Patricia Beth Cooper, 84, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, was born in Berkley, California on Feb. 22, 1941. She was the beloved daughter of Gerald and Elvis (Argo) Flenniken. On March 31, 2025, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, Patricia’s journey came to a peaceful end as she passed away due to Alzheimer’s Disease, surrounded by the love of her family.
On September 5, 1959, Patricia married Stanley S. Cooper, and their union was celebrated for 65 years. The couple’s love blossomed into a beautiful family, including daughters Kellye Cooper and Erin Mathews, ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son Tim Cooper, sisters Lilian Speas, Geri Smith, grandson Garrett Deardorff and great-granddaughter Abigail Pruitt.
Patricia’s early educational pursuits culminated in her graduation from Cottage Grove High School, after which she found her calling in the service of others as a certified nursing assistant at the old Sacred Heart in PCU. She poured her heart into her work and genuinely loved caring for her patients, touching countless lives with her compassion.
Her creativity knew no bounds, and Patricia was an extraordinary seamstress, knitting sweaters and stockings that would wrap her family in warmth and love. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also found joy riding across the United States on the back of their Harley motorcycle with her husband Stanley, a shared passion that saw them join the Retreads Motorcycle Club, adding a dash of adventure to their storied love. Patricia carried treasured memories from her younger years square dancing and as a Cottage Grove Rodeo princess.
Those who knew Patricia will remember a spirit both funny and adventurous, coupled with a creative spark that illuminated the lives around her. Though she has left this world, her laughter will echo through the generations of her family and the multitude of friends whose lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Living Faith Assembly, 467 S. 10th St., Cottage Grove, Oregon. A private inurnment will be held at Fir Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
