Dianne D. Copley
White River Junction, VT – Dianne (Dee) D. Copley, 70, died
unexpectedly at her home on Monday evening, September 8, 2025. She was
born on June 23, 1955, in Fostoria, OH to James R. and Jean Catherine
(Hall) Copley. From her early life on the family estate, spiritual
connections and helping others were at the core of her values. At the
age of 16, she met her future husband, Todd Arbogast of Norwalk, OH,
while they both attended a Lutheran youth group leadership convention.
As is often what happens in life, they lost touch after her first
marriage and divorce, but years later, after a chance encounter with
Todd’s brother, Dee and Todd reconnected in 1978 and married on May 3,
1980, at her family’s home.
They moved to the Upper Valley in 1981, and have lived in White River
Junction since 1983. Shortly after their move to the Upper Valley,
they became involved in fostering unaccompanied minors from Cambodia
and later fostered teenagers for Easter Seals Vermont. And in 1986
adopted their daughter Rachel Elizabeth, now married and lives in
Springfield, VT with James Laplante.
Dee’s work through the years involved patient advocacy, teaching life
skills, management, administration, music production, and religious
ministry. She became an ordained minister in 2001 and founded Revival
Connections with a dedicated group of talented individuals, including
her husband, Todd. She was part of the worship team, hosted weeks-long
retreats and revivals, and produced events with Integrity Hosanna
Music, Inc., Christian music singers, musicians, and songwriters. Each
Monday evening, Revival Connections hosted a potluck dinner open to
all. Most recently, she served as music minister on one of two worship
teams at the Lake Church in Newport, NH, and privately ministered to
women who have undergone trauma.
She adored traveling and getting to know local people and cultures on
ministry trips all over the world. At home, she enjoyed gardening and
cooking with her favorite garlic and heirloom tomatoes. Bringing
together people in love brought her so much joy, and never was this
truer than when she officiated the wedding of her daughter Rachel and
her son-in-law James in 2013.
She is survived by her husband Todd Arbogast of White River Junction;
daughter Rachel Arbogast and son-in-law James Laplante of Springfield,
VT; sister Tighe Yovanoff and husband Kurt of Fort Collins, CO; foster
sons Sarim Rom of Mississippi and Jason Gilmore of Canaan, NH; two
longtime friends Trudy George of White River Junction and Cindy Miller
of New Zealand, and Susie Devries of Gainesville, FL; other relatives,
many important Faith connections, foster children, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Pamela Dunn.
A service of remembrance will be held at Lake Church, 314 Sunapee St.,
Newport, NH 03773. Date has not been set.
In Dee’s memory, mail generous memorial donations to Mariatu’s Hope,
Inc., PO Box 2846, Haines City, FL 33845.
Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements, online
donation link and condolences may be shared at
www.knightfuneralhomes.com.