Mary Ellen (Cook) Nopper, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Ellen was born April 5, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Rosemary (Pratt) and Loren Cook and spent her childhood years in Berea, Ohio.  She studied early childhood education at Stephen's College in Columbia, Missouri and completed her BS in Education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She later earned a Master of Science Degree in Education specializing in reading at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.

Following graduation from Northwestern, Mary Ellen married her college sweetheart, Will Nopper, in 1962 and moved to Williamsville, New York where she worked as an elementary school teacher while her husband served in the New York Army National Guard.  Mary Ellen and Will relocated to Berea, Ohio in 1964 to help with her father's business, the Loren Cook Company, where they lived for eleven years until the family business called them to Springfield, Missouri in 1975.   While in Berea, they were charter members of Heritage Congregational Church where Mary Ellen served on the building committee for the new sanctuary, was president of Ladies Fellowship (Mayflower Guild), and served on the Board of Deacons. Mary Ellen was also an active member of University Heights Baptist Church from 1976 – 2018.  She served on the Finance Board, the Foundation, and played in the bell choir for several years.

Mary Ellen had a love of music and played multiple instruments including the piano, organ and flute.  She also served on the Board of Directors for the Springfield Symphony.  Additional community volunteer roles included work for the local American Diabetes Association and her beloved PEO Chapter FT, where she made many dear friends.

Mary Ellen's greatest passions were her friends and family.  Her warmth, kindness, generosity and nurturing ways were lived out daily.  She was a devoted wife who lovingly cared for her late husband in the face of multiple health challenges. Their marriage of 54 years was built on a strong foundation centered on their deep Christian faith. Mary Ellen was an amazing mother who would make any sacrifice for her children and delighted in their happiness and sharing their accomplishments.  She was a proud grandmother who immensely enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her two grandsons and granddaughter.  She was a loyal friend who loved to open her home and heart to others. Mary Ellen always had a coat or hat to share with others to keep them warm, a listening ear for the stories of strangers, friends, and family and wanted no detail spared, a wonderful sense of humor, and a positive outlook that she maintained through her final days.

Mary Ellen's spirit for life inspired all who knew her. Her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in December 2017 did not hold her back from enjoying life to the fullest, showing a greater concern for others than for herself, and ministering to others through her actions. During her final year, Mary Ellen attended her oldest grandchild's high school graduation in Texas, enjoyed a front row seat to see a United States President visit and recognize the family business, and even set sail on a Disney Cruise with her daughter's family this past January.

Mary Ellen leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity that will always be remembered.  She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Amy Jo Nopper-Roberts (Erik), Leawood, KS; Willard Andrew Nopper (Kim) Lucas, TX; grandsons  Willard A. Nopper, Jr. and Benjamin J. Nopper, Lucas, TX; granddaughter, Sophia N. Roberts, Leawood, KS; brother, Gerald A. Cook (Kay), Ozark, MO; sisters, Carolyn Wietzel (Ron), Cincinnati, OH, and JoAnne (Jodee) Cook (David), Deland, FL; nephews, Loren Cook II (Elaine), Springfield, Gerald A. Cook, Jr. (Chip), Springfield, Derrick Meer (Andrea), Orlando, FL; nieces Paula Daugherty (Jerry), Ozark, MO; Julie Phelps (Don), Orlando, FL; Joanna Payette, Deland, FL;  sister-in-law, Beverly Meer (Dick), Orlando, FL; and great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at University Heights Baptist Church with Dr. Daniel Chisholm officiating, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  A second memorial service will follow in Kansas City in May, 2018.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University Heights Baptist Church Foundation, 1010 South National, Springfield, MO 65807 or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ( www.pancan.org ) 1500 Rosecrans Ave. Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.