Phyllis Esther Kopsa (91) was at Davis, surrounded by her family, when she went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2011.

She was born June 27, 1920 in Thermopolis, the daughter of William and Myrtle West. Phyllis grew up in Sheridan and graduated in 1938.

Her sister introduced her to Edward Kopsa, who had the “kindest blue eyes she’d ever seen.” They were married on January 15, 1943 and experienced 43 memorable years together. Phyllis lived in Cheyenne most of her adult life.

Phyllis was active in women’s ministry and teaching Sunday School through First Baptist Church. She trained for her LPN using her skills at a local nursing home. Gideons was a big part of her life. Phyllis also worked with Ed at Kopsa Appraisal Service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle (Taylor) West, as well as her husband, Edward E Kopsa, and a grandson, Benjamin E Kopsa.

Phyllis is survived by two sons and their families. Son Gary and Nancy Kopsa of Sheridan; granddaughter Jenianne and Greg Becker and children Conrad, Samuel, Sylvia, Charlie and Novea of Idaho; granddaughter Rebekah and Jason Goodman and children Elizabeth, Jordan, and David of Colorado; son Brian and Lavonda Kopsa of Cheyenne; granddaughter Rachel and Brett Janzen of Colorado; granddaughter Bethany and Greg Williamson of Laramie and Alisa Kopsa of Cheyenne. Also surviving her is a sister, Isabell Koltiska of Sheridan, and a brother, Ken West of Montana.

A celebration of her life was held at 10:00 Saturday, September 17th, at Weiderspahn/Radmosky Chapel with Chaplain Gary Kopsa officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wyoming Gideons or LifeCare of Cheyenne.

Honorary pallbearers were Greg Becker, Jason Goodman, Brett Janzen, Greg Williamson, Bob Gunderson, Jerry Durling, Stan Scheer, John Wheeler and Henry Bailey.

The Sheridan Press - September 17, 2011.