Opal May Ellett

Opal May (Copeland) Ellett, 92, died January 12, at Summit Hospital in Show Low, Arizona. She was born September 16, 1923 in Hiwasse, Arkansas, the daughter of Degelma and Maudie Burton.In the late 1920's she moved to Arizona with her family, where a few years later she met and married her first husband, Cecil (Red) Copeland. In the early 40's they owned and operated the Wetmore Swimming Pool, located in Tucson, which was the largest public swimming pool in the state of Arizona. On the site was also an outdoor skating rink, a dance hall, and a large park where families could enjoy picnics, before taking a cool dip in the large swimming pool. After Red's death in 1972, she sold the 35 acre "amusement park", and now Walmart is located on that site. She then moved to Texas where she met and married Lester Ellett. Together, they purchased a large cattle ranch, where she thoroughly enjoyed raising cattle and riding her horse over the 200 acres. After the death of Lester, in 2000, she moved to Show Low to be near her family.She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Robert and Wendell Burton and great-great grandson Destin Earl.She is survived by her daughter Sue (Lonnie) Burchett; sons, John (Georgene Blazer) Copeland, & George Copeland; Granddaughters, Tanna (Mike) Welter, Tracy (Donald) Earl, 6 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.No public services are planned at this time.