Ernestine Cooper

Ernestine “Ernie” Cooper, age 93 of Plymouth passed away on September 23, 2014. She was born in Plymouth, Michigan to her parents, Ernest and Mabel (nee Merkson) Robinson. Ernestine was the loving wife of 71 years to the late Gerald “Jerry” Cooper who passed away in December 2013. She was a devoted mother to James Lewis (Sharon) Cooper; proud Grandmother of Lainie (Jason) Gardner and Colleen (Matthew) Kunka and Great-Grandmother of Dane Gardner, J.J. Gardner, and Presley Gardner. Ernestine also leaves behind her brother, Lewis Robinson. Ernie and Jerry were high school sweethearts, both graduating from Plymouth High School in 1938. After they married, Ernestine went on to work at Burroughs for a number of years while Jerry was serving in the Army during WWII. They shared a love of the outdoors and retired to Roscommon, Michigan. It was in Roscommon that they became involved with the local VFW. Ernie could be found taking orders at the monthly all-you-can-eat breakfast, while Jerry would be in back cooking. They also loved to travel, and were fortunate to visit many different countries as well as their yearly trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Both Ernie and Jerry were very outgoing and easily made friends everywhere they went. Her later years brought her back closer to her loved ones, as they moved from Roscommon to Belleville. She enjoyed her family immensely, and was always delighted to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to hear about what was going on in their lives. Ernie and Jerry both were wonderful listeners and could always offer great advice and compassion. They complemented each other well, so well that one could not be thought of without the other. Their marriage was beautiful and they were both fantastic role models. One can only hope that they are now together again, singing and dancing in a wonderful place. Friends may join the family for a visitation at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Monday, September 29, 2014, from 10 am to 12 Noon. A funeral service will be held beginning at 12 Noon. Ernie will be laid to rest next to her “knight in shining armor” and husband, Jerry, at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Food Closet, 417 Charles Street, Belleville, Michigan 48111. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, Plymouth, Michigan.