Rachel E. Cooper, 94, of Heath, Ohio died October 5, 2010 at Chapel Grove Inn, Heath, Ohio. (Licking County)

A retired teacher from Granville Elementary School, Mrs. Cooper was born February 5, 1916 in Canton, Oklahoma (Blaine County) to the late Etta Estella Brugler and William Herschel Ballard.

Mrs. Cooper graduated from Norwalk High School,Norwalk, Ohio, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio and from Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio.

In the 1930's Mrs. Cooper started her teaching career at Lime Township School. In the 1960's, after years as a homemaker, Mrs. Cooper returned to teaching in Lexington, Ohio and then taught in Granville, Ohio. Former students often recognized her and stopped to visit.

Mrs. Cooper attended three Olympic games in 1976, 1984, and 1988. Her passion about the Olympic spirit lead to a teaching component where many students learned the history of the Olympics and participated in activities designed around Olympic sports. In 1963-64 Mrs. Cooper was the Lexington High School cross country coach.

Mrs. Cooper enjoyed singing, dancing (with her husband), and playing the piano. For years she was a member of the Newark, Ohio Damenchor.(German singing society)
She was also an avid reader, and an avid sports spectator, especially for her children and grandchildren. They knew this because they could hear her cheering. She was their constant and enthusiastic supporter.

Nature, too, was a pleasure for her. She always found a place for a bird feeder with binoculors and a bird book near by. Because she had a zest for learning, books were important in her home. Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln and Vincent Van Gogh were of special interest.

Mrs. Cooper was a gentle person, concerned about others--with a beautiful, welcoming smile.
Most important to Mrs. Cooper was her family including her husband of 65 years, the late Paul James Cooper; daughters and sons-in law, Barbara and Ralph Thayer of Grosse Ile, Michigan, and Paula and Dallas Davenport of Rye, New Hampshire; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Bea Cooper of Big Rapids, MI, and James and Kathy Cooper of Granville, Ohio; sister, Mrs. William (Martha) Berkley of Norwalk, Ohio; 15 grandchildren and ten spouses of grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She loved them all.

In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her brothers, Marshall Ballard, Max Ballard, David Ballard, Danny Ballard; and her sister, Mrs. Felix (Betty) Legando.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Rachel E. Cooperwill be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway, Granville, Ohio with The Rev. Thom Lamb officiating.

A graveside service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery located near the intersection of OH-61 and Sand Road in Norwalk, Ohio. (Huron County)


The McPeek Hoekstra Funeral Home in Granville, Ohio is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mcpeekhoekstra.com for online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Granville Public Library, 217 East Broadway, Granville, OHIO 43023.


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