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Rachel King Cooper, 83 of Traverse City, passed away surrounded by her family and friends on Monday, September 9, 2013. She was the youngest of 11 children born in Lumberton, N.C. to Frigalonia "Lonie" Smith and Javie Hunt. She met Richard King of Hayes Twp., Charlevoix County, while he was stationed at Ft. Bragg and they married in Dillon County, S.C. on September 18, 1952. After Richard was discharged from the Army, they moved to Traverse City where they raised their family. They were foster parents for several young men who continued to look to her for advice and guidance in their own lives and with their own children. Rachel and Richard were taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and baptized, becoming two of the early founders in establishing the first branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in Traverse City. The early members first met in the King home on 8th Street and then the Ladies Library and then finally the Seventh Day Adventist church on 7th Street until they could afford their own building on Veterans Drive. Later in her life Rachel met and married her eternal companion Leonard Emerson Cooper of Traverse City, on September 26, 2003. Leonard preceded her in death on June 17, 2007. Also preceding her in death were her son Harold Hunt; her parents; and her 10 siblings.Surviving Rachel are her children, Richard (Joline) King of Mesa, AZ, Lynda (Dan) Stapleton of Coto de Caza, CA, Joanne (Tim) Tuck, Yvonne Sims, & Michael King, all of Traverse City; her 13 grandchildren, Rick King of OH, William "Buddy" Collins, Chanda (Curtis) Moore, Eric Sims, Grant Sims, all of Traverse City, Stephen (Heidi) Stapleton, Kevin Stapleton, Shane Stapleton all of Coto de Caza, CA, Jeffrey (Brooke) Stapleton of UT, Matthew (Kristen) King of AZ, Bryant (Morgan) of NV, and Jennifer (Cody) Crawford of AZ; and her 5 great-grandchildren, Marlee Smith and Kalyn Moore of Traverse City, Timothy Stapleton of Coto de Caza, CA, Alexis King of Columbus OH, and Johnny Hunt of Baltimore, MD. Rachel loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and her church family. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and her growing family, bowling, concerts, walking at the Civic Center, making jewelry, and watching her Detroit Tigers. Her services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., with viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, 3746 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.In lieu of flowers a donation in Rachel's name can be sent to the LDS MISSIONARY FUND, The Traverse City Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1922 Kristal Drive, Interlochen, MI 49643, or MUNSON HOSPICE HOUSE by contacting Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation at 231-935-6482. The family would like to express their thanks to all of her caregivers and especially to the Hospice House staff for the wonderful care they gave to our beloved Mother. She will be greatly missed and has left wonderful memories for all who knew and loved her.Condolences may be left for the family online at www.wolfeoneill.com.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

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Rachel Cooper

August 13, 1930 - September 9, 2013