Flora Mae (Zeigler) Cooper, affectionately known as Flerk of Wintersville, Ohio, died peacefully on January 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 20, 1939, to the late Mildred and Hartley Zeigler. She was born and raised in Toronto, Ohio, along with her five siblings, Charlene Keenan, Linda Carter, Suzanne Zeigler, the late Chuck Zeigler, and the late Martha Westbrook.

Flora enjoyed a strong bond with her siblings. Fun sister outings continued well into their senior years, with trips to casinos being a favorite pastime. Flora and her late husband, John “Jack” Cooper, welcomed their 6 “Cooper Jackrabbits,” who enjoyed a childhood filled with love and laughter. Flora was tragically widowed at just 39 years old. Life was sometimes difficult, but never the complainer, Flora faced adversity with strength, resilience, faith, and gratitude. She counted her blessings and said her prayers. This resilience was no more evident than during her 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Flora spent the last 5 years of this battle lovingly cared for by her daughter, Terry. In 2019, Flora moved to Terry’s home in Florida. For the next 2 1/2 years, she walked in the park, watched sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, enjoyed the flower gardens that she loved so much year-round, and raised Monarch Butterflies and released over 200 into nature. In 2022, Terry brought her back to Ohio. Flora went to football, volleyball, and soccer games to cheer on her great-grandchildren and saw them off to their school proms. She reconnected with her sisters and met the youngest of her 17 great-grandchildren. For the next 2 years, she was blessed to be kissed goodnight by her children every night in the comfort and safety of her own home.

In addition to her husband, John “Jack” Cooper, Flora was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Vrotsos, and her son-in-law, Steve Zorne. She is survived by her children Terry Cooper, with whom she resided, John Cooper, Cindy Sawyer, Tammy Zorne, Paul (Valerie) Cooper, her son-in-law Andy Vrotsos. She is also survived by her grandchildren James (Amanda) Cooper, John Cooper, Heather (Aaron) MacDiarmid, Lauren Sawyer, Nicole (Chad) Azeltine, Julie (Jeff) Blake, Doug (Megan) Zorne, Andrew (Clara) Vrotsos, Ashley (Tommy Hamilton) Vrotsos, Paul (Molly) Cooper, Brianna (Matthew) Keller, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, Ohio on Tuesday from 4 – 7 p.m. where services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial at Fort Steuben Burial Estates.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Offer condolences at www.shorac.com