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Barbara Jean Cooper

Dec. 16, 1939 - Jan. 22, 2021

Date of Service: Jan. 30, 2021

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On Friday, January 22, 2021, Barbara Jean Robins Cooper passed away at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, after a long struggle with congestive heart failure.

Jean was born December 16, 1939, in Ogden, Utah, to Blaine and Barbara Robins. She was the fourth of seven children and enjoyed growing up with her siblings. She remained close to her parents and siblings throughout her life and loved them all dearly. Jean grew up in Plain City, Utah. She always had a special place in her heart for that community and the people she knew there. When Jean was 15 years old, the family moved to Burley, Idaho. They resided in the Pella area.

Jean attended Burley High School. While attending a church dance she caught the eye of an Oakley boy, Larry Cooper. Jean loved Larry’s sense of humor and it was not long before the two of them became inseparable. Jean and Larry married October 24, 1957, in Pella. Later in life they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

After their wedding, Jean and Larry moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Larry was stationed as a member of the United States Air Force. They eventually made their way back to the Burley area and a few years later they settled in Malta. They moved to Springdale in 1977, and have lived in their current home for 43 years.

Jean and Larry are the parents of nine children; five boys and four girls. Jean had her hands full with her large family, but she was a hard worker and an excellent organizer. Both her home and her children were always sparkling clean! She was also ingenious and found clever ways to solve problems. She was creative and made costumes for school plays and sewed clothing for special occasions. She read to her children often and helped them develop a love of learning. Her daughters have fond memories of shopping for bargains with her and her family loved that they could always count on a delicious home-cooked meal. Jean was an avid gardener and she loved to preserve the beautiful fruit and vegetables that she grew. She found great joy in working in her yard, and even this summer, after she was nearly too ill to walk, she insisted on mowing the lawn on her riding lawn mower.

Jean was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings. However, she didn't need an assignment to serve those around her. Service came naturally to her and she was always quick to serve a neighbor or family member who needed dinner or a little help around the house or just a listening ear. Her kind acts of service are remembered and appreciated by many.

Jean was preceded in death by her son, Robert Cooper; her parents, Blaine and Barbara Robins; her sister, Faye (Dutch) Belnap; and her brother, Gary (Karen) Robins. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Kay Cooper of Springdale; her children, Jeff (Melanie) Cooper, Carrie (Jim) Ling, Tami (Tyler) Faulkner, Jim (Tammy) Cooper, Lori (Mike) Broadhead, Jason (TJ) Cooper, Natalie Ward, and Jared (Audrey) Cooper; her siblings, Val (Gloria) Robins, Shanna (Raymond) Hill, Dixie (Roy) Smith, and Bart (Linda) Robins; 35 grandchildren; dozens of great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry and their children express gratitude to all of those who have done so much to help Jean and the family during this difficult time and to all those who have reached out and shared their love and their sweet memories of Jean. She will be greatly missed by many.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, a graveside service will be held at the Pella Cemetery for close family members. A memorial service will be scheduled later this year.

A webcast of the graveside service will be available online at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the following link: https://youtu.be/qbnZ_8iTze8. All are invited to participate via the live webcast.

Condolences for Barbara Jean Cooper

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Craig Tracy:

To Jeff, Carrie and Tami, Just recently saw your mom’s obituary and wanted to send my condolences. Losing a mom is tough and especially a mom like yours.

From Rosalie Hurd:

Jean was my friend in elementary school in Plain City, Utah. She showed a lot of courage when we would walk home from MIA together in the dark, no street lights, and after seeing me home safely, had to trudge on by herself for about a mile. About the last five years we have renewed that friendship to which I am very grateful. To her dear family, I say you are very blessed and loved to be in her care. Lord bless you all until you are with her again.

From Claudette Bray:

“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.”

From Nancy Lund:

There is a bond that exists for cousins. Even though Jean and I never lived near to each other, I remember the childhood visits and the visits as adults with a special feeling in my heart for Jean’s wry humor, and her love of family and her stoic acceptance of her health problems. Thoughts and prayers for her family.

From kevin gibbons:

We watched the grave-side service online today and were very touched. We hope to attend her memorial service when it is held. The family is in our thoughts at this very difficult time. Kevin and Pat Gibbons, Teresa and Bill Hessing, and Catherine Gibbons

From Derrahl and Faye Holmes :

So very sorry for your loss.
Jean was a very kind lady so much like her mother.
The whole Robin's family is very dear to us.

From Denise Mallory:

Our prayers are with you..it was a beautiful service. So thankful it was broadcasted. Bill Cooper and families.

From RaNae Bradshaw Traughber:

My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the Robins family. Thankful I have met a few of them. Sorry for your loss. Jean sounds like a wonderful person.

From Miranda Jensen :

My heart was sad to hear of Jeans passing growing up i loved going to her house when we did it always felt like home away from home a sence a peace she will truly be missed but families are forever

From Cherry Mae Smith-Black:

Jean was a true friend to me and I'll always hold close our many visits together. Keep close as a family and remember all your good times with her too!

From Bev harman:

We loved Jean so much she will be missed!! With deepest sympathy to Larry and family. Bud & Bev Harman

From Debi Cooper :

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Aunt Jean. She left me with many happy memories. The ones of our road trips to visit my other Aunt Gene are my favorites. Prayers of comfort to Uncle Larry and his family.

From Gay Dawn and Lonnie Downs:

I have known the Robins family for as long as I can remember since I grew up in the Pella area. Jean was such a beautiful and kind lady and so well thought of in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jean's family at this most difficult time. She will not be forgotten by her many friends and family.

From Jana Pfliiger:

Our prayers are with your entire family. We are sorry for your loss.

From Leticia Gomez:

My sincerest condolences to all the Cooper family our Prayers are with you.

From Jace Cooper:

I wish I could've visited her more but I will always treasure the moments of when I would visit her or she would visit me. She was an amazing grand mother who even when it was difficult for her to stand would go out of her way to buy christmas presents for everyone. Her strength inspires me and I hope I can see her again one day.

From Melanie Clark:

The Cooper family is in our thoughts and prayers. We offer our deepest condolences at this time.

From Colleen Tilby:

I enjoyed the years I lived across the road from the Cooper family. Jean had such a kind heart and it seemed like whenever we got together it ended up being a long and fun visit. She truly was a good example to me. I am so sorry for your loss.

From Steven and Denise Gibbons:

We are so very sorry for your loss and know that our Aunt Jean is now in the embrace of her Lord and Savior.

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