Ann Louise Copeland Shults
Ann Shults had a love for her family and sharing the joy of literacy with others. She cherished time with her friends at the Eagles Lodge and serving her community through that organization.
Born July 31, 1936, to Howard and Elizabeth Louise Payne in Littleton, Colo., Ann was greeted by a host of family and friends as she left this Earth April 29, 2025, surrounded by family.
Raised in Colorado, she met and married Donald Copeland while he was stationed there. They welcomed their first son, Richard, while there. They were transferred to Moses Lake, Washington’s Larson Air Force Base, where they welcomed a daughter, Donna. A few years later, they welcomed LeAnn. Another transfer took them to Washington, D.C./Virginia, where they welcomed Angela.
As kids growing up, we were lucky enough to travel by car across the U.S., seeing historical sites along the way. Don's last transfer was to Hawaii before he retired in Moses Lake, a place they fell in love with. Ann went back to school, got her GED, and started her employment journey with the Moses Lake School District as a teacher’s aide. She later became the librarian at Knolls Vista Elementary. Ann loved to watch how the teachers used creative ways to teach the kids, and Craig Dorsing was one of her favorites. She couldn't wait to see what shenanigans they could find to engage the kids in learning. Her true joy came from helping children discover reading and using the library. This was something she instilled in her kids and grandkids as well.
Ann joined the Eagles Lodge in 1975, where she held many roles, working her way through the auxiliary chairs to be the president. She then earned her way to district deputy, zone president and numerous state charity chairs. She loved what the Eagles stood for. In 2017, Ann was named Woman of the Year for the Washington State Auxiliary, an honor she was so proud of.
After her marriage to Don ended, she married Willard Shults, they both became secretaries at the Eagles, A role she held over 20 years. Ann and Willard enjoyed travelling and camping. During the weekends you could always find them at Tumwater Campground.
Ann loved all animals, often taking in strays.
Family was so important to Ann. She was our biggest cheerleader.
Left to cherish her memories are: sister Kathy Bailey, son Richard (Terry) kids Rick and Luda, Kody and Jessica, Daughters: Donna (Jim) LeAnn kids Misty and John, Dustan, Chantel and Ryan, Angela (Brian) David and Megan, Krista ( Brittany) stepdaughters: Ginny (Terry) kids Casey and Katrina kids Trevin and Carter, Candy and Ethan, kids Logan and Gage Jeramy and Wilma (Dale) Zack.
She also had 13 great-grandkids: Alex, McKayla, Taylor, Olivia, Noah, Caleb, Hailee, Dagen and Caroline.
Ann also leaves behind close friends who she cherished like family, Bob and Jeanette Petty and family, Dee White, Genie Wehling, Penny Strickland, Karin Smith, Deanna McCoy, Teresa Shephard and Angie Persall. Your friendship and care for Mom meant so much to her and us.
Avamere Assisted Living, thank you is not nearly enough for the care, kindness and compassion you all showed Mom. You are all special angels.
At her request, no services will be held.