Virginia Maxine Copas-Baxter

October 31, 1927 - March 23, 2022

Clear Lake - Virginia Maxine (Copas) Baxter, 94, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Oakwood Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 8th Ave. South, Clear Lake, with Fr. Josh Link, celebrant. She will be laid to rest at Clear Lake Cemetery. Visitation and public viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 N. 1st Ave. N, Clear Lake, IA. A scripture service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family of Virginia Baxter. Virginia Maxine Johnson was born October 31, 1927 in Algona, Iowa, the fourth of thirteen children to Charles “Ted” Edward and Ethel Marie (Kelley) Johnson. She received her education at St. Cecelia’s Academy in Algona. On January 19, 1945 married Clifton C. Copas in Fairmont, MN. To this union, 11 children were born: Louetta, Edward, Diana, Douglas, Altha, Greg, Vince, Phillip, Monica, Tom, and Tim. Virginia ran a tight ship at home and dedicated her life to the care of her family. Virginia was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and taught religious education at Opportunity Village (now One Vision). She worked at Ritter’s Oakwood Manor in housekeeping, but always put her family first. Though her life was not always easy, her family and faith carried her through. There were many large family gatherings held in the Copas home, occasionally resulting in standing room only! Card games were often part of these gatherings, so you can imagine the dialogue that took place between players. Virginia enjoyed reading books, working crossword puzzles, crocheting or just spending time alone. She also enjoyed road trips with her sisters, visiting tea rooms, and an occasional stop at the casino. Music and dancing were an important part of her life as well. Caregiving was a constant in her life, beginning with her younger siblings all the way through the raising of her own children. Virginia was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved dearly. Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved children, Edward (Kolene) Copas, Diana Allen, Douglas (Jo) Copas, Altha (Andy) Garfin, Greg (Deb) Copas, Vince Copas, Phillip Copas, and Monica (Don) VerHelst; 26 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and one on the way; a sister Shirley (Robert) Metzger; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Preceding Virginia in death are her husband Clifton Copas; her children, Louetta Best, Tim and Tom Copas; her parents; 6 sisters; 5 brothers, Clifton’s parents and brother.