Lilly Ann Copple, née Burnett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, at Bethel Home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin at the age of 93.       Known to friends and family as “Ann” or “Annie”, she was the youngest daughter of Effie Pearl (Moore) Burnett and Admiral Perry “Miral” Burnett.  She was born April 29, 1926 in Du Quoin, Illinois and graduated from Du Quoin Township High School in 1945.  Her siblings, already passed, were Harley, Ruth and Vinetta.      Ann was preceded in death by husband, Richard Alden “Dick” Copple, who she married in 1950 in Centralia, Illinois.  Dick’s banking career took them to the Chicago area where they had a rich and varied life and raised three children.  In later years, they also lived in Nashville, Ill, Tucson, Ariz., Ironwood, Mich. and Hurley, Wisc.      Ann worked as a dental assistant, Illinois Bell Telephone representative, librarian, and – her favorite – as a ward clerk in the emergency room at McHenry County Hospital in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.   She was Dick’s partner as they trained and raced standard bred harness horses, racing in county fairs in Illinois and Wisconsin as well as Chicago’s professional racetracks.      Ann is survived by daughter , Mary Kay Copple Yeager (Brett) of New York, New York, son, Mark Alden Copple (Toni) of Madison, Wisconsin, and daughter, Carol Ann Copple Loeper (James) of Ironwood, Michigan.  She adored and was cherished by her grandchildren, Richard T. Gay ( Adrean ), David J. Gay (Suhyun), Jillian C. Gay Hanson (Danson), Nathaniel A. Copple, Caitlin J. Ginnery Albertus (Joseph), and Serena A. Copple.   Great grandchildren, Adriana, William, Adam, Bryndelin and Brendan – were her pride and joy.   In addition, she was a loving aunt and had close relationships with many of her nieces and nephews.      Ann lived by the philosophy “brighten the corner where you are” and held a consistently positive outlook no matter the circumstance.   She was talented and creative – while not occupied with raising children, her life was filled with art and sewing projects, decorations for school and church functions, painting, decorating, writing, and costumes for theatre productions.       A devout Christian, as her physical strength waned, she became a powerful ‘prayer warrior’ for her clan and despite many physical challenges, including blindness, was an example of graciousness and forbearance to her children and all who knew her.        A small private service was held by her children following her death.   In accordance with her wishes, a memorial service and internment for both Ann and Dick Copple will be held in the autumn at Little Grove Cemetery in Walnut Hill, Illinois.      McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family.  For more information or to give online condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.