Sandy Copeland

Sandy Copeland, 73 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away at her home on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 following an illness. She was born December 03, 1950 in Fort Sumner the daughter of Birdie Dee Smith and the former Louise Lorraine McClain. She grew on the family ranch south of Yeso. She attended school in Yeso until the school closed. Sandy attended and graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1968. She attended Roswell Community College of Nursing.

Sandy made her home in Fort Sumner. She drove the bus for several years for Fort Sumner Schools. She enjoyed leather work, made belts and chaps. She also enjoyed painting with pastels. Sandy was a homemaker and cooked for the working cowboys. She helped her children with show steers.

Sandy was a member of Fort Sumner Church of Christ. She helped maintain the church grounds and the church related Christian Services.

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Mack Day Smith, and Richard Smith, and a sister and brother in law Sherry and Tony Peterpaul.

Survivors include three children, a son Chris Copeland of Yeso, NM, two daughters Jenna Copeland of Morton, Texas,  and Kara Morris (Clint) of Fort Sumner. Also surviving is one brother David Smith (Dana) of Roswell, NM, along with eight grandchildren Caz Copeland (Kylynn) of Fort Sumner, Ilyssa (Jess) Riley of Hico, Texas, Kelton Addison of Lubbock, TX, and Quade Addison of Lubbock, TX, Alannah (Nathan) Brown of Levelland,TX, Caytlin Pichla J.D. (Josiah) of Spearman,TX, Teghan Copeland of Portales,NM, and Jayton Morris of Fort Sumner, NM along with 4 great-grandchildren, Tucker, Sutton, Samson, and Kree and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation hours will be Friday, January 26, 2024 from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 27, 2024 in the Smith family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery with Charlie Overton officiating. Pallbearers will include Lewis Hisel, Garret Hisel, Charlie Harris, David Smith, Chris Copeland, and Kelton Addison.

You may share a favorite memory, or sign the guestbook at www.chavezfuneralhome.com 

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.