Mary Sue “Susie” CooperChanute, KS

Mary Sue “Susie” Solf Cooper passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas, peacefully with her two loving children by her side. Born to Lester and Eva Mae (Rodgers) Solf on November 12, 1947, in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

Susie later moved with her family to Chanute, KS. On December 28, 1966, Susie married the love of her life, Jim Cooper. In their early years, they moved several times before returning to Chanute, where Susie built a career as Advertising Manager for the Chanute Tribune. Known for her outgoing personality and gift for connecting with people, she traveled throughout the area, building relationships and bringing in advertising for the paper. Susie was also a dedicated businesswoman and partner alongside Jim. Together they opened Cooper’s Shoes and Jennifer’s, a local dress shop. After closing those businesses, they launched the Four County Shopper, where Susie left her position at the Tribune to work side by side with Jim, managing advertising and layout for the weekly publication.

Beyond their professional life, Susie and Jim shared a passion for remodeling homes long before it was trendy. They enjoyed buying houses, transforming them with care and creativity, and then moving on to the next project. They truly worked as a team.

Susie had a natural warmth that drew people to her. She never met a stranger and was known for her quick wit, lively spirit, and genuine kindness. Whether through conversation, laughter, or a thoughtful gesture, she made others feel seen and valued.

Family meant everything to Susie, and she loved hers dearly. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren, who were the highlights of her life.

Animals and patio gardening were a couple of her favorite passions in life. She enjoyed visiting with her wonderful neighbors and was grateful for all the help that was given to her throughout the years.

Susie is lovingly survived by her daughter, Amy Rasmussen (Pat) of Lawrence, Kansas, and her son, Doug Cooper (Ashley) of Wichita, along with her grandchildren she cherished: Cooper, Jacob, and Haley Rasmussen, Brooke, and Brianna Cooper. She also leaves behind her brother Richard Solf, Bakersfield, CA, along with her nieces and nephews.

Susie had a second family in Chanute and was very grateful for: Marilyn and Greg Lock, Jennifer Dietsch.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Mildred, Shirley, Joy, Charles, and Tom.

Memorials are suggested to Castaways Animal Shelter and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas. Burial will follow the service at Neosho County Memorial Park in Chanute, Kansas.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas 66720.