EMMA (WELCH) COOPER, 82 of Lincoln, formerly of Lewellen, passed away November 22, 2018, at South Lake Care Center in Lincoln.
Emma was born June 17, 1936, at North Platte, Nebraska, the daughter of Robert and Iliean Welch. She grew up southwest of Paxton, on her parent's farm, and graduated from Paxton High School in 1954. Emma enjoyed the outdoors and was involved in rodeos and 4-H from a young age.
On May 11, 1957, Emma married James Perlinger Sr. and the couple made their home in Paxton where they were members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Their union was blessed with six children. On January 26, 2002, Emma married Carl Cooper, and the two bought the Tin Horn Pony Ranch east of Lewellen. Emma enjoyed horseback riding, dancing, listening to country music, and playing the piano.
Emma was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Perlinger; husband, Carl Cooper; parents, Robert and Iliean Welch; brother, Don Welch; sister, Cecilia Rice; and an infant sister.
Survivors include her children, Sunnee & Herb Davison and James & Ashia Perlinger Jr. all of Lincoln, Bob & Paige Perlinger of Benton, AR, Randy Perlinger of Paxton, Chad & Tania Perlinger of Ogallala; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A memorial has been established in Emma's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 30, 2018, at 10:00 am at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Inurnment will be in Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen, NE at 1:00 pm.
A Rosary will be recited Thursday, November 29th at 6:00 pm at St. Luke's Catholic Church.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.