Eleanor Joan "Joan" Kopper

Eleanor Joan Kopper, world traveler, teacher, cruise craft director, and friend returned to her heavenly realm Tuesday, October 18, 2022. She was the first daughter born of Dewey S. and Irene L. Webster and she was born at home in the rural town of Aline, Oklahoma on July 15, 1934. In 1957, she married Dean L. Kopper, a fellow teacher at Zenda, Kansas. They were traveling enthusiasts - took advantage of every opportunity to do something different - summer schooled in Gunnison, Colorado, Commuted to Riverside, California every nine weeks to teach in year-round school, worked on a dude ranch in Red River, New Mexico, taught in Ketchikan, Alaska, and fished for salmon during the yearly salmon run. Even though Joan and Dean were ever blessed with any children, they were great aunt and uncle to their nieces and nephews.
Eleanor Joan, known by most as 'Joan' or 'Jo', was a high achiever. She attended Garden Vale, a one­ room all eighth grade) country school where she graduated valedictorian of her class. Her high school years were spent in Seiling, Oklahoma and were marked by the same honors. The summer of 1952, Joan entered Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma where she graduated in three years with degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education. She earned a Master of Education degree from Wichita University and later a doctorate from Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas.
Joan lived with a generous and compassionate heart. She supported the work of entities such as Jesus House, Crystal Cathedral and many others; Wounded Veterans was her most beloved mission.
Joan taught in elementary, secondary, and higher education in places like Zenda, Wichita, Tribune, and Liberal, Kansas, Alaska, California, Northwestern State University, University of Arkansas, University of Central Oklahoma, and University of Oklahoma She was President and CEO of American Equine Nutrients, originally developed by her late brother Donald Webster, which manufactured horse nutrients, marketed, and sold worldwide.
Joan was a creative person. In laying the groundwork for an avocation following retirement, Joan and Dean signed on as Cruise Craft Directors with Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Following Dean's death, Joan continued to make numerous trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Russia, China, Australia, and Cancun. Joan could envision and replicate all kinds of fun activities with paper, ribbon, paint, and glue to challenge fellow travelers. Whenever she was approached with new ideas, she was sure to offer ways to implement them. She enjoyed sharing the magic of creating something from nothing with others. (This is called teaching) With her great sense of humor, the delightful twinkle in her eyes, and her sweet smile, she cherished memories of growing up on a farm - enjoyed reminiscing of days past.
Joan lived with her beloved black cat, Webster.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Dean LeRoy Kopper, her parents, Dewey and Irene Webster, and her two brothers, Marion F. Webster and Donald N. Webster. Those who will continue to carry memories of her kind, sweet, and generous spirit include her sister, Donna N. Miles and husband Larry L. Miles, sister-in-law, Anna Webster, and a troop of nieces and nephews who fondly knew her as 'Auntie Jo' and who treasure many memories of creating craft projects around the kitchen table. She will be greatly missed.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Brumfield Cemetery in Seiling, OK.
Memorials to El Sistema c/o St. Lukes Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73103.