Barbara Cooper

Mrs. Barbara Lynn Tanner Cooper, age 68, of Martin died Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. 

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Ron Cooper of Martin; her mother, M. Lou Mattingly Tanner; one sister, Ann (Roger) Looyenga; and two brothers, Mike (Lynn) Tanner and Patrick (Julia) Tanner, all of Tucson, Ariz.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father, M. Max Tanner; her brother-in-law, Don Cooper, and her in-laws, James and Geneva Cooper.

Barbara was an avid supporter of the University of Tennessee at Martin Rodeo Team, serving as booster club president.  She was later inducted into the UTM Rodeo Hall of Fame.

John Luthi, who recently wrapped up his 25-year coaching career with UTM's rodeo team, lauded Barbara and the entire Cooper family for their role in the program's decades of national success. "Barbara and Ron never said no to the rodeo program, whether it was endowing scholarships or supporting our annual rodeo," he said.  "They were always very active and willing to help in way they could."

Dale Bolding, who preceded Barbara as rodeo booster club president, had high praise for her and what she brought to the program.  "She brought dignity and class to the program and helped draw young women to the team," he said.  "She was a class act, and she will be missed."

In a statement from the university, Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver said, "The Cooper family has been incredibly important to the programs, especially rodeo.  We wish the family peace during this difficult time."

She was also active in helping maintain Rockin' C Farms in Martin, where she tended to her horses and her beloved Great Danes.  Each year, she anxiously awaited the return of a countless number of hummingbirds that she and Ron enjoyed feeding and watching on their back porch overlooking the farm.

She and Ron supported countless area charities, events and projects, including Discovery Park of America, where the distinctive 199-foot tower was dedicated in her honor in 2014.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at Murphy Funeral Home in Martin, with Roger McPeak and Miles Adcox officiating.  Burial will follow in Brock Cemetery in Greenfield.  Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at the funeral home.  On Thursday, visitation will be from noon until the service.

Pallbearers are Chance Cooper, Cody Cooper, Chris Moeller, Matt Moeller, Mark Moeller and Michael Moeller.

She was a member of Beulah Land Cowboy Church in Martin.

Memorial may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.