DONNA (REID) COPPS
Donna (Reid) Copps, 78, passed away peacefully, comforted by family members on July 24th, 2019 in Helena, Montana.
A much-adored only child, Donna was born June 11, 1941 in Miller, SD to parents, Nimey and Lloyd Reid. She grew up moving often, following her father’s jobs and making multitudes of friends along the way. Always independent and adventurous, she started working part-time at age 12 and had great stories to tell about her numerous interesting jobs, including work as a hospital pediatric aide, manager of a Dairy Queen at age 16, department store model, and a snake handler at a popular tourist attraction.
The family eventually settled in Rapid City where she spent much of her education, followed by college at Black Hills State University (or South Dakota State College) where she had received an art scholarship awarded by a beauty pageant. It was there that she met George (Jack) Copps, who she was married to for 20 years.
Following the beginning of her husband’s long education career, Donna moved to Poplar, MT where she cared for her young family, forged strong friendships and began her early financial career at Trader’s State Bank. She jumped right back into banking with Northwestern Bank when the family moved to Lewistown, MT in 1975, then continued her career in Helena in 1979 with Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo Bank) as a Personal Banker. Well known at the downtown (Last Chance Gulch) branch, Donna worked for a total of 30+ years with the same bank and brightened the days of those who crossed her path every day of her life.
Following her bank retirement in 2007, Donna signed on as an enumerator with the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (NSDA). She enjoyed calling farmers and ranchers across the state, using her charm to convince them to complete surveys and provide valuable statistical info.
Donna was gracious, genuinely kind, and full of integrity. She cared deeply for her customers and cherished lifelong friends from all of her communities, but nothing meant more to her than her family. She was a loving and compassionate mother, an involved grandmother, and loyal friend to many. She loved retirement life – socializing, laughing, reading, lunching with her friends, spending time with family, the Griz! – and genuinely caring for everyone around her. A nurturer at heart, she put people first and was selfless with her love. Everywhere Donna went, she ran into a loved one, a friend or familiar face. As her family often heard, she was everyone’s “favorite.”
Donna is survived by her children Troy and Trent Copps from Helena, and Georell (Bracelin), from Bend, OR; grandchildren Drue Copps, Trey and Jace Bracelin; and an incredible community of loved, just-like-family friends.
The Copps family wishes to thank the kindhearted caregivers at Frontier Hospice and Edgewood Memory Care. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, August 22, 1pm at Anderson, Stevenson & Wilke in the social hall, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Be prepared for good conversation, lots of hugs and laughter and light snacks. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Donna.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday August 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday August 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Jim and Sally says
Ray and families
So very sorry to read about your mom. She was a very delightful lady and so glad I got to visit with her.
Our hearts feel your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you now and the days ahead. God Bless.
Joe and Debbie Potter says
Georell & Troy & Trent
Your mom was a wonderful person and we are grateful for our time with her. There is no way to explain how much she meant, just that she will be missed every single day. Our hearts go out to you during this very difficult time
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this. Donna was a wonderful woman and a good friend to my mom for many years. I’m keeping Troy, Trent, Georell and family in my prayers. May beautiful Donna rest in peace.
Jan Linver says
So sorry for Donna’s children and dear friends. She was my much loved cousin and her Mom and mine lived together for many years. May her memory be for a blessing.
Kori Dee says
Steve and I offer our prayers of comfort to Donna’s family. We enjoyed our interactions with Donna as we conducted our banking at Norwest/Wells Fargo. Always gracious, helpful and a great financial counselor. I loved being greeted with her smile and warmth.
Linnea Ghilardi and Steve Armstrong says
It is so difficult to lose a friend like Donna.
She was a unique person and friend! She was not just a banker but a person whom we enjoyed being with. We will always remember parties at UM–she was always a loyal fan!
Now, rest, dear friend! Hopefully we’ll meet again!
Linnea and Steve
Delrene Rasmussen says
I worked with Donna at Norwest Bank in the 1980’s. She was an elegant lady and a wonderful personal banker. She will be missed.
Mary Lou Bruno says
Darryl and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Donna. She was a great lady and I enjoyed working with her at the bank.
