Ellen N. Copeland
Ellen N. Copeland, 80, died at her residence in Adel on July 17, 2025. She was born on Dec. 5, 1944, in Des Moines. Ellen graduated from Adel High School in 1963.
Ellen worked for 33 years 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. For 30 years, she also dispatched at the Iowa State Fair.
She contributed her time and effort to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and Relay for Life. Ellen’s greatest pride was in her family, especially her daughter, Brenda Copeland of Adel, and her six grandchildren: Kayden Robertson, Layna Pierce, Emmett Pierce, Peyten Robertson, Jaxon Pierce and Tayler Pierce. She had an unwavering affection for her dogs.
She is also survived by her three brothers, Jim, John and Joe Copeland; sisters, Sherri McDowell and Terri; her cousin, Heather Wachendorf and her family, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of her life was held at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel on July 23. Memorials are suggested to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.
Ellen worked for 33 years 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. For 30 years, she also dispatched at the Iowa State Fair.
She contributed her time and effort to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and Relay for Life. Ellen’s greatest pride was in her family, especially her daughter, Brenda Copeland of Adel, and her six grandchildren: Kayden Robertson, Layna Pierce, Emmett Pierce, Peyten Robertson, Jaxon Pierce and Tayler Pierce. She had an unwavering affection for her dogs.
She is also survived by her three brothers, Jim, John and Joe Copeland; sisters, Sherri McDowell and Terri; her cousin, Heather Wachendorf and her family, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of her life was held at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel on July 23. Memorials are suggested to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.
