Christina Jane Copp

Christina Jane (Kresge) Copp slipped peacefully into eternity to be with her beloved Jesus on May 13, 2025, at her lifelong home near Adin, CA. Born September 19, 1950 in Alturas, CA, to Owen & Betty Kresge, Jane and older brother Paul were raised on the family ranch north of Adin. She was active in 4-H in her youth, showing sheep and steers and excelling at sewing. She graduated from Big Valley High School as valedictorian in 1968 and UC Davis in 1972 with a degree in human nutrition. She left California for an internship as a dietician at Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall of 1972, which gave her and Jim Copp enough time apart to realize they should get married. Since the church was already decorated and the family was all together, they wed December 26, 1972, on her Christmas break, and lived six months in Virginia. That was long enough to convince them both that they belonged in California, where they returned to Jim’s hometown near Placerville, CA and worked together in their new business: Copp’s Irrigation. The business moved with them to Adin in 1976, when they took over the ranch from Owen & Betty. Even while busy raising her children Julie, Jana, and Perry, Jane could be found out on a tractor, building wheel lines, digging thistles, feeding cows, doing book work, or any of the many other jobs required to run the businesses. She was integral in the success of the family ranch, Copp’s Irrigation, and Copp’s Corner (now Juniper Junction under different ownership). She loved people and gave her time as a 4-H leader, substitute teacher, Sunday school teacher, church pianist, and good friend and neighbor. 

Never one to complain, she would joke that having the whole clan crammed in the cab of a work truck bouncing out to a dirty job somewhere was “family togetherness.” She sacrificed comfort and convenience to live in simple contentment, building a legacy for future generations. As beloved “Granny,” she never turned down time with the grandkids, even if it meant sacrificing her own meal or sleep, saying “I’ll have time to eat/sleep/do chores when I’m dead.”  Despite health issues over the past year, Jane remained steadfast in faith, uncomplaining to a fault, patiently persevering, and unselfish as a saint. 

Her greatest joy was her family, and missing her deeply are her husband of 52 years, Jim, daughters Julie Dawson-Parlee (Robert) of Adin and Jana Baber of Willows, CA, and son Perry (Katie) Copp of Adin, and grandchildren Ellie Placide (Ben), Jacob Dawson (Elizabeth), Ely Dawson, Brett Baber, Molly Baber, Brad Baber, Isaac Copp, and Ethan Copp. She leaves them with her favorite saying: “May the Lord bless and keep you.” (Numbers 6:24) 

A casual celebration of her life will be held Saturday, July 5 so drop in any time between about 5-7 PM at the Adin Park. Please join the family for hamburgers and whatever side dish or dessert you’d like to bring. Her wish was to spread her ashes on the ranch, where she will join her parents in fertilizing the wildflowers, thus fulfilling her desire to “just be useful in my old age.” To honor her memory, please love others, say your prayers and go to church this week, give your pet a treat, and go ahead and eat dessert before eating your meat (preferably beef), fruit & vegetables, because life is sweet and should be enjoyed! Donations may be made in her name to the Adin Community Park at PO Box 206, Adin, CA 96006

The family wishes to thank the first responders of the Adin Volunteer Fire Department, Southern Cascades EMS, Modoc County Sheriff’s Department, and the “last responder,” Kerr Mortuary, for their professionalism and compassion.