Betty J. Cooper

Betty J. Rake Cooper, 86, of Topeka, died on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Lexington Park in Topeka.

Betty was born on February 23, 1928 in Oakley, KS to Lawrence and Lola (Wolf) Kinsley. Betty moved to Topeka at a young age and attended Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Topeka High School in 1947.

Betty was married to Carl V. Rake on June 22, 1947 in Topeka; he preceded her in death on January 12, 1992. She later married Harry E. Cooper, Jr. on August 20, 1998; he preceded her in death on January 2, 2011.

Betty was a member of First Congregational Church in Topeka. Betty was an avid bowler and enjoyed the time spent with her bowling friends. Betty and Carl loved to go camping and she loved spending time with family and friends.

Betty worked many years for Sullivan Cleaners in Topeka and retired in February of 1990.

Betty is survived by a daughter, Gail (Ron)Beavers of Topeka; step-daughter, Sherry (Bob) Gerety of Peabody; step-son, Craig (Cindy) Cooper of Tecumseh; sister, Venita (Joe) Fusco of Tulsa, OK; three granddaughters, Lisa (B.J. ) German, Holly King, and Sarah (Skyler) Yewell; three step-grandchildren, Robin Gerety, Jay (Tracy) Gerety, and Dan (Christy) Cooper; five great-grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, two brothers, one daughter and son-in-law, Vicky Southall and Mike Southall.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.

Betty will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29 at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Betty's memory may be made to First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka KS 66604.

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