Dona Cooper

October 18, 2018

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Dona Faye Maddux, 91, was born to Ralph and Fannie Wilson Maddux on March 10, 1927, near Plad, Missouri, on March 10, 1927, and passed away on October 18, 2018. Her family eventually moved to Eldorado, KS. Her writing skills were legendary at an early age. Following high-school graduation, her family moved to Eldorado, KS, where she attended the El Dorado Junior College, graduating in 1947. Dona then moved on to Pittsburg State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. It was at PSU where she met her future husband, Dr. Don Cooper while she was working on her bachelor’s degree. From 1949-1950, Dona taught at the Atchison County Community High School in 1949-1950. On June 4, 1950, she and Donald L. Cooper were married in Eldorado. During the next five years, three of their four children were born: Chip, Cathy, and Cheri. In 1960, the Cooper family moved to Stillwater when Don accepted a position with Oklahoma State University. Their son Tad was born in 1961. Both Don and Dona were active in the Stillwater Presbyterian church where Dona served as both an Elder and Deacon. She was also the editor of the church paper for 26 years. In addition, she was an active volunteer, serving on the Stillwater Hospital Auxiliary, the Stillwater Medical Wives auxiliary, the University Wives Lahoma Club, and Meals on Wheels. Dona was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brother Bob Maddux. Surviving her are her children, Chip (Peggy), Cathy Fowler (Roge), Cheri (Kevin) Conway, and Tad (Sarah). In addition, eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren survive her. Two brothers, John and Terry, also survive her.