Myrna Cooper

Myrna Louise Cooper

December 3, 1936-September 16, 2023

The dates might represent from the beginning to the end, but the dash in the middle represents 86 years, 9 months and 13 days lived as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (great, and great-great), daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Myrna was the fifth child born to John and Mary (Niles) Cooper in Mondamin, Iowa. She grew up there and attended school and graduated from Mondamin.  On July 22, 1954, she married Leroy Cooper at her sister’s home in Council Bluffs.  Yes, Myrna was a Cooper before she married and often joked that she didn’t change her name.

By the time Myrna and Leroy moved from Beebeetown to Council Bluffs in 1968, seven children had been born: William Leroy (infant), Terry Lynn, Sherry Louise, Patrick Alan, Kimberly Sue, Pamela Jean and Debra Ann.  Raising six kids consumed most of her time but she also ventured in selling Sarah Coventry, children’s toys and Avon.  After all her kids had started school, she started working for the State of Iowa as a Child Support Recovery Officer and would retire from this position after 17 years of service.

On their 25th wedding anniversary, Myrna and Leroy would move to Harlan, Iowa and it was there that she became active as a volunteer.  She was especially devoted to being a hospice volunteer.  In 1996, the City of Harlan honored her with a Special Appreciation Award for her volunteering.

Myrna was a member of Christ’s Church in Harlan and would be a major contributor in growing the church’s presence.  She was the Sunday School teacher, a bookkeeper, and the March for Jesus and National Day of Prayer coordinator.

Myrna devoted her spare time to family and friends.  Whether it was participating with friends in water aerobics, TOPS, Silver Sneakers or playing Phase 10 and UNO with grandkids, she was the life of the party. (Side note. A few of the grandkids mentioned that after they married and were playing Phase 10, they had to play by the real rules and not “grandma’s” rules).  She loved her grandchildren and attended every possible event she could. Traveling to California, Florida, Vegas, and all over the Midwest attending their events.

Road trips with Leroy were also a favorite pastime for Myrna.  Branson, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee… Sherry and Barry’s cabin in Minnesota, fishing/ice fishing… many stories could be told about those adventures.

The dash between the dates that represents Myrna’s life is all about   undeniable love for God, family, and friends!!!  She is loved and will be missed by her beloved husband of 69 years, 1 month and 27 days; her children, Terry Cooper, Council Bluffs, Sherry (Barry) Thomas, Highland, Illinois, Patrick Cooper, Irwin, Iowa, Kimberly (Tony) Arkfeld, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Pamela (Jeff) Clark, Harlan, Iowa, Debra McLaughlin, Harlan, Iowa; 16 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, including 1 great-great grandchild, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, William, daughter-in-law Michelle (Terry) Cooper, her sisters Mary Ada (Bob) Barber, Donna (Dale) Messenger, Beverly Cooper, her brother Harold, brother-in-laws Bob Barber and Dale Messenger, father-in-law Pete Cooper, mother-in-law Bessie Cooper, sister-in-law Phyllis Davis, and brother-in-law Philip Cooper.

Memorials in memory of Myrna can be directed to Project Pink’d, Omaha, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the Logan Christian Church immediately following the service.

In Loving Memory Of

Myrna L. Cooper

Born

December 3, 1936                  Mondamin, Iowa

Entered Into Rest

September 16, 2023                     Harlan, Iowa

Visitation

10:00 a.m.~12:00 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023

Logan Memorial Chapel

Logan, Iowa

Celebration of Life

12:00 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023

Logan Memorial Chapel

Logan, Iowa