Carla Faye Cope

Carla Faye Cope was born on September 19, 1942, in American Falls, Idaho, to Ray and Clara Cope. She was the youngest of three daughters, following her older sisters, Ardella and Rayola. Carla was named after her beloved Uncle Carlos, whom she adored throughout her life.

Much of Carla’s childhood unfolded in Pocatello, Idaho. She told stories of Saturday afternoons at the movies, funded by a single nickel from her dad that somehow stretched to cover a ticket, popcorn, a drink, and candy. When the movie ended, she would walk a few blocks to the bar where her father was, climb onto a stool, and sip a Coke while he finished his beer.

Carla’s life was forever altered when her mother tragically passed away when Carla was just 14 years old. That loss left a void that was never filled. In the years that followed, Carla lived with her sisters, Rayola in Soda Springs and Ardella in American Falls, growing up with and caring for her nephews and nieces. Eventually, she returned to Pocatello to live with her father at the minor league ballpark, where he was the caretaker. She talked fondly about those days in the one-room apartment above the dugouts. She then graduated from Pocatello High School in the spring of 1961.

In September of 1961, Carla married Dee R. Woodland. Together, they set out to build a life, eventually moving from Idaho to Salinas, California. More than anything, Carla wanted to have her own family. She was deeply proud to be a stay-at-home mom, raising her children, R. Dee and Rhonda. She made homemade costumes, led Boy Scouts, ran class parties, and welcomed all the neighborhood kids to gather at the Woodland house! The family returned to Idaho in 1981. As her children grew, Carla returned to work, spending more than 20 years between AMI in Pocatello and Micron in Boise. She grew confident and was known for her work ethic. After their 29-year marriage, Dee and Carla parted ways. She stood on her own, supporting herself and purchasing her home. She was especially proud when she was able to purchase Uncle Carlos’ beloved truck, Old Blue. That truck was a symbol of family and independence. She loved driving that old ’67 Chevy!

Carla loved holidays and traditions that many of her family would carry forward. She always had a pot of chili on Halloween and heart-shaped cookies on Valentine’s Day. She wanted to make memories, whether that meant bike rides to the Wienerschnitzel, road trips sleeping on the side of the road and in rest stops, or the annual Mother’s Day picnics in Los Banos. She discovered a talent for cake decorating, a skill she took great pride in. She spent years quilting, sewing, and crocheting. She shot a mean game of pool and was known to clear the table. She loved the thrill of finding a bargain and built an impressive collection of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs memorabilia. She certainly was a collector and firmly believed that two of everything was necessary, just in case. She later joined RV Clubs with her partner, Bob Ray, and became a member of the Red Hat Society.

Her grandchildren were her heart.

The Woodland boys, Carington and Randee (R. Dee) held a special place in Carla’s life. She never hesitated to make the drive from Idaho to Utah if it meant making a memory. They could always count on Gram showing up—for football games, birthdays, or trips back to Idaho filled with adventure and shenanigans. Some of their best days were spent in her basement house in Pocatello and then later at Eagle Island when she moved to Meridian. When Emisha Sill and Kolton Thomas joined the family, they also benefited from Gram’s adventures, costume making, and love.

Her granddaughter, Morgan (Rhonda), was a constant source of joy and pride. When Morgan was three years old, Carla took her to her first dance class, unknowingly beginning a tradition that would last for years. Carla sat through hundreds of performances, proudly wearing her “Morgan’s Gram” blinged-out t-shirt. It mattered that Gram always had a place - always watching, always there. She never missed a big moment either, including celebrating Morgan’s 21st Birthday in Vegas and bar hopping with the Vandals in Moscow during Morgan’s College Graduation Weekend. The small moments mattered too, like their early morning Hot Cocoa dates on camping trips in Pine, Christmas Eve cookie making, and their love for American Girl Dolls and Webkinz collections. Grammy was there on the day Morgan was born, and Morgan was with Gram in the final few moments of life.

When two more Woodland boys entered the world, her great-grandsons, Jaymison and Ryder (Carington), she dove in with both feet to help. Gigi was always there. They loved being at her home in Meridian, where days were filled with playing on the patio, building towers for hours, and enjoying cheeseburgers and popcorn. It was loud, fun, and safe, exactly the way Carla loved it and what her sweet boys needed. Carla was thrilled when she learned that another Woodland boy was expected to arrive this coming March to Randee and Haley Woodland. While she would not have the chance to make the same memories with him, there is no doubt she will be watching over him, wishing she could spoil him the way only Gigi could.

In her last few years, Carla cherished gathering with family. Her happiest times were always when her entire family was together. Even as her health declined in the fall of 2024, Carla remained focused on what mattered most. She told every single doctor she saw that she had to be at her granddaughter Morgan’s wedding in June. Of course, she was there, tearing up the dance floor with the bride and groom, Morgan and Carter!

Carla lived with resilience, always seeking and sometimes fighting for the life she wanted. She showed up for others in meaningful ways, and most who knew her have a Carla story of their own. Though her final year held hardships, it was only one tree in a forest that reflected a life filled with hope, laughter, and love.

Carla is survived by her sister, Rayola Thomason (Dwight); her son, R. Dee Woodland (Mikell); and her daughter, Rhonda McDonough (Kevin). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Carington Woodland, Randee Woodland (Haley), Morgan McDonough Bottom (Carter), Emisha Sill (Jesse), and Kolton Thomas; and her great-grandsons, Jaymison and Ryder Woodland, with another Woodland baby soon to arrive. Carla also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly, including her favorite phone buddy, Colleen, and finally her beloved dog, Woody—ironically sharing the nickname Dee Woodland was often called.

A memorial luncheon will be held on February 7, 2026, at the Star River House, 960 S Main St, Star, ID 83669, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A short, family-led tribute honoring Carla’s life will begin at 11:45 a.m., followed by a luncheon and open house. Her ashes will be laid to rest beside her mother in American Falls, Idaho, later this summer.