COEUR d'ALENE - Elaine Cooper of the Coeur d'Alene Eagles ladies auxiliary was named the Idaho State Woman of the Year.

The 86-year-old has been a member of the Eagles for 42 years. She has been with the Coeur d'Alene ladies auxiliary for the past 18 years.

She was nominated by others in the auxiliary and was voted Woman of the Year in June at the state convention.

"I never thought that I would be nominated," the Coeur d'Alene woman said. "I think it's an honor."

She has twice been president of the Coeur d'Alene auxiliary No. 486.

She has worked on multiple committees, has been the trustee, run the Eagles' kitchen, and still works on the Sunday morning breakfasts.

When not an officer, she has served on the drill team.

The nominating letter read at the convention said, "Now, after 42 years, she has talked about slowing down, but we have not yet seen signs of that happening."

She first joined the Eagles in Renton, Wash.

Cooper, a mother of four, was married for 65 years to Charles Cooper, who died four years ago. He was a 50-year member of the Eagles.

The ladies auxiliary works for charity, and donates to organizations and causes like St. Vincent de Paul. It also sponsors sports teams, conducts food drives, and puts together holiday food baskets for seniors.

Cooper spends her free time keeping up with work around her home.