Nita Jo Koop

Nita Koop,88,of Lubbock passed away peacefully on the morning of August 18 surrounded by her children, Chris Koop and Carrie Hill. She was covered by the grace and mercy of her Savior, Jesus and by the love and blessing from her beautiful family.

Nita was born in Coleman, TX to Joe Balfour Hedleston and Juanita Tarver Hedleston. Her family soon moved to Big Spring, TX where she lived throughout high school.

Nita graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in journalism and began her career as an author and writer with the newspaper. Nita was a charter member of Koshari, now Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. She married the love of her life, Stanton Koop in May of 1959 and went to work at the Lubbock AJ as he finished his degree.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stan; her mother in law, Eula Belle Koop; her father in law Harry Koop; her brother in law, Jere; and by her much loved son in law, David Hill. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Theriot (George) and extended family of Dallas along with her sister in law, Karla Koop and extended family of Spring, TX.

Nita’s legacy continues with her son, Chris Koop (DeAnna) of Lubbock, her daughter Carrie Hill of Lubbock. She will always be the most adored Mimi to her seven grandchildren: Kit Koop (Liz), Michael Hill (Lindsey), Karlee Vestal (Blake), Matthew Hill, Kaitlin Martin (Bryan), Joseph Hill (Claudia), and Kami Koop.

She often said how blessed she was to have her nine great grandchildren, too! Bailee Vestal, Luke Vestal, James Vestal, Nolan Hill, Kooper Martin, Levi Vestal, Caroline Martin, Hank Martin, and Augie Hill.

Nita left her loving and adventurous spirit with each of us! Not only was she a wonderful wife, mother, and exquisite Mimi, but also a pilot, journalist, author, teacher, enthusiastic golfer, and forever a Red Raider! She was proud of her family and loved each of us unconditionally!

Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Cancer Society or to Beyond Faith Hospice of Lubbock.