Beulah (Boone) Copeland

Beulah Irene Copeland went to meet her Lord and Savior on June 1st, 2012. She was born in Hastings, Michigan, February 13, 1922, the third daughter of Rev. Edward and Rose Etta Boone. After hearing her father preach one Sunday evening, Beulah knelt at the altar and gave her heart to Jesus. It was a very real experience for this five-year-old and her entire life reflected that commitment. The family later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she attended school until moving to Des Moines, Iowa in 1937. She continued her education at AIB (American Institute of Business) and Capital City Commercial College.

Beulah was the youngest member of “The Boone Family,” who aired a religious daily devotional program over radio station KRNT and later WHO. In addition to their live, early morning broadcast, her parents, sisters Olive and Beatrice, and Olive’s husband Leland, also traveled throughout Iowa presenting concerts in churches and auditoriums.

In 1943, Beulah met Dan Copeland when he was traveling with the Myers Evangelistic Quartet. He was called into service in the U.S. Army and upon returning from WWII, they were married in 1947. After ten years of marriage their daughter Cindy came to bless their home and what a joy she was. Later, son-in-law Jeff Cornwell was another great blessing. Two grandchildren, Keith Daniel and Shannon Renae, were miracle babies who have been their pride and joy.

Beulah and Dan, along with Beulah’s sister and husband, Beatrice and Lester Hale, owned Boone’s Book and Bible Store, founded by the family in 1943, where Beulah served as secretary-treasurer. The store was located in downtown Des Moines for over fifty years and sold to Wellspring Christian Resources in 1993.

The family cherishes the thirty-five photo scrapbooks Beulah completed. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting, making and giving dozens of afghans; her love of music was expressed by playing the violin, accordion and keyboard. Devoting over 20 years teaching Sunday School, Beulah made Bible stories come alive and exciting for little ones by using small dolls, flannel graph and a variety of teaching tools. She also served as Missionary President for many years at the Pilgrim Church (later known as Debra Heights Wesleyan). More recently she and her husband have been members at Grace Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

This past November, Beulah and Dan moved from The Shores of Pleasant Hill to Highview Hills in Lakeville, Minnesota. The family would like to thank the staff at Highview Hills and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate and personal care she received while a resident there.

Loved ones who have preceded Beulah in death were her parents, sisters Olive Roesink and Beatrice Hale, and brothers-in-law Leland Roesink and Lester Hale. Those who remain to share her memories are her faithful and loving husband Dan, dedicated daughter Cindy and son-in-law Jeff Cornwell of Lakeville, grandchildren Keith Daniel and Shannon Renae, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Beulah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, and her sweet words of encouragement will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 6:45 pm on Tuesday, June 5th at Grace Church, 4200 East 25th Street in Des Moines, followed by a 7 pm celebration service at the church. In lieu of flowers, it was Beulah’s wish that any memorial contributions be made to Grace Church. Interment will be Wednesday morning at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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