Ellen Copeland Obituary

Ellen N. Copeland, passed away unexpectedly at her residence in Adel, Iowa on July 17, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on December 5, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa to Ralph and Margaret (DeCamp) Copeland. Ellen graduated from Adel High School in 1963.

Ellen dedicated 33 years of her life to serving as a dispatcher for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, a career she committed to wholeheartedly until her retirement in 2006. Her role was not only a profession; it was a testament to her character—responsive, reliable, and always putting others first. She also played a significant role in dispatching at the Iowa State Fair for 30 years, an experience that deepened her dedication to public service and strengthened the values she carried home to the Adel community, where she remained committed to serving and supporting those around her.

She contributed her time and effort to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and the Relay for Life, demonstrating a profound commitment to helping those around her.

Ellen's greatest pride lay within her family, particularly her daughter Brenda Copeland of Adel, Iowa, brought into this world on December 9, 1966, in Des Moines. Ellen adored her six grandchildren—Kayden Robertson, Layna Pierce, Emmett Pierce, Peyten Robertson, Jaxon Pierce, and Tayler Pierce—and embraced her role as a grandmother with love. She found joy in the simplest things, whether it was collecting coins and McDonald's toys or simply delighting in whatever her grandkids were collecting that week.

Ellen lived for her family. She cherished her scooter coffee runs and made it a point to delight in purchasing items from her family's Amazon Wish List. Her unwavering affection for her dogs over the years added another layer to her warm and nurturing spirit.

She is survived by her loving daughter Brenda, grandsons Travis (Whitney) Pierce and Tyler (Chelsea) Pierce, her three brothers, Jim, John, and Joe Copeland, sisters Sherri McDowell and Terri, and stepmother, Estella Copeland. Also surviving her are her cousin Heather Wachendorf and her family, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents.

As family and friends gather to celebrate Ellen's remarkable life during an open celebration at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel on July 23, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm,. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Dallas County Sheriff's office in Ellen's name. Ellen N. Copeland will forever be remembered for her boundless love, generous spirit, and the unwavering passion she held for her family and community.