Dorothy Willou Cooper

Dorothy Willou Mitchener Cooper was born March 21, 1921 at the Okmulgee Hospital to Helen Grizzell Swain and Benton Belchet Mitchener. She was an only child but was surrounded by many cousins on her mother’s side and had many happy times at her grandparents’ home on south Seminole street where she and her mother lived after her father died. Her grandfather, Orlando Swain was a judge and former mayor of Okmulgee. She was very proud of his accomplishments with the Creek Indian Council House Museum. She met DeRuse Cooper when they were students at Okmulgee High School . Willou was a freshman and he was a senior. They continued their relationship after he graduated and enjoyed 69 years of marriage. Willou attended Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha but had to drop out to help care for aging grandparents. She later enrolled in nursing school at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, but left to marry DeRuse. They lived in Craig, Colorado for the first months of marriage. When WWII escalated, DeRuse enlisted and Willou and Margaret moved back to Okmulgee, and remained in Okmulgee the rest of her life, raising the four kids and caring for her mother, who lived with them for many years. In the late 50’s she joined DeRuse at Jones Furniture as a decorator and buyer. All surrounding communities enjoyed the Christmas windows she designed. Willou’s life was heavily involved around her children’s activities of scouts, sports and the First Methodist Church. She also enjoyed activities in the community such as PTA, PEO, Art & Literature, Sesame and playing bridge. After her children left for college and married and had grandchildren, she and DeRuse traveled many miles attending their activities. They were very blessed to be able to travel) to many foreign countries and they continued their travels visiting family and longtime friends. All she ever wanted was a big loving family, good food and “the right clothes.” She is survived by her children Margaret Newendorp of Moore, Ok, Dr. Ben Cooper of Lawton, Ok, Helen and Bill Nygard of Okmulgee, Ok and DeRuse Jr. and Penny Cooper of Broken Bow, Ok. His grandchildren Heather and Jon Scherer of Tulsa, Ok, Eric and Christina Newendorp of Tulsa, Ok, Billy and Kyme Nygard of The Colony, TX, Amy and Mike Jones of Golden, Co, Holly and Dr. Billy Likos of Columbia, Ms, Candace Collins of Guymon, Ok, Allison Cooper of Dallas, TX, Emily and Shebnem Cooper-Pura of Seattle, WA, Jessica Cooper of San Jose, Ca, De Cooper of Norman, Ok, Libby Cooper of Norman, Ok and 19 great-grandchildren. Her cousins; Margaret Swain Beesley and Ed Swain. She also had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Willou’s life will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church of Okmulgee. Reverend Craig Denslow will officiate. There will be a Private Family Interment. Pallbearers will be Mike Hutchings, Jon Scherer, Billy Likos, Mike Jones, Steve Sigmon and Bill Martin. Visitation will be on Friday, 1-8 P.M. at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank Plantation House and Horizon Hospice for all the loving care given to Willou. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 302 S. Seminole, Okmulgee, OK 74447, to help restore the Church Chimes; that she grew up listening to her whole life. Condolences may be made at mcclendon-winters.com.

Dorothy Willou Cooper

March 21, 1921 - July 13, 2010