Mary Lou Cooper

Mary Lou Cooper, 89, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. She was born on February 8, 1927 as an only child to Roy and Hazel (Wiltse) Tyson. In 1947, she married Wayne Orval Cooper and moved into the home where she resided for 69 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, in 1984, and her parents. Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of Chanute. She was once part owner of a dress shop in Chanute, Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian Church, Girl Scout leader, and PTA officer. She worked at Stanley Home Products as a secretary and at Sears in the Service Department. She owned a ceramic shop and taught lessons. Mary Lou was a longtime Red Cross volunteer and was Chairman of the local Red Cross Blood Mobile. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Chanute Historical Society. As her car tag said, she was always REDE2GO. She enjoyed being at her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s events and school activities. She loved to take her grandchildren on adventures, often with friend, Vicky Nichols. She also enjoyed traveling! She traveled all over the United States with family and friends, most of the time with a camper behind the car. She was very fortunate to have traveled to nearly 40 countries and to six of the seven continents with her best friend of many years, Warren Alford. The family would like to thank everyone at NMRMC for the care and kindness they so generously showed Mother and all of us. You make a difference. Mary Lou is survived by: Sons: Larrie (Terri) Cooper of Chanute, KS Steven (Trudi) Cooper of Chanute, KS Daughter: Cindy Smith (Jerry) of Kansas City Grandchildren: Dr. Kevin (Stacie) Cooper Brian (Ellaine) Cooper Walker Smith (fiancé, Haley) Aftyn Smith Courtney Cooper Meredith Great Grandchildren: Anabelle Cooper Keaton Cooper Joslyn Cooper Niece: Marsha Carter Cousins: Rowena Thiess of Utah Kay Morgan of Utah Long-time Friend and Companion: Warren Alford A Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Chanute, KS at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Service will start directly after at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow immediately in Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, KS. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Memorial contributions have been suggested to American Red Cross or First Christian Church and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.

Mary Lou Cooper

February 8, 1927 - January 24, 2017