Margie Dahlia Ferrari Cooper

of Melbourne, Arkansas

Margie Dahlia Ferrari Cooper was born on September 11, 1934, in Silt, Colorado, to the late Fiorentino and Siria Placida Chacon Ferrari. She lived a vibrant 90 years, passing away on September 15, 2024, in Melbourne, Arkansas.

Margie's adventurous spirit led her to marry Lonnie Green Cooper on September 4, 1953. Together, they embarked on a new chapter in Knob Creek, Arkansas, where they built a life and a farm from the ground up. Margie embraced the challenges of farming with relentless dedication, raising both beef and dairy cattle, hogs, and row crops, and managing timber with a combination of strength and heart. For seven decades, she was the cornerstone of her family, embodying the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and farmer with unwavering commitment and warmth.

Margie's professional journey was equally remarkable. Over a 33-year tenure at Baxter Lab in Mountain Home, she wore many hats, from bookkeeper to plastics production worker. Margie was more than just a standout employee; she was a trailblazer. Ahead of her time, she launched a ride-share service for her coworkers, turning a grueling 55-mile commute into a profitable venture. Her entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond the lab. Margie sold Avon products, earning their highest recognition of President's Club for 22 years, and owned and operated several other businesses over the years, each one showcasing her remarkable ability to make something out of nothing.

Beyond her many ventures, Margie took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, always happiest when they were reaching milestones and celebrating life's big moments. Her love for music and dancing was infectious, equally enjoying a street dance in town or an impromptu kitchen dance party with a grandkid. Margie was always ready for an outdoor adventure, finding joy and beauty in nature.

Despite her busy life, Margie had a helper's heart, always ready to support family, friends, and even strangers in need. Whether someone required work, food, or a place to stay, she not only offered help but found practical ways to help them become self-sufficient, empowering others to thrive independently.

She embodied hard work, resourcefulness, and faith, rooted in her Baptist beliefs, and leaves a lasting legacy of grit, generosity, and a zest for life.

Margie is survived by her children Cindy Lou Yancey (John) of Cotter, Janet Shari Wood (Lou) of Flippin, Doyle Hayden of Melbourne, Eddie Wayne (Michelle) of Mtn. View, her brother Mark A. Ferrari of Melbourne, and a close family friend, Richard "Flash" Strong.  She was a Loving Grandmother to Susie Conyers, Travis (Holly) Moritz, Laci (Derrick) Lyons, Mandi (Jamie) Booe, Travis (Liz) Wood, Cody, Levi, Bobbie Sue, and Tanner Cooper, Trisha Arnold, Katie Sue Cooper, Loni Beth (Riley) Harris, and Molly Cooper.  She was a Loving GG to Austin Conyers, Alex Moritz, Gene and Golden Lyons, Carley and Evan Booe, Lane and Luke Wood, Carsen Ryleigh Cooper, Lucas and Elizabeth Cooper, and Cecilia, Chloe, and Callum Cooper Harris.  Margie counts a host of other relatives, including her extended family from California to Colorado, and many good friends among her loved ones.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband Lonnie (who died on September 15, 2000 after 47 years of marriage), her son Leslie Gene "Pod" Cooper, and her siblings Loretta, Walter, Johnnie, Jimmy, Fred, and Flo.

Visitation and memorial service will be held Sunday, September 22, at the Knob Creek Church in Melbourne. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the Memorial service led by Tim Porter will begin at 2:00 p.m.