Esther Cooper
August 13, 1931 ~ March 31, 2019
Esther L. Cooper, 87, of Faulkton, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Faulkton Senior Living.
A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 8, 2019 at the United Church of Faulkton, with Pastor Eldon Reich presiding. A celebration of life was held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2019 at the Meadows Chapel, Faulkton, with Pastor LeShea Avery presiding. Burial will be in the Faulkton Cemetery.
Esther Lucille Cooper was born August 13, 1931 to Charles and Mary (Rivers) Cooper at the old Faulkton Hospital in Faulkton, SD. Esther attended a one room school and continued her education thru the 12th grade in Faulkton. Following high school, Esther took correspondence courses through American School Education in Chicago, IL. She received enough credits to graduate in 1951.
Esther’s mom passed away in 1949 at which time she moved in with her father. In 1960, she moved from the farm in O’Neil Township of Faulk County into Faulkton. Esther started working at the Faulk County Hospital, and then she transferred to John P. Shirk Nursing Home in 1970, working as a CNA. She also worked at the M & H Motel along with babysitting for local families.
Esther was a dedicated Christian and attended the Norbeck Baptist Church where she taught Sunday and Bible school for many years during the time the church was open. After the church’s closing, she joined the United Church of Faulkton where she was still a member.
Esther had many hobbies such as scrapbooking, knitting, doing needle work, photography, and writing short stories of her favorite memories. Esther enjoyed traveling to many different locations, special trips were made to Iowa with her father to visit relatives and friends.
Esther entered the Faulkton Senior Living on February 28, 2009 and remained a resident there until the time of her death. As Esther’s sight began to diminish over the years, she always found the courage to live life with the gifts the Lord had given her, and she enjoyed sharing the Word of God.
Esther is survived by her many cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and baby sisters, Maxine and Betty.
Esther wanted to extend her love to the staff of Faulkton Senior Living for the love and kindness they shared with her in making many more memories.
The family asks that memorials be directed to the Faulkton Senior Living or to the United Church of Faulkton Youth Group.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Esther’s arrangements.
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Esther was always a caring voice when we visited by phone or when in South Dakota. My Mother, Bernice and Esther were cousins and alway spoke warmly of each other. My Grandfather James Rivers and Esthers Mother’s were brother and sister.
Esther was my all time favorite friend in the nursing home. I sat with her and helped her play bingo and loved to hear her giggle when I polished her fingernails. She always wanted something special and shiny. Her attitude towards life was amazing and her kind heart will not be forgotten.
Sincere condolences. Grief is very difficult, but our special memories help us to cope. Thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your loved ones today and in days ahead. Respectfully,
I enjoyed working with Esther which at that time was Shirk Home. The residents loved her as she was very kind to them. I also remember the special bond between she and her father. RIP Esther.
I will always remember the shifts I worked with Esther with a smile the kindness she showed The residents was Truly heartwarming.