Obituary of Jeanne M Cooper

Jeanne Marie Cooper, 72, wife of Michael Dean Cooper, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Thursday, August 23, 2018. A memorial service in her honor will be held at the First Baptist Church, 801 N. Cottonwood Street, Iola, KS 66749, on Tuesday, August 28 at 11:00 am.

Born December 11, 1945 in Galesburg, Kansas, Jeanne was one of four children to Bill and Eva Kramer. She married the love of her life on March 27, 1976, and throughout their 42 years of marriage, Jeanne and Mike's love for each other was palpable. Since meeting, they lived for Jesus, each other, and their children. Jeanne worked as a junior high English teacher before marrying Mike and dedicating herself to be a warm homemaker and attentive mother. Jeanne put her teaching gifts to use after her children were born by homeschooling all four of them through high school. Above all else, Jeanne loved making things special for her family. When her sons were little Iola didn't have a baseball program for boys between T-Ball and Pee Wee league. Realizing the need for an interim league, Jeanne singlehandedly formed the Bitty Ball league. She was extremely dedicated to her children's baseball and softball teams. For many years she was the first base coach to her sons' teams, and her teeny frame could often be seen on the field waving on or halting runners that were bigger than she was. Her love of baseball continued long after her children were grown. She would coach the Royals from her chair and make sure she watched every game with Mike. In recent years she would text her children her opinion of each play and call as she cheered on her boys in blue.

Jeanne was always involved in anything her children cared about. When three of her children became involved in dance, she did too. Eventually she worked with Tasia, serving as the Studio Manager for South Street Dance Company, and with Jesse, serving as the Studio Director for Cooper Studios Dance Center. She touched many young lives during her time with the studios.

At home, Jeanne was often in the kitchen preparing family favorites. No one could prepare a holiday meal like Jeanne. She would make more pies than people around the table, and although she would frequently say "I just don't eat very much," she cooked more than enough to feed an army for family events. Her family will think of her with delight as they continue making her dinners and carrying on the beautiful traditions she created. Every time her family puts up a Christmas tree, they will do it in honor of Jeanne and remember her love of Jesus' birthday, beautiful lights, ceramic decorations she painted with her mom, and, of course, Hallmark Christmas movies. While her hands were often cold, she created a warmth that will be treasured by all who were blessed to receive her love.

Jeanne will be lovingly remembered by her husband Mike; her daughters Tasia Marie Choudhry of Olathe, KS, and Misty Dawn Cooper Watt of Shawnee, KS; and her sons Joshua Michael Cooper of Lenexa, KS, and Jesse Joel Cooper of Kirksville, MO. Her memory will also be cherished by her step daughter Shannon Murray of Natchez, Mississippi, son-in laws Tariq Choudhry, Gregory Watt, and Joe Murray, future daughter-in-law Christina Bell (Jesse), and grandchildren Colt and Evangeline (Tasia), Nathaniel, Mia, and Baby Boy due in December (Misty), Cooper, Conner, and Hannah (Shannon). She will also be missed by her two cats Gibbs and Mikey that Mike surprised her with over the years. The family is grateful to know they will see Jeanne someday in heaven.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.