Shirley Jean Cooper

Shirley Jean Cooper, age 68 of Russellville, Ohio died Saturday, July 28, 2012 at her residence in Newport, Kentucky. She was the head custodian at the Russellville Elementary School in Russellville, Ohio and had been employed by the Eastern Local School District for the past thirty-five years. Shirley was born February 20, 1944 outside of Russellville, Ohio the daughter of the late Paul Schumacher and Grace Wright.

She is survived by two sons - Mark Cooper of Santiago de Compostela, Spain and Don-Scott Cooper of San Francisco, California, one sister - Phyllis Phipps of Aberdeen, Ohio, and nephew, Matt Phipps, of Columbus, Ohio. She also leaves behind four extended family members who were very important to her in her later years. These are her "adopted daughter," April Bissantz, her "second sister," Susie Paeltz, cousin, Greg Paeltz, and friend Roger Potts. Shirley served as a role model to many who admired her strength through adversity and her independent spirit. She loved talking about her blond Labrador retriever, Max, relaying stories with friends, and laughing until she cried. She also loved traveling to New York and California to visit her sons, walking along oceans and beautiful beaches, and singing and dancing to a wide array of popular music. Shirley was a very hard worker who took pride in always doing the best job possible, whether she was a school cook, teacher's aide, custodian, waitress, factory worker, or caretaker for elderly folks in the area. At times she held three jobs to support her sons as a single mother. When her health was declining and doctors asked her about her goals, it was always "to get back to work." Shirley refused to retire, even in illness and passed just as she exhausted her months of accumulated leave.

Private graveside services will be held Monday, July 30, 2012 following the visitation. Rev. Charles Moore will officiate. Visitation will be July 30, 2012 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Cahall Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ohio. Private interment will be in the Fincastle Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the link above.