Donna Kae Copper

Donna Kae Copper, 79, passed away on March 6, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Donna was born on September 18, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ross and Rafaella (Baedaro) Lehman. She will be greatly missed by many family and friends. Donna graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Des Moines in 1964. She worked outside the home at different times but for the most part was a stay-at-home mom and grandma. She married Tom Copper in 1965 and the two began their family that now consists of four generations. Donna loved gardening and taking care of her yard alongside her husband.

The most important thing to Donna was her faith. She was an active member of the Highland Park Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for nearly 50 years. Donna spent much of her time sharing her faith and teaching others the promises found in the Bible. She served as a full-time minister at different times in her life. She shared her faith to the very end of her life while talking to the nurses and staff at the hospital. Knowing this has brought great comfort to her children, siblings and friends.

It has to be said that Donna loved children, beginning with her own. She doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was her most favorite time to be surrounded by the kids. Donna also had an impact on the lives of many nieces and nephews. Donna was known to always have an encouraging thought for all of her family and friends.

Donna is survived by her children, Stephanie (Jeff) Potts, Melissa Copper of Des Moines, and Thomas R. (T.R.) Copper Jr. (Summer) Copper of Marshalltown; grandchildren, Jessica Potts, Brittany Copper, and Harrison Reints; great-grandchildren, Peyton Phelan, Raymond Cardenas, Luciana Ayala, and Lola Ayala; eight loving siblings; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Copper, Sr.; infant son, Trevor Copper; and parents, Ross and Rafaella.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses; 6271 NE 14th Street, Des Moines.

To view the memorial remotely on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 710 533 4866
Passcode: donna

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to jw.org to support the work Donna loved so much.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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