Carrie Elizabeth Cooper

Carrie Elizabeth Cooper, 78, of Ephrata, Wash., passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2004 after completing her earthly journey with grace, dignity, humility and an unwavering faith.

She was born on September 28, 1926 in Sandpoint, Idaho to Merion (Mully) and Emma Smith. Mrs. Cooper spent her childhood years in northern Idaho and Spokane, Wash., graduating from John Rogers High School and Central Washington College of Education.

She settled in Ephrata, and for the last 25 years of her life was a part-time resident of San Felipe, Baja, Mexico, enjoying the sun during the winters where she delighted in observing the wildlife and plants.

Mrs. Cooper was a member of Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Ephrata, was a former case worker supervisor for the Department of Social and Health Services, and was instrumental in writing the original grant to establish Grant County Family Planning. She belonged to Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority and particularly enjoyed remaining in weekly contact with other members.

Mrs. Cooper is survived by: her mother, the Rev. Emma W. Smith of Spokane; her husband of 31 years, W.T. (Dub) Cooper of Ephrata; her children, Peter Swanson of Honolulu, Hawaii, Erik Nelsen and Loris Nelsen Blair of Ephrata, Nels Nelsen of Spokane, Sally Nelsen-Bustetter of Yakima, Wash., Dr. Tom Cooper of Kennewick, Wash., and Gery Cooper Rosemurgy of Sonoma, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Merion W. Smith and a younger brother, Merion W. Smith Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2004 at 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church at First Northwest and Canal in Ephrata.