Rita Jean (Lester) Cooper

Rita Jean Lester Cooper, 64, of Newton, passed away October 7, 2015 in her home.  She was the daughter of Opal (Alloway) Williams and Thomas Lester, Born November 21, 1950, in Newton.  She attended Newton Community Schools and Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines.  Rita was married to Butch (Harold) Cooper January 29, 1987, in Newton.  Rita in her life had many jobs, including Dollar General, Newton Motor Inn and the Book Trader to name a few.  She enjoyed country music, playing Bingo and watching her brothers race.

Rita is survived by her three children, Bob Evans and his wife Angie Evans, Allan Buzzard and Jeanie Schultz, and Talina Hayes;  her brothers:  Butch and his wife Brenda Lester, Keith and his wife Terri Lester, Gary and his wife Shirley Lester; her sisters:  Bonnie and her husband Al Geerlings, Becky and her husband John Webster and Rose Brammer.  Her ten grandchildren;   three great –grandchildren and one on the way and many nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Butch Cooper both parents, and her grandchild Bradley Royce.

Family and friends are invited to the Moose Lodge at 10:00 am Saturday October 10, 2015, for a  Celebration of Life.  A meal will be provided.  The family would like to send a special thanks to the Women of the Moose.