenhaver, Stephanie Pulliam, and Paul Copenhaver. Other family members include a brother, Dale Geaudreau and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at the First Presbyterian Church at 1142 W. Ivy Avenue. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Newport cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Beth’s memory may be given to either the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake or to the Shrine’s Hospital for Children at PO Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472. Kayser’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book at www.kayserschapel.com.