[SWM Editor’s Note: The aunt of Elizabeth Peterson, a.k.a. Copeland, murdered in Benton on February 19, 2021, covered by Sierra Wave, asked that we share this remembrance of her niece with our readers. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Peterson.]

Born Elizabeth Ann Peterson on July 15, 1962 and died February 19, 2021.

Her life was taken in a violent crime at her home in Benton CA.   Also known by Liz or Lizzie.

Liz was Born in Bishop Ca.  Attended grade school at Harlem MT, where she was a member of Ft. Belknap Indian Agency.  She also attended schools in the Antelope Valley area.  After becoming a Dog Groomer, she excelled at classes to become a Master Groomer and received many awards.  She started her grooming career at Dusty’s’ in Bishop.  She later worked as a groomer at Williamsburg Animal Hospital in Pauls Valley ok for many years until she opened her own shop called “Country Clips”.  Liz was also involved in several animal rescue groups and donated many hours of her time and grooming services to “P.A.W.S.” in Pauls Valley OK.  She was a tireless and selfless volunteer when it came to animals in need.

She grew up with a quirky knack for putting together a piece string or ribbon or feather and making it into something wearable.  A piece of jewelry, a necklace, a belt or maybe a sun catcher.  She loved making jewelry, yard art, walking sticks or just anything she could re-purpose into something beautiful or pretty.  She loved working in her yard, gardening, rock gardens, making clothes and baking.  She made some incredible pies and had also become a very creative cook.

Lizzie could be described as a true ‘old soul’ and ‘free spirit.”  She loved driving the old dirt roads and exploring… maybe drinking a few beers, possibly having a toke and listening to some music.

She was not an ordinary person.  She had many gifts and talents that she bought to this world.  Liz was a generous person with a loving and giving heart.  She will be missed but not forgotten by all who knew her.

She is survived by husband, Carl Copeland of Pauls Valley OK. Her two sons, Timothy Grisham and his wife Susie, of Olympia WA. and another son, William Bishop and his partner of Denver CO.    Two step- sons, Coy and Joe Copeland of Bakersfield CA.    A Sister-in-law, Cheryl Weedon and husband John of Phoenix AZ.  Her mother, Roberta Carney of Pauls Valley, one brother, Michael McNeil of Pauls Valley and his daughter Erin McNeil of Santa Rosa CA.  One sister, Carol Birdie Crow of Lawton OK, and her   children – Richard Gulick, and wife Nikki of Lawton and their children, Cole, Rich, Remy and Bethany.   Daughter Nicole Gulick and her son Rhett; and son Bret Crow.  In addition to her immediate family Liz had an extremely large extended family including her many Aunts and her 1st, 2^nd and 3^rd cousins.

A Memorial Service in her honor will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday – May 1^st at Stufflebean Funeral Home in Pauls Valley OK, with Ross Foster Officiating.  Immediately after, there will be a dinner and get together of all attendees at the Paoli Senior Center in Paoli OK.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA” @ mmiwusa.org or to “P.A.W.S.”  (Pauls Valley Animal Welfare Society) @405-238-1303 or any other charitable organization of your choosing.