RAPID CITY -- Rose Marie Kopriva, 82, Rapid City passed away Friday, July 23, 2010, surrounded by her husband and children. Rose was born Dec. 23, 1927 near Liberal, Mo. She grew up on her familys farm and attended rural schools. Following graduation from high school, she attended Burge Hospital School where she obtained her Registered Nursing degree. She went on to obtain a degree in psychology at Southwest Missouri State College in 1950. She then enlisted in the U. S. Army Nursing Corps, where she received the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal. She served in Vienna, Austria, San Francisco and Fort Knox, Ky. It was while serving at Fort Knox that she met and married her husband, Dr. Gregory Kopriva. Upon completion of their military service Greg and Rose moved to Igloo, where they established Gregs first dental practice. Later, they moved the practice to Edgemont and in 1964 moved his office to Rapid City where Rose helped manage the practice for over 40 years. To this Christian union, six children were born. Rose selflessly devoted her entire life to her husband, their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing tennis and helped establish the Black Hills Racquet Club. She loved every aspect of the game and was pleased to see it flourish in the area. She believed good health and good sportsmanship were beneficial to a productive Christian life. Rose was an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She was a devoted Christian and modestly put her faith in action helping those in need, especially children and young people whenever she could. Rose practiced her Christianity in a quiet and practical way. Besides being a wonderful wife and mother, she was very helpful to the extended Kopriva family including Gregs parents and his brother and sisters. Without her wise counsel, generosity and kindness, many would not have become the people they are today. Rose had an amazing way of making all people she knew feel special and included. She would reach out to strangers in a heartbeat if she felt the calling to do so. This generous nature and gentle humility framed her life and her decisions on a day-to-day basis. She taught love by the way she lived her life. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Gregory Kopriva; her children, Linda McClanahan, Albuquerque, N.M., Jim Kopriva, Raymond, Mary Ann Maes, Colorado Springs, Colo., Charles Kopriva, Belle Fourche, and Larry Kopriva, Rapid City; 13 grandchildren; and many dear friends. She will be missed greatly by all. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Warren; a sister, Dixie Mae; and an infant son, John Paul. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Christian wake service Thursday, July 29, at Blessed Sacrament Church. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 30, at the church, followed by a reception at the church hall. Internment, with full military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.