Vicki Copening

Vicki Louise Copening passed away March 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished most.

Vicki (Mahan) Copening, daughter of Vernie and Lucille (Slaton) Mahan, grew up in Iola, Kansas, and graduated from Iola High School in 1964. She went on to pursue her passion for caring for others at Wesley School of Nursing, graduating in 1967. On June 18, 1966, she married the love of her life, Tell Bennett Copening. Together, they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and shared dreams, and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this coming June.

Vicki began her career in nursing at St Luke's Hospital in Kansas City before moving to Wichita for Tell's residency, where they welcomed their two daughters, Ladecia and Kristen. In 1976, the family returned to Iola, where Vicki played an instrumental role in helping Tell establish his family medicine practice. She embraced the Iola community wholeheartedly, contributing her time and talents, including involvement with the Iola Community Theatre.

Her creativity and love for beauty and thoughtful giving led her to open her own shop, Classy Attic, where she shared her passion for décor and gift-giving with others. Later, a move to Olathe brought her back to nursing, where she worked for many years as a dedicated operating room nurse. Eventually, her love of home design guided her to Ethan Allen, where she spent the remainder of her career helping others create warm and welcoming spaces.

Vicki was known for her incredible cooking and her gift for hospitality. A true "hostess with the mostest," she could create a spread beyond compare, making every gathering feel special-no matter how simple the occasion.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Tell Bennett Copening; her daughters, Ladecia (Paul) Friel and Kristen (Curt) Coolidge; and her five cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Matthew, and Grant Friel, and Jadyn and Olivia Coolidge.

Vicki will be remembered for her feisty spirit, her strong opinions, her generous heart, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas

Another gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Isaac, Gathering Room, 7200 West 127th Street, Overland Park, Kansas. Please enter through the lobby.

Memorials are suggested to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1882 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.

Condolences for the family my be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.