Wilma Marie Watson, at the age of 89, passed peacefully on March 8, 2011 just three months shy of her 90th birthday. She was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on June 6, 1921 to Elsie and William Griffen. William was a Home Builder and a Minister. Elsie was a Homemaker and made the best sugar cookies in the West. Wilma had three brothers, Ray, Edsel, and Jim, two sisters Iris and Naomi. Wilma spent the better part of her childhood in Payette, Idaho.
She married James Cooper in 1937 and lived in Huntingon, Oregon. James worked as a Milk man and Maintenance worker at the High School in Huntington. Jim was loved by all who knew him. Wilma was a Homemaker and sometimes worked as a waitress. James and Wilma had 4 children, Norma Barton, Shirley Mae Cooper, Raymond Cooper, and Harold Cooper. Wilma was preceded in death by her daughter Shirley Mae at 10 months of age, her son Harold Cooper at 64 years of age, and her husband, Maurice Watson (Pee Wee) at 76 years of age.
She is survived by one brother, Ray Griffin, three Sisters-in-law Vi, Gladys, and Dixie, her son Ray and daughter Norma and one daughter-in-law Ethel. She had eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
After meeting and marrying Maurice Watson (Pee Wee), they went on the road. Pee Wee drove truck and Wilma worked at his side as an escort driver for over-sized loads and mobile homes. Wilma and Pee Wee loved to travel all over the United States. Every summer they would take the camper to the Oregon Coast along with some of the grandkids and have fun on the beach and shopping.
Wilma loved to crochet, take care of her flowers, host family gatherings, and enjoy life. She also loved watching The Trail Blazers Basketball team. She knew all the players and their families. She would call up Ethel and remind her of when the games would be so they could watch them together. We all loved taking Grandma to the games and watching her excitement. Go Blazers!
The last ten years, her daughter-in-law Ethel was at Wilma’s side. Ethel was there through the loss of Wilma’s husband Pee Wee, Son Harold, and Friend Joe. She took Wilma to the hair dresser, doctor, and helped her with paperwork and bills. Basically, anything she needed. Ethel arranged it so that a family member was there to visit Grandma nearly every weekend for the last two years. I think it really gave Grandma something to look forward to each week. She got to see lots of the grandkids and really enjoyed their visits.
Ethel and Wilma were the good friends before she met and married Wilma’s son Harold. Ethel stepped up and took the very best care of Wilma when she needed her. She always told Wilma the truth about things even when it was hard. Wilma said she didn’t know what she would do without Ethel’s help.
I speak for the whole family in saying that we truly appreciate Ethel’s selfless dedication to making sure Wilma was well taken care of and loved.
Some of Wilma’s grandchildren would like to share some memories of their time with Grandma.
Sherrie Cooper
One summer Grandma took Mike and me to the beach for several weeks. We built a life sized VW Bug car out of sand big enough for us to sit in. It must have taken us a better part of the day to build it. Grandma cheered us on and took some great pictures. Over the years our camping trips were some of my fondest memories of my time with Grandma and Grandpa.
I always used to admire Grandma’s jewelry. It is probably why I have so much jewelry now. It was Grandma that took me to get my ears pierced at thirteen. She used to let me try on her big purple ring all the time. Grandpa had bought it for her and she wore it every day of her life. When the ring setting broke she was so heart-broken that Grandpa had another one just like it made for her to replace the first one. He loved to buy her jewelry and she loved to wear it.
We used to spend every Christmas at Grandma’s house. Two or three days of eating, playing board games or cards and visiting. Grandma would always make her famous rolls for dinner and several pies. Grandpa would take the kids out to the garage to crank the Homemade Ice Cream Machine. Then on Christmas Eve, we all would gather in the living room and open tons of presents. It was total craziness. Grandpa would gather up all the wrapping paper and burn it in the fireplace. It would be roasting hot and we would have to open up the doors to cool off. There was always a lot of music, love and laughter to go around.
When I was blessed with the opportunity to adopt my son Wyatt, Grandma welcomed him with open arms. Wyatt was constantly asking me “are we going to see Great Grandma today?” He always gave her about a dozen hugs and kisses and loved to show her his latest truck or toy. I know that Wyatt brought a great deal of joy and happiness to her life these last three years. We both are going to miss Grandma and wish her happiness in heaven with Pee Wee, Dad and Joe. Maybe they will play some pinochle together. Love you Grandma.
