Carol Rose Cooper

On August 10, 2023, heaven welcomed Carol Rose Cooper (Mullins), as she peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home of 56 years, surrounded by her son, Randall Cooper, daughter-in-law, Lisa, and her great grandson, Marquice. Carol was 88 years old and leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished in our hearts. She was an artist, a storyteller, a quilter, a sister, mother, grandmother, and most of all, a friend that we will miss dearly.
Carol was a woman who possessed a rare gift-the ability to make anyone feel like an old friend. People were naturally drawn to her warm and welcoming nature. She had a way of making even strangers feel like they were long-lost companions, and conversations with her were a true delight.
Born in Sycamore Holler in Colcord, West Virginia, Carol was the daughter of a coal miner. In 6th grade she met Verlin Froud Cooper, who would later become her husband. Their love story spanned an incredible 60 years of marriage-a union that weathered time and trials, growing stronger with each passing year.
Though Carol always felt a pull toward West Virginia, she and Froud made Columbus, Ohio their home. Her porch overlooked the bustling activity of students attending The Ohio State University and was open to anyone who wanted to stop and chat. This porch, once a gathering place of shared stories and laughter, now stands as a cherished memory for all who had the privilege of sitting there with her.
For 27 years, Carol served as a beloved household companion to Mr. James Rhodes, former Governor of Ohio, and his wife, at their private residence. She deeply valued her work for the Rhodes family and took pride in cooking a big pot of pinto beans, trays of cornbread and biscuits, and fried potatoes for his family and guests. She often told stories of sitting with the former Governor reading the paper and drinking coffee. Carol ironed his shirts to perfection, made drapes, upholstered furniture, and quilted for their family. Throughout all these years Carol has held the Rhodes family very dear to her heart.
Carol was a gifted quilter and though she made numerous quilts for her family, she made it her mission to put fabric scraps donated by others to good use by making hundreds of quilts for homeless men and women. Carol became involved at a local church and assisted in the initiation of a clothing center for the homeless. She felt that every person deserved something made with love and care. Her quilts were often celebrated by people receiving housing of their own for the first time. She often told the story of a man whose quilt was stolen, and he came to the church to tell her about it, and she assured him she would make him a new quilt. When she gave him another quilt, he wept, overcome by her generosity.
Carol loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed taking them to COSI, The Ohio State Fair, and The Park of Roses. In the quiet moments, sitting on the porch with her grandchildren, she shared countless stories from her life. The sound of pots and pans clanging early in the morning was the announcement of breakfast being lovingly prepared-coffee, bacon, biscuits, eggs, and fried potatoes. For nearly every visit, her grandchildren wanted to be sure she was planning to prepare homemade chicken and noodle soup in time for their arrival.
She enjoyed Jeopardy, Dancing with the Stars, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless. She loved feeding the birds, particularly hummingbirds, and watching them in the backyard. She never understood why the University students threw away so many household items in the alley and she would turn what they considered junk, into treasure. She often salvaged discarded furniture, one item being a dining room table she refinished with her granddaughter that is still used today.
Sadly, several years of dementia took its toll on her life which had always been filled with independence and resiliency. Her joy was in sharing stories and having long conversations with family and friends, and her awareness of a loss of words was incredibly sad for her and her family. Dementia is a disease of many losses, and each loss presents a new grief. Her family will cherish the memories of her voice and stories. Carol was a bright and shining star; she was a best friend and support to her son and daughter, and a cherished friend to so many others. She loved her family and was ready to go to heaven and reunite with her husband, Froud.
Carol is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Verlin Froud Cooper. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Barbara Hampl and Randall Cooper; grandchildren: Nikki Cooper, Sierra Hampl, Russell Cooper, Jesse Hampl, Savanna Cooper, Brandon Cooper, Josh Hampl, and 12 great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to Randall and Lisa Cooper for their labor of love as caretakers so that Carol could stay in her home as she wished