Della Fern Cooper

Della Fern Cooper, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Della was born on June 28, 1939, in Villa Grove, Colorado, to John and Juanita (Mingus) Nye. She was the oldest of two children and spent her early years in the San Luis Valley before her family moved to Olathe, where she graduated from high school in 1957.

On July 26, 1957, Della married the love of her life, Jerry Cooper. Together they built a life rooted in farming and ranching in Coal Creek, raising their three children: Gary, Penny, and J.D. Della and Jerry were known as a fun-loving couple who cherished time spent playing Pitch and dancing together.

Della had a deep love for the western way of life. She enjoyed riding horses and barrel racing, and over the years she contributed her talents to the rodeo community by flagging, timing, and announcing team ropings. She was also known for her excellent tambourine playing.

Throughout her life, Della worked in a variety of roles, including at the telephone company, Gibson’s Pharmacy, Hausman’s Pharmacy, Chandler’s Western Wear, and as a bartender at the Montrose Elks Lodge.

Della was an outgoing woman with a contagious laugh who treasured her friendships. She loved watching the Denver Broncos and the Cowboy Channel, and nothing brought her more joy than watching her children and grandchildren perform—whether in the arena or on stage. In later years, her great-grandchildren became the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Juanita Nye; her brother, Ronnie Nye; her grandson, Travis Duane; and her husband, Jerry Cooper.

Della is survived by her son Gary (Kathy) Cooper; her daughter Penny Cooper; and her son J.D. (Melanie) Cooper. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gina Cooper; Cole (Nicole) Cooper; Jessica Johnson; Danny (Jamie) Wicburg; Garrett Cooper; and Jaden Cooper. She leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Tinley and Remi Cooper; Haylee and Raylee Ramsey; and Cash, Lennon, and Cal Wicburg.

Services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Montrose Christian Church, 2351 Sunnyside Road, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeWest.

Della will be remembered for her warmth, laughter, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in all who knew and loved her.