Dorothy loved music and a fellow from Texas. Assuming there’s a heavenly choir, she’s in the alto section.

Dorothy was born to Hugh M. and Marie J. Hicks in Lane County, Oregon, on April 2nd, 1925, their third child and only daughter. She grew up in Junction City and followed older brothers Chet and Harry through school, graduating from Junction City High School in 1943. After graduation she attended the Eugene Business School, then worked for the local utility company in Junction City.

In the fall of 1945, she met a newcomer, Earl Cooper, who had moved to Oregon from Texas following World War II. They married on October 6th, 1946, and settled in Junction City. They were active members of the First Christian Church, where Dorothy played piano, sang in the choir, and served as a deaconess.

Over the years, Dorothy worked as a church secretary and as a well-liked instructional assistant in the Junction City schools, first at Central Grade School, and then at Junction City Junior High.

Dorothy's husband of sixty-six years, Earl, preceded her in death in February of 2013, She is survived by son David (Carla); daughter Karen; grandson Travis (Geri) Cooper; granddaughter Carrie (Kristopher) Judy; and five great-grandchildren.