Debra “Debbie” Eugenia Liggett Copas passed away on May 22nd, 2022, at the age of 71. She battled uterine and bone cancer, but it never stopped her from telling stories, cracking jokes, hunting down a good bargain, or loving fiercely as she continued to look after all of us.
Debbie was born in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, on August 23rd, 1950, to Donald Glamoure and Lena Belle Hollenbaugh Liggett. Her father’s career in the U.S. Air Force allowed her family to travel the world. She especially enjoyed living in Japan and often shared stories about this time in her life. Some of her fondest memories included having tea at the Emperor’s Palace, visiting Mt. Fuji, and catching a Monarch butterfly.
A 1968 graduate of Beech Grove High School in Indiana, she attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, to study Home Economics. She encouraged her husband and children to pursue their educational dreams, supporting them in acquiring numerous certificates, associates, bachelors, and masters degrees, even though she never finished her own degree.
Debbie never met a stranger. She enjoyed discovering family connections, common interests, or other similarities between anyone and everyone. She enjoyed inquiring about people’s lives and family histories and often revisited and shared those stories with her family, making sure that all generations knew who they were and where they came from. She filled her family’s home with love, connection, empathy, and compassion through storytelling.
As a valiant and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, she was a champion for service and charity. She was the first to respond whenever anyone expressed any need. She was a friend to all and encouraged and uplifted those around her with humor, honesty, and unwavering advocacy. In her youth, she cherished attending morning Sunday School and afternoon/evening Sacrament Meeting, even to the chagrin of many of her friends. In Indiana, her family attended the Indianapolis 1st Ward located on Prospect and Villa, and it’s here that she met her eternal sweetheart William “Bill”” Robert Copas in 1967.
Bill and Debbie spent their first date at the Indiana State Fair and dated for the duration of her senior year of high school. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 20, 1968. Since then, they have always stood as a pillar of strength and unity to their children.
Debbie was an influential homemaker and home manager, and she was dedicated to the practice of a great bargain hunt. Not only did these practices nourish her family, but they allowed her to tend to others’ needs. She was often the first phone call when someone had a need or was seeking advice or the comfort of a sympathetic ear. She did all things in humor and fun, and her creativity touched and influenced many in her community.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; children: Steven Boyd Copas, James Bradley Copas (Sarahai), Mark Randall Copas (Ashley), Jeffrey Robert Copas (Eri), Nathan Alan Copas (Ana), Leigh Ann Copas; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and sibling David Boyd Liggett (Cindy). She was preceded in death by one son, Joseph Michael Copas; one niece, Jennifer Dawn Liggett; two siblings: Franklin Douglas Liggett and Dennis Bradley Liggett; parents-in-law James Claude and Veora Isley Roach Copas; and her beloved parents.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, June 1st, 2022, at 10:45 a.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 187 S Main, Spanish Fork, UT, with the funeral following at 12 p.m. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park (Camp Williams), 17111 S 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT.
TO VIEW THE SERVICES VIA LIVESTREAM, PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO SERVICES BEGINNING AT 12:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 AND CLICK ON THE VIDEO LINK BELOW.
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Tío José from Mexico says
May 27, 2022 at 11:56 amBrad, we’re so sorry to hear about your mom’s departure. From this side of the border we remember you and we are with you. Receive a hug and may Debbie rest in God’s peace. Please also send our condolences to the rest of your family.
Sílvia Aguilar says
May 27, 2022 at 4:44 pmSon Brad I am very sorry for this loss my family and I know that we will always be with all of you we are family for many years I hope God gives you strength and learn to live without that being as special as Deby was we treated her she was an exceptional being we love her as well to all the Liggett glasses family a hug for grandpa Bill
Ruth Hollenbaugh says
June 1, 2022 at 12:49 pmDear Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Debbie was a wonderful person.
She was so kind to me when I lived in Kentucky. She went to church with me one Sunday and introduced me to some folks in an effort to make me feel more comfortable about attending church alone.
I will always remember her beautiful face, her smile and what a genuine lady she was.
Ruth Hollenbaugh says
June 1, 2022 at 12:48 pmDear Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Debbie was a wonderful person.
She was so kind to me when I lived in Kentucky. She went to church with me one Sunday and introduced me to some folks in an effort to make me feel more comfortable about attending church alone.
I will always remember her beautiful face, her smile and what a genuine lady she was.
Tommy Bryant says
June 1, 2022 at 4:03 pmI was sad to hear of Debbie’s passing. I have lots of great memories with the Copas family back in the 80s, the glory days! Whether it was cub scout pack meeting or a church cook-out… Debbie was always smiling! She was so fun to be around. I respected her for the good person she was. My sincere condolences to her husband, children, and all her family. She will be missed. RIP Debbie.
Amber Jenkins says
June 17, 2022 at 7:23 pmDebra was a good woman. She would always be loved and missed.
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