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Obituary

Emma Agnes Kopelman

RONAN — Emma Kopelman died Feb. 18, 2012, at Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank, Mont. Her three children were at her side as she left to join the loved ones gone before her.

Emma was born in Edgar, Mont., June 13, 1918, to Jim and Bettie Reilly, joining sisters Anna and Marie. The Reilly family moved to Missoula, and another sister, Helen, was born.

Emma married Ira Austin Kopelman Sept. 23, 1939, and together they raised four children: Sharon Rae, Laurel Anne, Ira “Butch” Jr., and Betty Lou. The family moved to White Water in 1952. They returned to Missoula in 1958 and resided there until Ira retired from the Northern Pacific Railroad. Together they did a lot of traveling, living briefly in Somers, and in Coos Bay, Ore.

In 1990, they moved to their grandson Buddy’s ranch, outside of Ronan. After Ira’s death in 1998, Emma moved to the Maxwell Apartments in Ronan, and then to St. Luke’s Extended Care. In 2009 she went to live with her daughter Betty Lou in Cut Bank until, needing more medical assistance, she moved into the Glacier Care Center.

A city girl at heart, wherever Emma lived, she was interested in the community, helping with PTA, 4-H, Campfire, Boy Scouts, and church groups. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines, Lady Moose, Lady Eagles, and The Royal Neighbors.

Emma is preceded in death by her three sisters Anna Flink, Marie Scollard, and Helen Rangitsch; her husband Ira; and her daughter Sharon Rae Anderson. She is survived by Laurie (Bud Cheff Jr.), Butch (Lynn) and Betty Lou (Dave Rudisill); 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan. Memorials may be made to the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana. A service will be held at a later date.

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