Sharla Sue Cooper

Sharla Sue Cooper (nee' Summers), 68, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Aldersgate Village, Home Care Plus, in Topeka, KS. She was born on May 26, 1955, to the late Leroy and Evelyn Summers in Hutchinson, KS. Sharla had a happy childhood surrounded by a close family, including her sister Marla, where she developed a love for music, dancing, and life.

Following cremation, a memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 1, 2023 at the Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6020 SE 44th Street in Tecumseh, KS. The family will receive friends at the church for an hour before the service. At a later date, Sharla will be laid to rest in the Memorial Park Cemetery Cremation Garden with a private ceremony.

Sharla grew up in Hutchinson, KS, attending Hutchinson High School. At HHS, Sharla was active in PELS and was very proud to say she was the solo dancer at the "Joe's Tavern" (annual girl-ask-boy) dance her junior year. Following her graduation from Hutchinson High School (1973) as salutatorian, she attended Hutchinson Community College and Fort Hays State University. At Hays she graduated with a BS in biology (1977) and continued acquiring a license in medical technology at Hutchinson Hospital. Sharla worked briefly in the Med-Tech field in Hays, KS and then went on to multiple careers working for Southwestern Bell (outside plant clerk supervisor), Dunhill Staffing (payroll), Express Employment Professionals (payroll), and Bartlett and West (technical assistant). Sharla retired in 2015.

It was at Fort Hays that she met her future husband, Kem Cooper. Sharla and Kem married on September 2, 1978. Their marriage led to 45 blessed years with two daughters Kaela and Keesha and many family adventures.

Sharla was active in their church – Shawnee Heights United Methodist – with the United Methodist Women, teaching Sunday School, various church committees including finance, staff-parish relations, trustees and church council.

Sharla is survived by her husband Kem, daughters Kaela Wegeng (Stephen) and Keesha Ludlow (Michael), both of Wichita, KS; three grandchildren (Drew, Ella and Eden); and her sister Marla Wilcox.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org), Aldersgate Village (www.aldersgatevillage.org), or Gentiva Hospice (www.gentiva.com).

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

To share a memory of Sharla or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.