Ella Cooper

Ella Alvina Cooper was born June 1, 1906 in Lansing, Iowa, the daughter of George and Mary Jane Miles. She was united in marriage to Robert B. Cooper on March 10, 1927. In 1942, they moved to Strawberry Point and lived at the Backbone State Park where her husband had the trout fish hatchery. In 1948 they moved to Spirit Lake to the fish hatchery until his sudden death in 1950. Ella worked as one of the original telephone operators prior to becoming the community's babysitter, caring for three generations of children for forty-five years in the Spirit Lake and Okoboji area. Ella had a great way with children and loved them all. She had the gift of storytelling complete with silly faces! "Coop" was loved by so many and she in return loved them all. Ella loved the Lord. Her devotion and faith in God gave her great strength. She had an amazing sense of humor and grace that she shared until the end. Her biggest joy in life was her family. The love that she shared with them will forever be cherished. Ella was a member of the United Methodist Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa. She was also active in the Order of Eastern Star as well as Royal Neighbors. Ella passed away July 3, 2012 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake at one hundred six years of age. Ella is survived by her daughter, Lois (Duane) Yager; grandchildren, William (Samantha) Yager of Norwalk, Kim (Terry) Hain of Paullina, Kathy (Lonnie) Saunders of Okoboji, Jill (Patrick) Boline of Miltona, Minnesota; Robert Lindsey of Lansing; six great-grandchildren, Forest, Bridgette, Amber, Dillon, Hadley and Jackson who were extremely blessed to call her their Grandma Cooper She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, grandson, three sisters and three brothers.