Barbara Jeanne Cooley, age 91, passed peacefully from this life and into the arms of Jesus on October 11, 2018. She was born December 27, 1926, to John S. and Helen (Michaelson) Wilson in Seneca Falls, NY. She grew up, the fifth of five children, in Seneca Falls and later Reading, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1944 from Reading Senior High School.
After a short stint working for the U.S. Marine Department, she moved with her mother and father to Phoenix, Arizona, where she worked until meeting and marrying the love of her life, Carl Cooley, on December 6, 1947. Following the birth of their first son a year later, they returned to Carl’s home state, Oregon, living in several places near Portland and Mt. Hood before moving to Prineville with their 5 children in 1960.
Mrs. Cooley spent her career working in administrative positions for the State Employment Division and Welfare Department, Coin Millwork, and for many years in the office of First Baptist Church in Prineville before, ending her career with the U.S. Forest Service at the age of 79. Wherever she worked she was known for her positive interactions with all she came in contact with. She was instrumental in bringing Christian Women’s Club to Prineville and served in many positions, including a period as chairman.
For a time, she and her husband Carl led a Bible Study at small church in Ashwood, OR. She loved music, and in her younger years sang solos and in choirs at church and other venues. She was an active member of XYZ at First Baptist Church, where she had been a member since the early 60’s.
She volunteered as a SMART reader for 10 years at Crooked River Grade School. She was a wonderful hostess who loved to make her guests feel special. Her grandkids and her great grandkids, as well as all who came to her home, will remember her for her table of crystal dishes full of candy and other goodies that were always there to greet them.
She enjoyed reading, concerts, Bible studies, her special TV shows, and most of all, people. Her special gift to the world was encouragement. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she always had time to share an encouraging word or Bible verse, or to pray with someone.
Many people were blessed by her kind generosity. She was known around Prineville for her beautiful white hair and her friendly conversations. She was greatly loved by her extended family, who will miss her more than they could ever say.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carl, her son Carl Stephen, her parents, three brothers and one sister. She is survived by her children Kathleen Vaughan of Jinja, Uganda, John (Jane) of Kennewick, WA, Timothy (Faye) of Prineville, and David (Catherine) of Prineville, 14 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Ministries, Inc., PO Box 311, Prineville, OR, which supports her daughter’s ministry in Uganda.
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