Sandra “Sandy” Jean Cooper, 86, of Tama, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026 at her home under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 3-6 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tama. Interment will be held at 3:00 PM at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello, Iowa.

Sandra was born on June 7, 1940 in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Melvin “Buck” and Ruth (Long) Sands. She grew up in Monticello, Hawkeye, and Manchester.

Sandra graduated from Manchester High School in 1958, and then attended beauty school.

On December 31, 1961, she was united in marriage to Jim Cooper at the United Methodist Church in Manchester, Iowa. In 1975, they moved their family to Tama. Sandy worked as a school lunch lady and then went on to her favorite job as a librarian at the Tama Library.

Sandy was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church (formerly Living Faith United Methodist Church) in Tama. She was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Sandy was active in a Pepper card group, enjoyed reading and going to the Casino, especially playing Bingo. Her greatest joy was the time spent with her family and friends.

Survivors include one son, Paul (Diane) Cooper of O’Fallon, IL; one daughter, Lori (Mark) Haight of Manchester; four grandchildren, Danielle (Kevin) Schaefer, Melissa (Jeremy) Woodyard, Rachel and Clayton Haight; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Liam Schaefer; sisters-in-law, Paulette Sands, Carol Cooper, and Lynn Cooper; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jim; brothers, James (Dorothy) Sands, and Paul Sands; brothers-in-law, Gary Cooper, and Doug Cooper.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church in Tama.