WILLA FERN (PRATT) COOPER

On Monday, January 20th, 2025, Willa Fern (Pratt) Cooper passed away at the age of 92.

Fern was born on January 16, 1933, in Western Grove, Arkansas to William Arville Pratt and Robbie Marie (Ramey) Pratt. She graduated from Anderson High School, Anderson, MO, with the Class of 1951 and on June 15, 1951, she married her one and only true love, Mark J. Cooper. Throughout their marriage, they made homes in Lamar, MO and later Monett, MO. They were married for 67 years until his passing in 2018.

Their three daughters were her pride and joy, but she was almost equally devoted to the furry pets she welcomed into their home through the years.

Fern was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed cooking for her family and was known for her amazing meringue pies.

She was an excellent bridge player and she and Mark looked forward to their bridge club evenings with dear friends.

Later in life she took up golf and frequently scored better than her husband and was happy to remind him about it.

She eagerly took on the task of planning and decorating for the Anderson Alumni reunions and used her decorating skills to make lovely floral arrangements for their church.

Survivors include her three daughters, Connie Curbow and husband Kelley of Monett; Terri Cooper of Monett and Ellen Dhooghe and husband David of Parsons, KS; two grandchildren, Cami Kasterke and husband Lester and Adam Carroll and wife Sheena; six great-grandchildren, Hope Stocksen and husband Cole, Hannah Kasterke, Hadlee Kasterke, Carter Carroll, Easton Carroll and Tanner Carroll. She also leaves two brothers, Jr. Pratt and wife Janice and Bill Pratt and wife Sandy; one sister, Bertha Bush and husband James; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mark; one grandson, Tyler Carroll; and three sisters, Marie Kennedy, Sue Ellis and Glenna Lasater.

At this time, no formal services are planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to Waymark Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.