Fern Matilda Copple, 90, of Ottumwa, died at 3:46 p.m. August 28, 2026 at Ridgewood Specialty Care.
She was born August 17, 1936 in Farson to Otto and Goldie Reinier Jasper. She married A. David Copple June 28, 1959 and he preceded her in death July 14, 2006.
A resident of Ottumwa most of her life, Fern had earned a nursing degree from St. Joseph Nursing School. She had worked at Ottumwa Regional Health Center over 35 years.
She enjoyed gardening and loved her flower gardens and word search books.
Surviving is her children, Joleen Derby of Ottumwa; 3 grandchildren, John Copple, Megan Boatman, Erin Hoselton; 8 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Wayne and Larry Jasper.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gregg Copple; a grandson, Cody Copple; 2 great grandchildren, Caden and Emmory Marcum; 3 sisters, DeMarris Jasper, Barbara Tee, Jean Lynch; 3 brothers, Otto Jasper, Loren Jasper, James Jasper.
Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 2nd, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 3rd, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Hornback officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family.
