Rebecca F. Cooper

Rebecca F. Cooper, 83, passed away December 31, 2015 at Wesley Acres Health Care Center surrounded by family and friends. Rebecca Cooper was born on April 18, 1932 to John & Hazle Stewart in Springfield, Missouri. She was a graduate of Hayti High School and Southeast Missouri State University. She was united in marriage to Norman L. Cooper on December 28, 1952, and they lived most of their lives in Des Moines, Iowa. Rebecca was a gracious woman who made friends wherever she went, was a wonderful mother of two children and grandmother to five girls. She was a member of the National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, Des Moines Education Association, Alpha Delta Kappa Tau chaper, Chapter KO PEO, United Methodist Women and long time member of Immanuel United Methodist Church. Rebecca taught for nearly 40 years in the Des Moines Public School system. She was passionate about her profession, teaching countless children how to read and write. She loved playing bridge, traveling and she was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Rebecca is survived by her son, Stanley B. Cooper of Monticello, Iowa; daughter, Karen B. (Trace) McDermott of Marion, Iowa; granddaughters, Andrea, Renae and Jill Cooper all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Katie and Mary McDermott of Marion, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Hazle; sister, Hannah Monaghan and husband, Norman. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Graveside services and Interment were on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in the Puxico Cemetery with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Puxico, Missouri in charge of local arrangements. Memorials may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 49th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310.