Norma L. Cooper's Obituary
Norma L. Cooper, 61, of Bismarck, Missouri, passed away at her home on October 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of hospice.
Born on September 6, 1964, in Alton Illinois, Norma was the daughter of Vernon and Marie Herrington. She grew up alongside her two siblings, Wendy and Lyle.
Growing up, Norma Lynn could best be described as both adorable and delightfully rowdy. She was fiercely capable from an early age, at just eleven years old, she cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal for her family.
She attended Hazelwood Central High School, where she graduated in 1982. During her time there, she was a member of the marching band, ran cross country, and served as a “Wrestlette”, a cheerleader for the wrestling team. After high school, she attended the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where she majored in Fisheries and Wildlife.
On July 13, 1988, Norma welcomed her first daughter, Heather Marie, with her first husband, Dave. Norma bravely left an abusive marriage to protect herself and her daughter, facing the world with resilience and determination.
Norma met her husband, Keith Cooper, in 1990 while they were both working for Midwest Medical Supply. Their first date was taking six kids to Chuck E. Cheese during a snowstorm. Though Norma broke up with Keith four times, claiming he was “too poor with too many kids," He eventually won her heart. The two were married on August 10, 1991, and began building a life filled with laughter, hard work, and love. Together they welcomed two more children: Taylor Charles, born June 22, 1992, and Elizabeth Grace, born August 6, 1994.
Animals held a special place in Norma’s heart. In her college years, she worked for the Humane Society caring for animals, and in 2013 she and Keith fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning a small farm in Bismarck. There, she raised goats and chickens, forming lasting friendships within the goat-farming community, who continued to support her and Keith throughout her cancer journey.
Norma is now reunited with her beloved animal companions-Athena, Sarge, Waldo, and Oscar-and leaves behind many cherished pets, including her Basset Hounds, Macy and Mabel, and her loyal Akbash, Mona.
Norma was an intelligent and endlessly curious woman. She loved exploring new interests that spoke to her adventurous and free spirit. Over the years, she threw herself into farming, gardening, canning, candle making, white-water rafting, camping, scuba diving, skiing, horseback riding, roller coasters, and travel-always eager to experience something new.
She was also a lifelong lover of fantasy, medieval tales, and science fiction. Norma found great joy in the worlds of Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Star Trek, and many other stories that sparked her imagination.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Keith Cooper of Bismarck, Missouri; her loving mother, Marie Herrington of O’Fallon, Missouri; her dedicated children, Heather (Rob) of Owensville, Missouri; Taylor (Nikki) of Coffeen, Illinois; and Elizabeth (Ben) of Maryland Heights, Missouri; her grandchildren, Hailie Wells and Lucas Staton; her siblings, Lyle (Laura) Herrington of St. Charles, Missouri, and Wendy (Brian) Tentschert of O’Fallon, Missouri; and her dear friends, Laurie and Stan Fahland.
She leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Vernon Herrington.
Norma was resilient, brave, smart, and funny. She will be forever remembered for her strength and caring nature.
Her celebration of life will be held at Cooper Farms on Saturday October 25th, and is an open door all day festival.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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