Vila Marie Cooper

Vila Marie Cooper, 81, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by family at Salina Regional Health Center.

Throughout her life, she cooked for the McPherson High School and the McPherson Senior Center.  Many might have known her also while working at Daylight Donuts in McPherson.

She was born on January 26, 1942, in Hutchinson, KS, the daughter of Harold and Opal (Harder) Lafferty.  She grew up on a farm outside of Inman, KS.  She graduated from Windom High School in 1960.  On November 25, 1961, Vila was united in marriage to Robert Cooper at the Andover Lutheran Church in Windom, KS.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Kay and Patti.

She was a member of Eastern Star and Royal Neighbors of America.

Vila enjoyed cooking for the entire family for birthdays and holidays.  Her specialty being fried chicken.  She also enjoyed collecting owls and would tell everyone, “No two are alike!”   In earlier years, she enjoyed family vacations with the kids and in later years, she and Bob traveled on their own.  Above all, Vila loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include: two daughters, Kay Graham and husband, Jerry, of McPherson, KS and Patti Cooper of McPherson, KS; her brothers, Keith Lafferty of Inman, KS and Bob Lafferty of Bishop, GA; and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Bob in 2022; her parents; brother, Jim Lafferty; and sisters, Doris Richards and Sharon Lafferty.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 28, 2023, at the McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the McPherson Senior Center in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.