GRANGER-Verlinda “Linda” L. Cooper, 85, passed away April 30, 2026 at her home in Granger.  She was born October 3, 1940, in Elkhart, IN.

On November 17, 1966, she married Jack Cooper; this year they would have been married for 60 years.  Jack survives along with 7 children, Steve Jackson, David (Becky) Cooper, Crystal Garcia, Jackie (Marko) Mahony, Stanley Chandler, Sharon Chandler, Steve (Sherry) Cooper, and a brother, Jerry (Pat) Tavernier.  Also surviving are 33 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, and 2 more great-grandchildren on the way.

  She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Tavernier, mother, Frances (Riley) Zollinger, stepfather, Lamar Zollinger, her favorite grandpa, Ralph Doty, brother, Ted Zollinger, sister, Sandy Swint, 3 children, Sharon Tapia, Tom Cooper, Mark Cooper and 1 great-granddaughter.

  Linda and Jack were the proud owners of Cooper’s Salvage for over 20 years.  During the many years they ran the company they made many great friends who are now more like family to them.  That company truly spoke who Linda was; a hard-working woman that could out negotiate ANY man.  (P.S. if you need any parts call Jack) She continued that love for “treasure”, reselling throughout her whole life by going to many yard sales, auctions, and flea markets, where she once again made many lifelong friends.   Linda had a very caring and giving heart doing so much for others even at the expense of herself, she would literally give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.  Her home was considered “Grand Central Station” for all the children she opened her home to; faithfully earning the nickname of “Ma Cooper” from many of them.   Linda also enjoyed going to the casino, playing card games with her family, fishing in her younger days, shopping, playing Scrabble, and most of all making irreplaceable memories with her family.  She never missed an opportunity to have a good time and always wanted to be included in every event.  Due to the fact that family time was so important to her the family would like to encourage everyone to make sure that they always make time for each other and most of all take a visit to the casino and put a $20 in for her!      

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 10-12 noon, with the service beginning at 12-Noon at the Omega Event Center 2130 Middlebury Street, Elkhart, IN 46516.  Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery.

  Memorial contributions may be given to Jack to help offset expenses in the home.  Here is the go fund me link, if you would like to donate in this manner.   https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-verlinda-linda-cooper?attribution_id=sl:a5f42af7-b378-4d5c-8375-7508eb59cf18&lang=en_US&ts=1778009764&utm_campaign=today-tab&utm_content=amp17_ta-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

  Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.