Christine Cooper

Obituary of Christine Cooper Ruth Christine Lallak Gingles Cooper, July 18, 1919-November 19, 2018 Christine passed away on November 19, 2018 at Republic County Hospital. She was born on July 18, 1919 on the family farm one mile east of Haddam, Kansas, Washington County to Mabel Frances (Stewart) Lallak and Stanley Nickolus Lallak. She attended Haddam Grade and rural High School where she graduated in 1956. She was married 25 years, then went back and finished her junior and senior year of high school. Ralph's health had broken and he had to quit carrying mail. He insisted that she go back to school and get her diploma. It was real convenient because she only lived one half block south of the high school. She began working at the Citizens State Bank in Haddam, Kansas in 1953 until 1969. Christine was baptized on April 25, 1931 at Haddam United Protestant Methodist Church and is now the Haddam United Methodist Church of which she was a member. Christine was a Sunday school teacher, secretary to the church board, treasurer of Naomi Circle over 25 years, acting president to Naomi Circle a number of years along with other offices in the church. She was a charter board member to Twin Valley Development Service Inc at Greenleaf, Kansas, city treasurer for Haddam City for several years. At the age of 17 on September 2, 1936, Christine was married to Ralph Wright Gingles and he passed away on June 17, 1963. On September 10, 1969 she married Melvin Ralph Cooper and he passed away on November13, 2000. She had one daughter, Joyce Irene Gingles, born February 27, 1942 and Joyce passed away on August 21, 1999. Christine was a 73 year plus member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Martha and Worthy Matron Twice, Honorary National Life Member of NARFE, life member in the Washington County Historical Society. She received a Special Membership Pin in the United Methodist Women on December 21, 1975. Christine loved to crochet, especially "Hot Pods", playing cards, taking trips, going out to dinner and chatting with family and friends. It become more difficult as eye sight and hearing failed. Her outlook on life and spirts remained positive as she enjoyed each day. She hoped to reach 100 years and celebrate. It gave her great pleasure to give away her pot holders to family and friends (numbered in the 100s). Christine was preceded in death by her parents, husband's,, Ralph and Melvin, daughter Joyce Irene, sisters, Avis Lull and husband Kenneth Lull, half sister, Selena Charlene McMillen Hiesterman and her husband Alfred Hiesterman, step sons, Carl, Lloyd, Merle, Rex, LeRoy and Lawrence Gingles, step daughter, Wilma Gingle Peterson. She is survived by stepchildren, , step daughter, Ruth Erich of Abilene, KS, step son, Douglas (Carol) Cooper of Emporia, KS, step daughter in law, Shirley Gingles of Prattville, AL, Jane Gingles of Clay Center, KS, Twin step nephews, Rodney and Rodger Lull and families of Colorado, step grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. Memorials may be given to Golden Bell Haven, Food Bank at Belleville First United Methodist Church and Republic County Hospital. Graveside services will be held 11:30 AM, Saturday, December 1, 2018, Haddam Cemetery, Haddam, KS, conducted by Rev. Emily Meckley. Interment will be in Haddam Cemetery, Haddam, KS. Friends may call on Friday, November 30, 2018 from 1 PM to 8 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS. Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS in charge of arrangements.

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