Ruth Koplen

Ruth Abrams Koplen of 430 Linden Place, died at her home in the presence of her children and two of her grandchildren. Born in Carteret, N.J on May 27, 1921 to Harry and Mary Abrams, she moved at age 16 with her family to Greenville, SC. There she earned her R.N. degree and worked at the Greenville General Hospital. A few years later, she moved to Danville with her husband, Albert Koplen. They were married in Greenville, SC on November 7, 1943. Albert passed away February 24, 2011. Surviving Ruth Koplen are her children, Lisa Barzel, Donald Koplen, and Barry Koplen as well as Lisa's husband, Dan Barzel, and Donald's wife, Barbralu Cohen; her grandchildren, Chana Batya and Yishai Anderson, Mary Brett Koplen, Jacob Koplen, Nathan and Terra Manning, Adam, Max, and Jonathan Barzel and her great-granddaughter, Joelle Manning. In addition to being a member of Temple Beth Sholom, Ruth was former president of both Haddassah and her Temple Sisterhood. For many years, she was active in the Wednesday Club and the League of Women's Voters. Ruth Koplen will be remembered as a champion of justice, a devoted wife and mother, and as one who loved life and nature. Graveside services will be held by Para Rabbinic Jo Ann Howard on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Aetz Chayim Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her behalf should be sent to Temple Beth Sholom, in care of Peter Howard, 326 Rosemary Lane, Danville, Virginia, 24541.