Virginia L. Cooper, a cherished individual, died peacefully and was sent to her eternal home on Sunday, March 9, 2025, during a short stay at the Green House in Sheridan, Wyoming. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.

She was born on April 29, 1943, in Sheridan, Wyoming. Virginia was a lifelong resident of Sheridan. As a young girl, she loved ballet and her studies. She lost her adored mother when she was still a young woman and was loved and guided by her mother’s dear family friend, Betty Barina. Later in life, Virigina took care of Betty until her passing.

After graduating from Sheridan High School in 1961, she attended Sheridan College, where she received her Associate’s degree in Art in 1963. She worked for Montana Dakota Utilities for 30 years. After retiring from MDU, Virginia read a story about Bill Daniels in the Sheridan Press. Inspired by his values, she reached out to the newly formed Foundation and ultimately became the Wyoming administrator for The Daniels Fund while it was based in Sheridan. After the Fund moved to Denver, Virginia worked at the Sheridan Senior Center coordinating staff volunteers. She then became an administrative assistant at the Homer and Mildred Scott Foundation, and an administrative assistant for Holy Name Catholic Church until she retired.

With a sharp mind and deep faith, she was known for her selfless heart. She went through life helping others and was always concerned. Virginia was loyal, honest and did everything with integrity. If you were in her life circle, you could be guaranteed a “How are you doing? ” ” Are you ok? ” “How is your family?” She loved her family, friends, and neighbors�"A love that was endearing to anyone who met her in daily life. Virginia was a passionate gardener and awaited the new seed catalogue when it came each winter. Her rose bushes and small vegetable garden (green peppers and tomatoes especially) were highly pampered. She looked forward to springtime and the beautiful weather, where she would anticipate the day she could spend hours at the Farmer’s Market looking for the new season’s vegetables or maybe a new flower for the garden. She also enjoyed gospel music, especially when her favorite musician, Elvis Presley, was singing. There were always conversations about finding a crafty recipe to cook or focus on the quiet evening reading with a new book.

Virginia was a lifelong member of Holy Name Catholic Church. Her cherished life quote was made by the late Cardinal Newman. She read it off and on throughout her life to be reminded of why God placed her on this earth and what He expected of her.

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission - I may never know in this life, but I shall be told in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it - if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am. I can never be thrown away. If I am sick, my sickness may serve Him: in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends; He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me - still He knows what He is about.”

Virginia was preceded in death by her mother Elsie Cecelia Cooper, father Houston Samual Cooper, her brother Dale Kenneth Cooper and her dear family friend Elizabeth “Betty” Barina. She is survived by nieces & a nephew, Lori Carrizales, Monica Cooper, Thomas Cooper, & Becky (Gary) Sawyer and numerous loving friends.

Although Virginia’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. and mass at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Father Glenn Whewell officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, with the Celebration of Life service in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory can make a contribution in her honor to the Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange or the Holy Name Preschool program.

Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.

SheridanMedia.com - Mar. 11, 2025.