CARLA ANNE COOPER

Carla Anne Cooper, age 57, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:25 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. On March 20, 1954, in Fort Knox, KY, she was the oldest of three daughters born to Maynard E. and Beverly J. (Pence) Harrold.

As a child, she resided in Columbia City where she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1972. She graduated in 1976 from Indiana University with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and French with distinction.Carla earned a Masters Degree in Education in 1994 from Valparaiso University. On October 11, 1980, she married Stewart Cooper at First Church of God, Columbia City. After her marriage, she resided in Missouri for almost five years and Valparaiso, IN, until 2004, when she returned to Columbia City. From 1990 - 2004, she was employed by Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative, Crown Point, where she worked as a School Psychologist for Merrillville Schools, completed a school psychology internship for Hobart Schools and taught for Highland Schools. In 1989, she taught sixth grade at Westville Elementary School. A member of First Church of God, she also worked part-time at the church as a Ministry Assistant and attended the Sojourners small group and Tea Time Bible study. An avid reader, she enjoyed teaching her nephews and nieces piano lessons and watching Indiana University basketball and football games.Using her passion for those in need, she volunteered at the non-food and clothing church pantry.

Survivors include her son, Christopher (Katie) Cooper of Valparaiso; mother, Beverly J. Harrold; sisters, Aimee (Loren) Fry and Jean (David) Kessie all of Columbia City; nieces and nephews; and good friend, Michael Gillman of Fort Wayne. Her father preceded her in death on August 22, 2000.

Visitation is Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 2 - 7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with calling after 10 a.m. Pastor James Martin and Pastor Penny Mosher will officiate. Burial will follow at Blue River Community Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in Carla's memory to First Church of God Non-Food and Clothing Pantry.Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.