Shirley Rhea Cooper
January 19, 1935 ~ February 7, 2020
Shirley Rhea Cooper, 85, passed peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2020 surrounded by family Cathy and Matt Swindle and Janice Madill. What a blessing to be with her. She was always thinking of others, saying “My prayer list for tonight just got bigger” or “Let’s pray right now” when ever she sensed something was troubling one of us. Family members Lori, Erick, Jenny, Christa and Brendan all called by phone to tell MOM what she meant to them and how much she was loved. She responded with smiles from hearing those voices. MOM was an overcomer! She also loved spending time with us kids and the grandkids. She had a special bond with great-grandson Brendan Cain and would remind him how much she was counting on him to have good grades and be a GREAT young man of God. Snapchat was our avenue to communicate across the miles and to be abundantly silly. We rejoice in knowing she is free from pain and heart disease. She longed to be with the Lord, especially these last few years. She talked often of reuniting with her sister, Beverly, who proceeded her in death and her Grandparents that raised her. The takeaways from time spent with MOM are forever tucked in our hearts. We will giggle. We have “happy tears”. On behalf of us kids: Cathy, Lori, Jan and Ben we thank you so very much for the calls, messages and texts as we find our way to move on and celebrate her memory and lean on John 14: 1-4 which says:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.
Rest well, MOM until we see you again.
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I was saddened to learn of the passing of Shirley. Growing up she was just like a 2nd mom to me and treated me as such. When I was in the Navy I visited her in Indiana just before leaving for boot camp and even in Pennsylvania when she and Gary lived there. RIP Shirley as you will be heavily missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Hold dear as I will the fond memories of Shirley to help carry you through this difficult time in your lives.
I love and miss you mom. I am comforted by knowing that you are in heaven with Jesus and your family that have gone before you. I still have an alarm in my phone to remind me to call you at 3 o’clock every afternoon and I will use that time now to pray. I know that you are smiling down from above and also laughing at the pranks that we play on each other. You forever remain in my heart. Cathy
Shirley you were an amazing lady. I’m so glad we met and had the opportunity to become friends. It was a pleasure to care for you and be a part of your life. Love you and will cherish the memories with you.
Finding out many months later I can only reflect on memories of Young Riders, The Waltons and figure skating. This is how I choose to remember you. Caught in a whirlwind, I always knew you still loved and cared. I can say with pride…It ran in the family until it ran into me. I know you would be proud of me for this. Xoxo.