Rev. R. Edward Cope

Reverend R. Edward (“Ed”) Cope, 85, of Lime Ridge, died Thursday, March 6 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Bloomsburg.  Born in Bloomsburg on December 13, 1939, he was the son of William and Iva (Bittenbender) Cope, and one of 11 siblings (5 brothers, 6 sisters).

Ed grew up in Bloomsburg, Catawissa and Lime Ridge, and graduated from Central Columbia High School, Class of 1957.  He enlisted in the Army, where he trained in electronics in the Signal Corps and spent 2 years working in the White House with a team that set up closed circuit communications between the White House and Camp David.

After his return from the Army to Bloomsburg in 1961 he opened his own television repair shop and spent time with the love of his life, Sherryl Shaffer.  Ed and Sherryl married in June 1965.  Not long after, an interaction with his pastor at Lime Ridge United Methodist Church led Ed to sense his call to pastoral ministry.  He attended and graduated from Bloomsburg State College in 1969, and Wesley Theological Seminary in 1973.  For the next 40+ years, he and Sherryl (and their 4 children) served many congregations throughout the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.  He and Sherryl retired to Lime Ridge in 2002.

Those who knew Ed will remember his smile, his positivity, and his willingness to serve others in his commitment to Christ.  During his years as a pastor, he oversaw weddings and funerals, baptisms and community outreach.  He participated in relief efforts to Haiti and organized a relief effort to victims of Hurricane Andrew.  He visited countless shut-ins and hospital patients.  He led Bible studies and counseled people.  In all he did, he wanted to honor God and impact others.  He loved God and loved his family.

He lost Sherryl unexpectedly in 2019; but he is survived by his four children: Paul Cope of TX, Ann Marie Parker and husband, Glenn, of Williamsport, Deborah Rupright and husband, Craig, of IL, and Elisabeth Cope of DE.  Also surviving are his 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and siblings Mary Catherine Cain, Karen Hopkins, Judy Lee, and Randy Cope.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his brothers Larry, Leon, and John, and his sisters Sue Ann, Claris, and Patricia.

All are welcome to join Ed’s family for his viewings 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, March 13 and 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, March 14, at Lime Ridge New Hope Church, 6405 4th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.  His funeral will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 14, also at the church.  Rev. Vincent N. Keister and Rev. John Leek will officiate.  His burial will follow at Lime Ridge Cemetery.  The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to assist the Cope family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ed to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (www.intervarsity.org).  Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.