Rocky & Loretta says
When we talk about our friend Donna we all have different memories to share , but the same words we always say; Donna was a kind, caring, always interested in our lives and wanted to see pictures of our families. The picture she liked to show was of her holding a huge snake. Oh my gosh is all I could ever say..ha ha … I have known Donna from our working days together as Bankers but the times we shared outside the bank were the ones that make me smile. We had many lunches together Donna usually would make the arrangements for our lunches, she called us “The retired Bankers” it was a monthly event to eat and visit and share hugs …Rest in Peace Donna we will all miss you our dear friend.
Ken Stephens says
To Donna’s family.,
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Donna at NASS. She was the consummate “lady”, always your friend. She will be missed.
Kathi Wenz says
So sorry for your loss. She was one of my favorite Red Hat Sisters. A class act filled with grace and kindness. May you all be blessed with comfort and peace.
Mary Kelley says
I am saddened by this news. I have lost a very dear friend. Yes, Donna was always a lady with a smile and grace seldom seen. My condolences to your family.
Karen Fowler says
So sorry to hear about the los of Donna. We loved her she was such a great red hat sister. Our prayers are with the family. /donna was a great lady.
Viki Garman says
Prayers to Donna’s family. I enjoyed sharing fun and conversation with Donna during our Red Hat gatherings. May many happy memories and God’s grace bring you comfort during this difficult time. God Bless
Polly M Burnham says
Dear Georell, Troy and Trent…losing a Mother is most heartbreaking. Losing a best friend like Donna is also very difficult.
I treasured every day of our friendship. What a wonderful family legacy she has left behind. You should be most proud of the wonderful men and women you have all become. I have been Blessed to get to know you all!!!
Now is the time to see the Sunshine through the rain…and smile with every “Donna Memory” we have…they are “Donna Moments”!!! Donna was a love; a character; and her laughter could light up a room!! She always loved her family and wonderful friends she made over the years.
I miss her dearly..but am cheered on knowing I will see her again in God’s House!! For His sake, I hope he makes good pulled pork sandwiches, like Troy does, with the right sweet BBQ Sauce!!! Love and Blessings to you all. Polly M Burnham
Bonnie McFarland says
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a gentle , kind and fun friend in our Red Hat sisterhood
She has been and will be missed.
Prayers for her family.
Becky and Paul Donaldson says
Donna worked with us as customers for well over 20 years. She was always personable, gracious, kind and exceptionally dedicated to serving her clients well. We always felt fortunate to have her looking out for our best interest. She was the highest bar in customer service. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends, who will surely miss her.
Thomas Ellis says
Donna was for sure one of the nicest, kindest and professional true Ladies I have ever known. She loved and cared for her customers and treated friends just as well. She loved dogs and ours always headed for her desk when he came in to the bank. We are very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a fine lady and good person. As a retired Norwest, now Wells Fargo bank Helena president I can say it was a privilege to work with her. Her thoughts and opinions meant more than anyone can know.
Tom and Charlotte Ellis
Irene Woods says
Well Donna, it is apparent you were admired and loved by all the previous messages. You were a special lady and even though I have been gone from Helena and my days at Norwest Bank, I remember what a special lady and good friend to all you were. My condolences to our beautiful family. Rest in Peace.
michele faure says
My mom and I both worked with Donna at one time, she was such a classy lady, always a smile on her face! We are very sorry for the loss of Donna,
Michele Jacobsen and Marian Jacobsen
Susan C. Witte says
Georell, Troy and Trent – I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our mother, Clara Witte, was friends with Donna when we all lived in Poplar, MT. She would stop in at the bank in Helena to visit her when the Wittes were in Helena. Your mother was a one of a kind beautiful woman. My condolences to you and your families.
Karen Crogan says
Trent and Troy, I just read the notice of your Mom’s death. Donna handled a loan for us at Norwest many years ago, and running into her at the grocery store was always a joy. I am sorry to have missed the opportunity to pay my respects in person.
Sandy M says
Peace has come to us all. Blessings to your family and friends.