Barbara Clark Cooper

Barbara Clark Cooper gave it all she had and passed away Monday, August 3 having witnessed over 35,000 sunrises in her 97 years. She was born April 21, 1929 to Laura Clark Clark and James Cecil Clark in Provo Utah. She was predeceased by all nine of her siblings who affectionately called her Bobbie. She was encouraged to attend college and graduated from the College of Nursing at LDS Hospital in 1952 after marrying the winsome and gentle William E Cooper, Bill, in 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. She faithfully stood by her man and he stood by her in a loving partnership for 63 years of marriage. Bill’s passing 11 years ago was devastating for her. Her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was central and prayer gave her strength for every day. She was a faithful servant in countless callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Barbara was full of love, encouragement, curiosity and compassion. Her family and friends were of upmost importance to her and she worked hard to stay in contact with friends near and far. A conversation with her was full of questions to satisfy her curious nature. She enjoyed giving much more than receiving and she was lavish in her love, laughter, service, cooking and celebrating. Donning her Easter bunny ears and bunny apron and coloring an excessive number of eggs with her grandchildren was a particular joy for her. The family secret of what we did with all those colored eggs shall remain a secret. She owned her own Santa costume and surprised us at family Christmas parties even though we all knew who it was. She thought it was so fun to walk the neighborhood, ringing bells in the Santa costume to remind all the children to be on best behavior during the Christmas season. She may have taken requests to visit certain houses. Her homemade rolls and jam were the hit of every family party and ruined our appetites for the other delicious food she toiled over. Shelves filled with freshly canned pears, peaches, tomatoes and jam brought her great satisfaction. She was a talented artist in the kitchen, handmade all of our birthday party invitations and also painted beautiful watercolor scenes and flowers. Though she was paid to work at Cottonwood Hospital for over 30 years, she was the neighborhood and family nurse who provided advice, first aid, allergy shots and lots of TLC for many. Her nursing skills were honed in our home with one unnamed male child. Barbara loved taking a meal or a plate of cookies to a friend or neighbor, she loved digging in the dirt, planting and harvesting, she loved flowers but most of all she loved engaging with and being surrounded by her family.

Barbara was loved dearly by many and in particular, by her children; Tom & Linda Cooper, Mike Cooper, Lauri & Dennis Winge, Jane & Jeff Nichols, 13 grandchildren; Berit, Brynne, Annie Lindsay, Natalee James, Shane, Tyler, Tasha Garrett, Maxwell, Samuel, and Noah, as well as 20 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandson; Garrett, and two great granddaughters; Sophie and Nell. Our special thanks to Mike for his loving care of Bill and Barbara for the last 13 years.

In lieu of flowers or donations take a plate of cookies to a neighbor, call a friend or provide service to someone in need.