Martha Lois Cooper

Martha Lois Cooper, age 85 of Butler, Missouri, formerly of Maryville, Missouri died Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Medicalodge of Butler.  She was born October 20, 1926 to Obadiah Sampson and Minnie Adelcia Christie Keirsey in Ballard, Missouri.

Martha, one of six children, grew up in Ballard, attended Fairview Grade School and graduated from Ballard High School in 1944.  She furthered her education and received a Master in Business Administration from N.W.M.S.U. in Maryville.  On August 12, 1944 she was united in marriage to Lyle Moles and to this union two children were born.  She later married Densil Cooper and together they shared many wonderful years.  Martha moved to Maryville in 1959 and began working at the University in the Registrar’s Office. 

She later became the Registrar and also taught classes, retiring in 1988.  She was very active in the Maryville Senior Center where she gave of her time and taught aerobics.

Martha enjoyed painting, writing poetry and donating her time to several civic organizations.  She had extensive experience in genealogy research not only for her family, but also for Nodaway County.  Martha published several books, articles and pamphlets and was given the Black Family History Award in 1986 for her book entitled “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”  She also wrote several children’s songs.  Martha loved walking and it didn’t matter what the weather was doing--rain or shine.  She was always busy with something and gave 100% to whatever endeavor she was undertaking.

Martha is survived by one son, Neal Moles and wife Joanne of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; one daughter, Lynn Newberry and husband Marvin of Peculiar, Missouri; one brother, Robert Keirsey and wife Margie of Maryville, Missouri; one sister, Lucille Dir and husband Kenneth of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren, Andrea Moles, Adrienne Morfeld, Ryan Newberry, Michael Moles and Jessica Haffner and eight great-grandchildren, Justin, Chance, Mallory, Blake, Alei, Quinn, Emma and Maci.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Densil Cooper; one brother, Marvin Keirsey; and two sisters, Dorothy Hanson and Eleanor Boone.

Memorial services are Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Visitation, 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Schowengerdt Chapel.  Inurnment, Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville, Missouri.  Contributions, Heartland Hospice. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.