Helen “Jean” (Ewing) Cooper was a loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024. Cremation has taken place and there will be graveside service on Saturday August 3, 2024 at Gering West Lawn Cemetery at 10AM with a celebration of life to follow at the Cooper Farm 160253 CR 22, Gering, NE until 1PM. Memorials can be made out to the Aging Office of Western Nebraska to help provide meals and medical equipment to local seniors. Online condolences may be made by viewing Jean’s Memorial Page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is assisting the family.
Jean was born on August 4, 1945 to Tellford and Helen (Logan) Ewing. Jean grew up on the Summit Ranch southwest of Gering, Nebraska. The hard work and ranching lifestyle shaped her resilient character and instilled the labor of love that she carried through her life.
Sixty years ago, Jean met the love of her life, LeRoy Cooper, on a first date at the movie theater. They married in 1964 and had two sons, LeRoy Ewing (Sparky) and Kevin Thomas (Tom). Her family which she referred to as “her boys” were her source of strength.
Jean’s love for flowers, which started at a young age, transformed into a family business, Ewing Floral and Gift Shop, with her mother and sister. For many years, she waitressed at her father’s restaurant. Serving others – especially with a hot meal – was her love language. Jean was the bookkeeper and voice of reason for Cooper Trucking and C&C Cattle.
She enjoyed tending to her iris, watching the hummingbirds in her garden, working at the flower shop, and hosting and feeding family members and friends on the family farm. Most of all, Jean cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jean will be remembered for her caring nature and spunky personality. Her reliability and unconditional love will be missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Preceded in death by her loving husband LeRoy Cooper; son Sparky Cooper (1965-1980); sister Ellen “Jane” (Ewing) Steinle; niece Jennifer Renn (Steinle) Popp; and parents Tellford and Helen Ewing.
Jean is survived by her son Tom and Cindy Cooper of Gering; grandchildren Cassidy Cooper (Esau) of California, Coulter (Matt) Maestas of Torrington, WY, Bryttni (Ethan) Kerk of Gering, TJ (Mary) Morrow of Missouri; great grandchildren Nolan and Emily Maestas, Tryten, Brixton, Breckyn Kerk and Jack and Brooks Morrow; brother John Ewing of Gering; brother and sister in law Norman (Sue) Cooper of Madison, SD; sister in law Violet Schott of Gordon, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.