Sharon K. Cooper passed away Nov. 29,
after a long illness. Sharon Kay Johnston
was born March 21, 1943, in San Rafael,
Calif., to Betty June (Avery) Hedges and
Clyde Oliver Johnston. Sharon was raised
in Lander, by her mother and step-father,
Henry Russell Hedges. At her request, no
public services will be scheduled. A private
family gathering to spread her ashes will
occur at a later date.
Sharon married Bert Meredith in 1961
and later divorced. A son, Brad Meredith,
was born from their marriage. Sharon eventually
moved to Riverton, where she married
Leroy Cooper and he adopted her daughter,
Brenda (Cooper) Marchant. A son, Shad
Cooper, was later born from their marriage.
Sharon went to nursing school and worked
as a licensed practical nurse. She later completed
cosmetology school. She owned and
operated the beauty shop at the Holiday Inn
in Riverton. She was also an area representative
for Protector where she taught hydrogen sulfide safety classes in Fremont County.
She retired from the Wyoming State Training School where she worked as a switchboard
operator and administrative specialist. Several years after retirement, Sharon moved to
Pinedale.
Sharon enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and her Teacup Yorkie, Dyna.
She loved hunting, fishing, camping and getting away to the mountains. She enjoyed knitting,
singing and played a bit on her guitar. She loved to travel. At age 58, she survived
Stage III breast cancer. Years later, she was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease.
Sharon is survived by her sister LaJuanna Lacy of Cheyenne; her children Brad Meredith
and his wife Katie of Lander, Brenda Marchant and her husband Scott of Riverton,
and Shad Cooper and his wife Katie of Pinedale; her eight grandchildren, Brittney Meredith,
Heath Meredith, Cody Struna, Jade McGriff, Taylor Dickinson, Kayden Marchant,
Kelsey Cooper, Ash Cooper and her five great-grandchildren. Sharon was preceeded in
death by her mother, Betty Hedges, stepfather, Russ Hedges, father Clyde Johnston and
her grandparents, Florence (Avery) Laird and Hank Laird. n