Nov. 16, 1939 - Mar. 11, 2015
Date of Service: Mar. 14, 2015
Shirley Rae Cooper
HEYBURN - Shirley Rae Cooper, 76, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, after a courageous fight with a long-term illness with her family by her side.
Shirley was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Nov. 16, 1939, to Kiefer and Juanita Duecy Makinson. She was one of six children. She attended schools in the Hazelton area. Shirley married the love of her life, William Cooper, on Jan. 27, 1957, recently celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary. Shirley’s greatest joy was being at home to raise her five children. She created a warm, happy home through her talented homemaking, quiet support and fabulous cooking.
Shirley’s favorite moments were spending time with her large family and many dear friends, gardening, cooking, her friendships through her Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and following the many activities of her children and grandchildren. She spent many happy hours with her daughter, Denise Mallory, at their flower shop in Heyburn, creating beautiful floral pieces, assorted art work and baking cakes and cookies. When her children and grandchildren came around, the first thing they looked for was some of Grandma’s painted cookies. Her family’s favorite place to be was in Shirley’s kitchen.
Some of Shirley’s fondest memories are large family gatherings, including a huge Christmas celebration at her home every year, horse racing events in Boise with her husband, an extended family vacation in Hawaii a few years ago, and her many arts and crafts. Shirley was a talented artist and painter. Whoever came to Shirley’s home was made to feel welcome, fed well and treated like family. Shirley was a woman of few words, but known to her family as a strong, courageous woman with few complaints and full of concern for others.
Mom taught us to keep fighting, never stop trying and always have hope. Above all, take care of our families. Mom was the strongest person we ever knew and lived life to the fullest. We love you and will miss you Mom.
Shirley is survived by her husband, William; her children, Denise (Scott) Mallory, Brad (Janet) Cooper, Cam (Brian) Lee, and twins, Clay (Christy) and Clint (Camille) Cooper; her grandchildren, Jamee, Michael, Tiffany, Cody, Brady, Alex, Tori, Nate, Grace, Lexy, Wes, Ryann, Brooke, Michael, Wylee, Keifer, Ty, and Chase; along with 10 great-grandchildren and two on their way. Shirley is also survived by her sisters, Verla Laughlin and Barbara Evans; and her brother, Ronald Makinson and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Makinson; and her sisters, Donna Joann Willard and Doris Crumrine Cameron.
Shirley’s greatest legacy is her wonderful, large, loving family that surrounded her with care.
The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Pres. David Pickett officiating. Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn.
