ROYAL CITY - Lala Cooper, 89, of Royal City, died on April 24 in Othello.

She was born April 4, 1924 in Hoxie, Kansas and lived with her parents until she was 10 years old. She then resided with her Aunt Vada Poland in Gem, Kansas until she graduated from Gem High School in 1943.

Lala then moved to Washington State and worked as a licensed cream and milk tester in Enumclaw, and also for Todd Pacific Shipyards in Tacoma during World War II. During that time, she met and married Charles M. Cobler, a Navy man, who was also from Kansas. They resided in Enumclaw for several years and had one son; Danny Dean Cobler, who lives in Portland, Oregon.

In 1970, Lala married George A Cooper, who also was from Kansas, and they lived in Renton for 20 years, before George died at age 57 in 1982.

Lala worked as a professional cook for 23 years in nursing homes and at a private girls school in Burien. After George died, Lala purchased a place in Royal City and retired there.

She loved socializing with people and never forgot a name or birth date of a friend. She enjoyed flowers in her yard, feeding the birds, cooking, crossword puzzles, sending and receiving cards, and going to social functions in Royal City.

She became a member of The United Methodist Church in Royal City in 1992 and attended church regularly. She also served as the church treasurer for several years.

Lala enjoyed life to its fullest, and even though recently she suffered, health wise, she had a positive outlook and a strong will to survive. Her son Danny was the light of her life and visits with him were an extra-special joy. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Lala was a member of the American Legion, Fellow Eagles Auxiliary and the Moose.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on May 18 at the United Methodist Church, Royal City, with a lunch following at the Moose Lodge.