Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Susan Jean (Sheppard) Copper was born Oct. 30,1932, in Hood River, Oregon, to William O. And Ruth (Jordan) Sheppard. She and her twin sister, Sally, joined sister Jane and brother Bill Jr. Susan attended Coe Primary, May Street, and graduated from Hood River High School in 1951.
Susan attended Oregon State College for two years before marrying the love of her life, Robert Copper, on Aug. 30, 1953. They enjoyed more than 70 years together.
Robert and Susan moved to The Dalles, Oregon, in 1955, where they welcomed their first daughter, Linda, in 1956. Karen joined the family in 1958 in Monterey, California, while Robert was stationed at Ford Ord. They returned to The Dalles for good, where they welcomed son Gary in 1960, followed by Julie in 1962.
Robert and Susan were active members of Gateway Church since 1958, where Susan served on many committees and was the wedding coordinator for a number of years.
Robert and Susan assumed ownership of Wamic Lumber Company in 1973 and renamed it Copper’s Home Center. Along with Gary, they operated in The Dalles until its closing in 2009. They loved to travel and were fortunate to be able to visit Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, Germany, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska, New England, Nova Scotia, Tangiers and Spain. After retirement, they enjoyed many winters in Yuma, Arizona.
Susan is proceeded in death by her loving husband Robert, daughter Karen, her parents, sister Jane, and brother Bill. She is survived by her twin sister Sally of Wasilla, Alaska; daughter Linda (Steve) Jones of Spokane, Washington; son Gary (Anne) Copper of Lynchburg, Virginia; daughter Julie (Jeff) Davis of The Dalles; grandchildren Matthew, Nicholas, Timothy Jones and Tricia Engelson (Spokane), Jordan Davis, Janell Hall, and Jaime Whitmire (The Dalles), Catherine Rasmussen (Sioux Falls, South Dakota), Caroline Whitmire and Clayton Copper (Lynchburg). She had 22 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
No services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, Celilo Chapel, 204 E. Fourth St., The Dalles. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Columbia Gorge News, Oct. 28, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Susan Jean Copper as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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