Deanna L. Cooper, 81, of Whitewood, SD passed away on August 12, 2024, at Rolling Hills Health Care in Belle Fourche, SD. De had bravely lived with severe COPD in her home with assistance from family and health care workers. She will be greatly missed, but now she is able to breathe more easily.

Deanna was born in Butte, MT on May 14, 1943, to Fred Meier and Ruth Williams (Baldwin). Their stay in Butte was short and the family moved to Lead, SD where De attended school. De married Glen Strickland in 1961. They had 4 children, Melany, Darrin, Britt, and Leeyn. She later married Gary Cooper in 1973. To this union Gary brought his 4 children from a previous marriage, Brian, Shelly, Tracy, and Dean. Together, De and Gary raised these 8 children with much participation and influence on the lives of other family members' and neighbors' children.

De was known for her cooking skills, and she spent most of her life working as a cook and baker in various towns throughout the Black Hills. In her retirement she was known in the neighborhood as the "Cooky" lady. Children and adults would stop by regularly to see what types of cookies were in the oven. Chocolate chip, and peanut butter were some of the favorites. It was typical for entire cookie sheets to be devoured within minutes of coming out of the oven. At Christmas time some of the delectable treats made were pies, so many pies, fudge, divinity, and so much more. De was proficient at preparing homemade meals for large groups and, of course, holiday meals were always at Grandma De's. It should be no surprise that among her children and grandchildren the most cherished items of her belongings and treasures were her recipe boxes, cookbooks, and cookware.

Deanna is survived by her children, Melany French (Les) of Sutherland, NE, Darrin Strickland (Kelly) of Twin Falls, ID, Dean Cooper (Dottie) of Twin Falls, ID, Shelly Buchholz (Curtis) of Mitchell, SD, Tracy Cooper of Lead, SD, and Britt Strickland (Vicki) of Lead, SD. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, nieces, Susan D'Aniello (Nick), Cindy Kruse (Tim), and nephews, Marc Daniels, Mike Zimmerman (Deb), and Tyler Surrell (Jill). De was proceeded in death by her husband, Gary Cooper, her mother, Ruth Williams, her father, Fred Meier, her sister, Leora Wildburger, and her sons, Leeyn Strickland and Brian Cooper.

Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 P.M.  Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 19th at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels in Spearfish. Interment will follow immediately at Mountain Lawn Cemetery, Lead, with a dinner reception to follow for family and friends at the VFW, 10 Pine Street, Deadwood.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com