June M. Cooper

June M. Cooper, 86, of Missoula went home to the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday, November 20, 2012. She was born July 6, 1926 in Colorado Springs, Colorado the daughter of the late Vern and Ethel McCauley. - June spent her younger years in Grass Valley, CA and later moved to the Black Forest of Colorado for her Junior High and High School years. She particularly enjoyed spending time at the oceanside, ice-skating, horseback riding and barn dances. In October 1945 June was married to Wayne E. Rusk. Together they moved to Missoula, MT where they raised their three children. They were later divorced.
June loved camping in the Big Hole, and the greater western Montana landscape, picking huckleberries, flower gardening, picnicking and going to Yellowstone Park. June had the gift of hospitality. She hosted many wonderful Sunday dinners and guests in her home on a regular basis. Music flowed from June. As a pianist she blessed not only her family, but also those in the church congregation, elderly people, youth and shut-ins.
In 1977 June married Earl Cooper and they made their life together in Tacoma, WA. They spent many happy days at the ocean and participating in activities with the Good Sam Club. Earl passed away in 1989.
In 1990 June relocated to Hamilton, MT. She had many fond memories of the community and her time working as a hostess for Hardee's. June is remembered for her bright smile and sincere friendship. June and the "Ice Cream Gang" enjoyed happy times playing games, attending local concerts and going for beautiful walks. Her heart went beyond the community and the local church. She dedicated many prayers and personal resources to the hurting of the world.
June's most important life accomplishment was raising three children, providing a good home and instilling the gospel message in her children. These qualities carried over into the lives of her grandchildren, and she was their most faithful cheerleader at sporting and life events.
June was preceded in death by her son Randall M. Rusk; her brother Dick R. McCauley; husband Earl A. Cooper, and stepmother Flossie McCauley. June is survived by her son Vernon and wife Bonita Rusk of Sedro Woolley, WA; her daughter Julie and husband John Cahoon of Missoula; seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; sister-in-law Jean McCauley of Minnesota, many nieces and nephews, and step sister Marlene Dye of Hamilton, MT.
Please join the family for a graveside service Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 1pm at the Riverside Cemetery, Stevensville.
Memorials in honor of June may be made to Insight For Living, PO Box 269000, Plano, TX 75026-900.