Wilma Arlene (Friend) Copeland Pendleton, age 85, of Springfield, Missouri, went to be with the Lord, at 2:47 PM on Wednesday February 14, 2018 in her home after a short illness. She was born September 1, 1932 in Springfield, Missouri, daughter of the late Fred and Mildred (Boles) Friend.

Wilma attended Central High School, but did not graduate. At the age of 63, she revealed to her family that she had been secretly taking classes and would graduate with her GED. She scored so well she was offered a scholarship to Crowder College, which she declined so a younger person could have it. She loved to quilt and crochet, making many items for her many grandchildren. She loved genealogical research and made binders for each of her children as well as her grandchildren with the family history and the items each had made for her over the years.

On April 23, 1949, she married Johnny Grant Copeland. To this union was born five children: Johnny Bob, Wayne Lee, Carol, Betty, and Kathy. Johnny preceded her in death November 28, 1967 . Wilma and Johnny lived in Bois D'Arc, MO where they worked their cattle farm and ran a milk route. Wilma first worked at Hagle Garment in Republic and also worked at Litton's where she was a circuit board inspector and worked with the JFA.  Wilma was also a member of the Sycamore Women's Club and of Johns Chapel.

On August 4, 1973, she married Melvin Leon Pendleton and with this union came four sons: Rick, Randy, Russell, and Robert. Melvin preceded her in death on July 9, 2014. Melvin and Wilma lived in Miller, MO, where they worked their cattle farm. Wilma joined Miller Christian Church, where she was active in teaching children and enjoyed the women's group, where she was president for many years.

In 2014, Wilma moved briefly to Maranatha Village in Springfield before moving in with her daughter Betty and husband Terry Steeley, where she lived all her remaining years. Special thanks for all they did for her. Wilma started attending Bois D'Arc UMC.

Wilma's faith and love of her family shined through everything she did. She will be deeply missed by her children: Johnny (Cinda) Copeland of Bois D'Arc, Carol (Larry) Merritt of Nixa, Betty (Terry) Steeley of Springfield, Kathy Johnson of Springfield, Rick (Cyndie) Pendleton of Miller, Russell (Cheryl) Pendleton of Miller, and Robert (Janice) Pendleton of Willard, daughter-in-law Wileen Pendleton of Mt. Vernon; brother, Rick Friend of Lee's Summit; 19 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two wonderful husbands, sons Wayne Lee Copeland and Randy Pendleton, son-in-law Jim Johnson, and two brothers Robert and Jim Friend.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, MO.  Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at the Johns Chapel Cemetery, Ash Grove, MO.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation in care of the funeral home.