Verlie Jeanne Cooper was born to Edwin and Faith Allan on August 13, 1935 in Camp Crook, SD. She graduated from Ekalaka, MT in 1952. About this time, she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Cooper, and married him on November 6, 1953. They spent the first years of their married life ranching near Ekalaka. During this time they had 3 children.
Bob and Verlie left the ranch and moved to Billings, MT, where Bob completed college. Ultimately, Bob's work took them to Aberdeen, SD, where they raised their children.
In 1980 they moved to Rapid City and eventually they bought a small horse ranch near Box Elder. They raised thoroughbred race horses and hobby quarter horses. They also raised a succession of beloved pugs.
After Bob died in 2001 Verlie moved to Spearfish, where she lived and worked until completely retiring at age 76. Verlie then moved to Sturgis, where she lived until her death on December 29, 2020.
Verlie will be remembered for her quick wit and snappy comebacks. You never had to wonder what she was thinking. During her last years, she raised another pug and several parrots. She loved all animals, especially pugs and horses. She read, painted, and was always up on current events. She followed horse racing and could predict the Kentucky Derby winner almost every year. Verlie had a steadfast belief in God that saw her through her darkest days.
Verlie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, Edwin and Faith Allan; one sister, Virginia; and great-grandson, Easton Sims.
She is survived by her sisters, Vonnie and Vicki; and children, Valerie (Mark) Hoffman, Terry (Brenda) Cooper, and Ted Cooper. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicki, Tara, Heather, Bobbie, Caitlin, and Robert; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Committal services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.
Because of her love of animals, a memorial has been established to the Sturgis Animal Shelter.
We miss you Mom.

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