Darren Cooper
One of my fondest memories of Grandma and being with family would have to be at Thanksgiving Day dinners. When I was a kid I always looked forward to coming over and spending time with family, my cousins and of course eating a wonderful Thanksgiving day dinner that was prepared by Grandma. Everything was always so good that I think I actually ate 2 or 3 dinners, which would explain me being overweight when I was little…ha ha. I would go into the kitchen and she would always give me a taste of what was soon to come, I loved that! I don’t think that there has been a Thanksgiving Day gone by from then to now that Grandma wasn’t in my thoughts at some point in the day and I don’t think that there will ever be a day that she isn’t. I have some great memories of those times that will never be forgotten.
I think my #1 memory would have to be the day Cassandra was born, on Thanksgiving Day! Leaving the hospital and going to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, and Grandma was so proud!
Grandma, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten. We love you! Rest in Peace
The Darren Cooper family
Troy Cooper
The things I remember most about my Grandma Wilma, her beautiful hair was always perfect, she was well dressed, and kept a clean house. If anything was out of place she was not happy. I remember when I was little she complained that she needed to go to the hair dresser and get her hair done and I said “Yeah you do. Your hair is all frizzed out.” She laughed at me.
I remember when Dad helped her get her last car and I took it to my shop and put Custom Wheels, Tinted Windows, and Vent Shades on it and gave that to her for Christmas that year. I knew that my Grandma would like a nice car. Funny thing was after that she would go to the grocery store and people would make comments to her about the nice wheels on her car. One guy even stopped her to ask her where she got her wheels. She was a little embarrassed but I knew she liked the attention.
She worked out all her life, I remember being impressed that she was going to the gym at 81 years old. I always felt welcome at her house even when I was young and a little wild. She always welcomed me with open arms. I have a lot of respect for my Grandma and I will miss her very much. I am glad she will be with Pee Wee, Dad and Joe now and that she is in a better place.
Owen says “she gave great hugs. I will miss her hugs." "She was the best Great Grandma ever!"
RC Cooper
The times that were most memorable for me were the summers we spent on the Oregon coast searching for sea shells and making sand castles. We also spent many summers fishing and camping in the Blue Mountains. These memories will forever be with me and I will never forget you.
Love you Grandma RC, Wendy and Ashley
Paris Cooper
When I was about 7 or 8, I was spending the night at Grandma. Pee Wee and I were watching WWW wrestling and eating nuts. Grandma told me to not eat too many because I would get a stomach ache. Of course I didn't listen and got a stomach ache. I was in bed and whining about my stomach. Grandma came in and placed a cold cloth on my forehead and asked if there was anything else she could do. Of course at my young age... I just knew a soda and a cookie would fix everything. She brought me a soda and a cookie and stayed with me until I felt better.
Grandma gave me a gold bangle bracelet when I was 12 for a keepsake. I didn't really appreciate it and kept it in the box until I was in my early 20's. I am now almost 47 and have worn that bracelet everyday for the last 25+ years. About three years ago I had thought I had lost it while traveling for my job. I tore the entire house apart trying to find the bracelet with no luck. I was in tears and was devastated. I went to a local jeweler to see if a duplicate could be ordered. Unfortunately, the manufacture discontinued the style. I tried for over a year to find a copy without any success. About 14 months after losing the bracelet; I had found it at the bottom of my jewelry cleaning jar. It appeared to be ruined. I took it to my jeweler to see if he could restore it. He thought it was too damaged and offered to make me a copy. With tears running down my face, I tried to explain to him how much this bracelet meant to me. I told him that I have had this bracelet since I was 12 and it was a gift from my Grandma. The bracelet has a small dent on the outer rim and a scratch next to one of the engraved flowers. I begged for him to try to restore the bracelet. The jeweler did a great job. The bracelet is not quite as brilliant in color, but the dent and scratch are still there. I continue to wear this bracelet to this very day and will treasure it forever.
Grandma made the best rolls!!! I remember eating them with her homemade strawberry jam. Then later on in the evening we would all make mini sandwiches with those rolls. I think I am still trying to lose the weight I gained eating those incredible rolls.
Remembrances in Wilma’s name may be sent to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123
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