Delores M. Copeland, 100, passed away on February 20, 2025.  Delores was born August 29, 1924, in Clay Center, Kansas to Herbert and Esther (Hofmann) Hildenbrand. She graduated from Clay Center High School. On March 1, 1945, Delores and Donald Copeland were united in marriage. In 1969, they moved from Clay Center to Wichita, Kansas. They celebrated 66 years together before Don’s passing on February 19, 2011. Delores volunteered at Senior Services in the Meals on Wheels program for 30-plus years. She also worked for USD259 at McLean Elementary School as a lunch aid and playground supervisor for 21 years, retiring after the last grandchild finished elementary school. Delores loved to watch sports, especially basketball and baseball/softball. She attended many of her kids’ and grandkids’ ball games and enjoyed watching K-State basketball and Royals baseball. In fact, Delores celebrated her 90th birthday at a Royals game.  

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, sister Marian Williams, and husband Don.  Delores is survived by children Sandra (Gregg) Russell, Steve (Genie) Copeland and Sam (Merri) Copeland of Wichita. Six grandchildren also survive her: Stephanie (Casey) Carlson Maize, KS, Stacia (Nick) Pieroni Lee’s Summit, MO, Sami (Adrian) Figueroa Wichita, KS, Eli Copeland Garden City, KS, Kindell (Jordan) Raffety Freeman, MO, and Kaci (Blayne) Martin Valley Center, KS. Her 10 great-grandchildren are Caden Carlson, Carli Carlson, Cale Carlson, Harper Pieroni, Henley Pieroni, Avrie Johnson, Alexa Figueroa, Jace Raffety, Camden Raffety and Stevie Martin.   

Memorial service 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025, at New Hope Community Church.   

Memorial contributions to New Hope Community Church, 109 West Main St., PO Box 472, Valley Center, KS 67147.