Ann Copeland

Ann Copeland passed away in Portland, Ore., on May 13, 2024, due to complications related to dementia.

Ann was born in 1939 in Kingfisher.

She was the only child of R.A. “Ray” Alexander and Gladys (Lyman) Copeland.

A graduate of Kingfisher High School, Oklahoma State University, the University of California Davis, the University of Oregon and the University of Washington, Ann held multiple degrees, including a triple masters in mathematics, biology and chemistry, a doctorate in biochemistry, a post-doctoral degree in clinical chemistry and was a Certified Financial Planner.

Her early career was in hospital labs, including Northwest Hospital in Seattle, Wash., and Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Wash.

In midlife, Ann moved into academia, teaching medical laboratory sciences at Wichita State University, in Wichita, Kan.

Following her stint in academia, she took a sabbatical and, as part of her “vacation,” decided to study financial planning for her own investing use.

She so enjoyed the coursework that she decided to continue on, becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Ann was a licensed CFP with KMS Financial Services in University Place, Wash., for many years.

She retired from that in 2011.

Ann was a vital member of the Tacoma Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), where she excelled at finding creative ways to fundraise for its educational foundation.

She was also an active member of the Tacoma Area PC Users Group (TAPCUG).

Ann was an avid gardener, turning the land surrounding her University Place home into a showcase for native plants.

She enjoyed collecting Native American art, both from the northwest coast and from the southwest where she was born.

She summited Mt. Rainier and climbed and hiked many other peaks throughout Washington and British Columbia.

She was a beloved member of “The Hiking Babes,” a group of like-minded women who loved getting outdoors.

Ann loved to swim, bike, hike, canoe and sail.

She was always eager for a low tide because it meant she could go out and dig for clams.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Jimmie Smith (2009).

She is survived by her daughter Barbara Smith of Olympia, Wash.

The family is deeply grateful to the many caregivers who watched over Ann during her final years while suffering from dementia.