Joan Michael “Mike” Rich (née Copeland) passed peacefully on March 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Mike was born on July 6, 1944, in San Francisco, California. She spent her early years growing up in Montana and Idaho Falls, and later attended high school in Elko, Nevada. Those early years helped shape the caring, faithful woman who would devote her life to her family, her faith, and serving others.
Mike was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was the center of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.
She worked for Mesa Public Schools for 22 years, where she faithfully served her community and built lasting relationships through her kindness and dedication.
Mike’s life was deeply rooted in her relationship with Jesus Christ, which guided the way she loved and cared for those around her. She spent much of her church life at Word of Grace Church, where her faith continued to grow and inspire others.
She found joy in life’s simple but beautiful moments—riding her bike, watching sunsets, and admiring the moon. Yet more than anything, she treasured the time she spent surrounded by her family.
Mike will be remembered as kind, loving, and compassionate, a woman who placed others before herself and whose quiet strength and faith were evident in everything she did.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Rich, and her four children: Wayne (Richie), Chris, Meg, and Erin.
She was a proud grandmother to Matthew, Marissa, Katherine, Abby, Grace, Max, Jake, Connor, Grant, Amanda, Carol, Anna, David, Michael, Lucy, Thomas, Peter, and Zelle, and a cherished great-grandmother to Joseph, George, James, Regina, Charles, Theo, Max, Jane Francis, and Della Mae.
Mike was preceded in death by her parents, Treo and Ray Copeland, and her brother, Jerry.
Mike’s life was a testament to faith, love, and devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace knowing she is now in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.