Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Melissa Cooper
Oct 22nd, 1981 - Oct 6th, 2014Melissa Cooper, age 32, of Xenia, Illinois passed away Monday, October 6, 2014 at the Siteman Center of Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Melissa was born October 22, 1981 in Effingham, Illinois to David and Barbara (Fitch) Dennis. She married Travis Cooper on February 2, 2008. She worked at Dairy Queen when she was a teenager and later at Little Buckeroos. It was her love of children that led Melissa to graduate from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She worked for CPS in Flora as an Administrative Coordinator for 5 years and was a substitute teacher. She also was a member of First Southern Baptist Church and in 1997 gave her life to Jesus. Most importantly, being a mother to Bethany was the center of Melissa’s life.
Melissa is survived by her husband: Travis Cooper of Xenia; daughter: Bethany Cooper; parents: Dave and Barbara Dennis of Flora; in-laws: Gary and Rita Cooper of Xenia; 2 brothers: Michael Scott (Cynthia) Dennis of Flora and Nathan David Dennis of Flora; sister-in-law: Laura (Pat) Blomme of Victor, IA; paternal grandparents: Ralph and Marie Dennis of Flora; Travis’ grandfather: Paul (the late Noma) Mullins of Ingraham; uncles and aunts: Ed (Nancy) Dennis of Salem, Randy Dennis of Flora, Gary Dennis of Flora, Mark (Lori) Antrim of Marshall, John (Kendra) Firek of Algonquin; and nieces: Laney and Ruthie Blomme, and Allison Dennis. In addition, several cousins, extended family and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Jonathan and Beulah Fitch and Travis’ paternal great-grandparents: Vernon and Sara Cooper.
A funeral service for Melissa Cooper will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Oskaloosa Cemetery, Xenia. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be given to Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Clay County Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.