Dorothy Marie Cooley, born on August 6, 1945, in Independence, KS, passed away at her home in Longton, KS, surrounded with love on July 24, 2024, at the age of 78.
Affectionately known as "Ginger" or "GiGi" she was the fourth of eleven children born to Merrill Montgomery and Bonnie Isabell (Troutman) Edwards. She attended school in Elk Falls and graduated from Moline High School. Known for her boundless kindness and radiant smile, Ginger touched many lives throughout her journey.
On October 20, 1967, in Howard, Kansas, she married Jerry Alan Cooley. Their union was blessed with a beautiful family, and they worked tirelessly together through life's ups and downs raising their family.
Ginger had a diverse career and was dedicated to her work at Longton Grocery, Elk Valley Schools Food Service, and a lifetime of her family's different cafes. Beyond her professional life, her interests were sewing, raising babies, teaching Sunday school, attending yearly Bible schools in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, and enjoying day trips with her sisters and friends. Her enthusiasm for life and unwavering dedication to her family and community were evident in everything she did.
A devout member of the Longton Christadelphian Ecclesia, she lived her faith through her actions and commitment to her Ecclesia.
Ginger is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry Cooley, her daughter Patricia Cooley, her great-grandson Kaden Scott, and her siblings Patty Mars, Marty Edwards, Kenny Edwards, and Kay Claytor.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her surviving family: her children Jerrod Cooley and his wife Jenny, Belinda Corle and her husband Justin, Timothy Cooley and his wife Lora, Gordon Cooley and his wife Jessica, and Charity Bower and her husband Paul. 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren with one more on the way who will forever hold her close in their hearts. Additionally her siblings Steve Edwards and his wife Carmen, Ginny Mechtley, Ronnie Edwards and his wife Joyce, Jo Vestal and her husband Ronny, Lotus McDow, and Robby Edwards, numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in Christ and friends that became family.
Ginger's life will be celebrated with a graveside service at Elk Falls Cemetery on July 27, 2024 at 10:30am where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, parents, siblings, and great-grandson.
David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.
