Mary Ellen Copeland, age 81, of Iberia, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at her home.  She was born on July 2, 1943, daughter of the late Harry and Mae (Grisham) Schmidt.

Mary lived a full and deeply human life. She was a woman who loved with her whole heart whether it was loving her family, rocking the babies, laughing with a friend or enjoying coffee and conversation. Mary was a tiny woman with a big personality who was extremely proud of her German heritage. Mary will be remembered for her colorful language and sayings to express her interactions with all. She was known for listening and being a great friend, whether they were friends met through work, family, or new acquaintances.

Mary was devoted to her children and gave them everything she could. Her love was imperfect, but it was fierce and real. On April 18, 2005, Mary married the love of her life, Charles Donley Copeland, who preceded her in death.

Mary was a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom before that was even a thing. She was employed at various jobs to support her community, including Fasco, Miller County Nursing Home, the local grocery store, and manager of Iberia Drive-In.

Mary is survived by her children: Bruce Maylee (Dana)  of Iberia  and Dale (Carla) Maylee of Moberly, Ruthie (Don) Nelson of Iberia, Lisa Rauba of St. Joseph and Dana (Dan) Teague of La Grange, TX,  12 grandkids and 29 great grandkids, her siblings: Harland Schmidt, Floyd Schmidt and Linda Donahue, her Jack Russell, Jack, and many nieces and nephews that will carry her memory in the stories they tell, the values she passed on, and the love that continues to bind them.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, grandsons Dalton Maylee and BJ Maylee, great grandson, Eli Maylee, daughter-in-law, Sherrie Maylee; siblings, Peggy Maylee, Robert Schmidt, Jerry Schmidt, Lenard Schmidt, Roger Schmidt, and Patty Plaisted.

It should be noted that Mary had stated, "I lived on this hill, and I will die on this hill." The family would like to thank those who made this possible by providing her in home care:  Bruce Maylee, Dana Colvin, Ruthie Nelson, Lynn Machon, Peggy Marso, Harley Deardeuff, Robin Humphrey, Diana Luttrell, and Lake Regional hospice nurses and staff.

Mary will be remembered for her open heart, resilience, and stubborn determination to keep going, even when life got hard. She taught those around her to be honest, to love fully, and to never give up on themselves. She lived simply, loved deeply, and left quietly - but her presence will be felt for a long, long time.

A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at Little Angels Cemetery near Iberia with Tom Humphrey officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to tell someone you love them, go outside, or do something kind - just as Mary Ellen so often did.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Little Angels Cemetery.