Published on July 28, 2025 4:57 pm
Last Updated on July 29, 2025 4:19 pm
Marilynn Joyce Copper, age 85, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 2:54 PM – Saturday, July 26, 2025, at her home.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM – Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Walnut Prairie Cemetery east of West Union, Illinois. In loving memory of Marilynn, memorials may be made to the Newton Public Library, 100 South Van Buren Street Newton, Illinois 62448. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Marilynn was born March 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Elsie (Chrt) Reiter. Marilynn was raised in Morton Grove, Illinois and was blessed with many wonderful and amusing aunts, uncles, and cousins. She spent her childhood outside in gardens and fields. She ice-skated, climbed trees, mowed the lawn with a heavy reel mower, and walked to school uphill both ways (actually true).
Marilynn married Robert “Bob” Copper and he proceeded her in death on December 11, 2013. Marilynn owned the Trim and Tone and Copper’s Hunting Supply for many years. She was an avid reader and made countless trips to Newton’s library. Marilynn loved her grandchildren and was willing to play a million games of “Sorry”, “Skip-Bo”, dominoes, and poker (chips only).
Marilynn loved to travel and was always ready for a family vacation or a road trip with her daughter as copilot. She couldn’t read a map but remembered every turn. She was full of laughter and if she was late to a gathering there was always a chorus of “where’s Nana?!”
Marilynn loved to fish and was excited for every tiny bluegill her grandchildren caught. She taught many of us how to row a boat, a skill she learned rowing for her father while they fished. She was the official worrier and prayed for her family without ceasing. We love you and miss you Nana.
Marilynn is survived by:
Children- Kenneth (Marty) Copper of Brazil, Indiana; Kimberly (Kenneth) Milam of Willow Hill, Illinois; and Kelly Copper of Mattoon, Illinois.
Grandchildren- Kristin (Dave), Elisha (Amy), Joseph (Morgan), Meghan (Brent), Tony (Kendi), Zach (Ellie), Jackson (Reagan), Sam (Sydnee), Taylor (Dakota), Jake (Meredith), and Chase.
Great grandchildren-Gage, Chloe, Lennon, Gunner, Jude, Indiana, Paislee, Lilly, Emersyn, Kohen, Mason, Noelle, Logan, Luke, Owen, Sam, Camdon, Ava, Rosie, Ava, and Jackson.
Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.