Irene (Cooper) Wayland

Irene Cooper Wayland, age 78, passed away January 4, 2025 in Wasilla, Alaska at her son's home amongst her family. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's over five years ago which also accelerated her dementia. Even though these ailments frustrated her, she tried her best to be patient and pleasant but was even more ready to join Karl and her parents and siblings in the next life. Irene was born to H. Arvene Cooper and Maurice Nielsen on January 23, 1946 in Vernal, Utah. Irene was the sixth of thirteen children raised on a dairy farm in Vernal. After Irene graduated from Uintah High School in 1964 she attended the College of Southern Utah. It was there she met Karl Wayland and was married in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 9, 1965. They were married 48 years when Karl passed away. Karl and Irene raised their children in Utah, Colorado, and Alaska. Irene was an excellent seamstress, and carpente. She loved singing and dancing. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different capacities. After Karl passed away in 2014 she served an 18-month family history mission in Salt Lake City, Utah from October 2015 to April 2017. While on her mission she met some very dear friends. Irene is survived by her children Melinda (Newell) Chappell of Phoenix, Arizona; Wendie (Adam) Greathouse of Wasilla, Alaska; Ryan (Courtney) Wayland of Wasilla, Alaska; Nathan (Erin) Wayland of Twin Bridges, Montana; Marcus (Tara) Wayland of St. Peters, Missouri; Travis (Lori) Wayland of Farmington, Utah; Veneita (Bryan) Watt of Neola, Utah; 15 beautiful granddaughters, 14 handsome grandsons and 4 great grandchildren. Irene is also survived by her siblings Daphne (Gene) Jensen of San Antonio, Texas; Neldon (Irene) Cooper of Roosevelt, Utah; Elaine (Eldon) Walton of Vernal, Utah; Kenneth (Martha Ann) Cooper of Leota, Utah, Alan (Kathy) Cooper of Leota, Utah; Doris (Dwayne) Humphries of Pocatello, Idaho; Nadine (Randall) Boudrero of Layton, Utah, and sister-in-law Evelyn (Bob) Sheedy of Roosevelt, Utah, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws whom she loves. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Karl Wayland; her parents H. Arvene and Maurice Cooper; her brothers Larry Cooper, Brent Cooper, and Gerald Cooper; her sisters Marie (George) Harmon and Cynthia Cooper. Funeral services for Irene will be held Saturday, January 11, 2024 at 12:00pm at the Vernal 5th & 9th Ward LDS Chapel 200 West 250 North. Visitation for family and friends will be held that morning from 10:00am ~ 11:45am all at the church. Private family interment will take place next week in the Richfield City Cemetery in Richfield, Utah. Services under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.