Martha Mae Cooper (nee Pfahlert), 98, was born July 4, 1926 in Napoleon, Ohio (the fireworks were always for her), and passed through God's other door on July 9, 2024.

Martha met William Cooper in St. Paul's Lutheran Church choir in Defiance, Ohio and they were married there December 19, 1948. They were rarely apart, and had nearly 68 years together before William died in 2016 (including a 50th anniversary celebration in the same church they had their reception in - causing a granddaughter to do a double take as she helped decorate and put out original photos for the occasion).

Martha raised their four sons and delighted them and many neighborhood kids with the variety of cookies she made most all of her life. As the kids grew, she worked at the Defiance Crescent-News followed by a rewarding career with the Defiance County Health Department.

After retiring, Martha and Bill were able to travel extensively with their sons to many places around the world, as well as visits to their sons' homes around the U.S. (and visits to their home by the sons). Martha saw to an older sister's care and finances for years, along with caring for William until she was no longer able to physically do so. She faithfully visited both nearly daily at the care facilities they were in.

Martha was able to live independently in her Kettenring Hills duplex before settling into the Glenn Park of Defiance community. Her family is immensely grateful for the loving care and support given by all of the Glenn Park staff.

Martha is survived by her sons Craig (and daughter-in-law Beverly, nee George) Cooper, Phillip Cooper, Martin Cooper (and his spouse, son-in-law Troi Thomas), Jeffrey (and daughter-in-law Lucinda, nee Madeiros) Cooper, and three granddaughters, Craig & Bev's daughters Vanessa Cooper and Alexandra Cooper, and Jeff & Lucinda's daughter Lizette Cooper.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday July 13, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Defiance, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Internment will take place following the service at Riverview Memory Gardens.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.