Frances “Darlene” Copp (Cline) was born Jan. 31, 1941 at the old Tin Cup Ranch in Tonto Basin, Ariz. to parents Frank and Nola Cline. On Jan. 5, 2019, she passed away just 26 days shy of her next “39th” birthday, at John C. Lincoln Hope Hospital in Phoenix.
Darlene spent her adolescence in Tonto Basin and attended the little red school house until her parents decided to move to Globe so she could attend high school there.
Darlene graduated from Globe High School, a Tiger, in 1959. Reading her yearbook passages from fellow students and faculty, it is clear how loved she was by so many.
After high school, Darlene started working at Valley National Bank in Globe. She eventually met and married John Copp and went on to have three children with him; Sherri, and twins Kimberly and Frank. Her three kids spent their younger years in Globe, but it was decided around high school to move to a mini ranch in Taylor, Ariz., where the kids enjoyed horses, family gatherings and being teenagers. Darlene was always so proud of her children and truly believed each of them could walk on water.
Darlene knew the value of a dollar and hard work. She made a career out of the United States Postal Service. For three decades she worked hard, was promoted, traveled and made her mark in Show Low, Taylor, Young, as well as Snowflake.
Darlene retired in January 2003 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the USPS and frequently talked about the many friends she made while there. Sue, Lana, Steve and many others were frequent guests, and frequent story characters from the good old days.
Darlene was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Sherri Copp in March 2003 and is survived by her twins Kimberly Darlene Hawkins, Frank (Ponch) Raymond Copp and his wife Louise. Darlene is also survived by her sister, Franki Marie Brandt (Cline); her nieces Jennifer and Brittany; her nephew Christopher; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Darlene enjoyed few things more than spending time with, and spoiling, her six grandchildren: Shawna Zubia, Allie Kenney, Amanda Gallant, Brenda Odom, Justin Copp and Debra Hawkins.
Among the few things she loved more than spoiling grandchildren was spoiling great-grandchildren, Mekenzy, Nickolas, Alivia, and Londynn (Shawna); Hannah and Andrew (Allie), “Liha” and Adrian (Debra).
Darlene did her best to make every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel loved and special. No matter the distance, each had a special place in her heart. Every fingerpainting was priceless art, every card was a treasure. Every family photo she received was guaranteed to have her in tears at how proud she was.
Darlene didn’t know a stranger and through her career with the post office, and her incredible personality, made countless friends and acquaintances from all walks of life. She was cherished by so many and will be loved and missed forever.
There will be a celebration of life Saturday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. at Punkin Center Bar/Restaurant to honor her birthday weekend and her life. Food will be served. Feel welcome to bring a Mexican food dish. Please join us in saying goodbye and paying respects to a woman who meant so much to so many people.
