Rev. Elizabeth (Stanton) Cooper

Rev. Elizabeth (Betsy) Stanton Cooper of New Wilmington, PA passed away on March 6, 2026 in San Diego, CA.    Betsy grew up in Wheatland, PA where everyone was family.  She as a teenager helped gather finances to build the Wheatland UMC church, and became a member of the Wheatland Farrell UMC until she was ordained.  Betsy in her younger years was a member of the volunteer fire department where she was part of the medical team.  She enjoyed playing basketball and softball at the Y where she broke records for the girl’s teams.  

Betsy was a graduate of Farrell High School, class of 1958.  After she graduated from high school, she was given the science award and went on to nursing school to become a registered nurse at Youngstown Nursing Association.  She maintained her license for the rest of her life.  Upon her career as a nurse, she taught nursing at Youngstown State, Theil College and Jameson Hospital.  She also in her career served as hospice nurse coordinator, Director of a senior nursing facility, and Visiting Nurses.  She became a nurse midwife who delivered many babies, including Amish. No matter where she served, she inspired people along the way with her caring nature to become professional nurses.  She received her degrees in nursing, her BSN from YSU and her MSN from Edinboro University.  After serving the medical profession for over 40 years, she went on to seminary and received her degree in Divinity from METHESCO, and was ordained in the UMC.  She served the Shippenville/ Providence UMC churches where she was deeply loved.  During her time as a minister, Betsy helped both churches grow physically and spiritually.  She loved working with people. Her daughter and Betsy became the first daughter- mother to be ordained in the Western Pa UMC.

Betsy was recognized for pioneer work in nursing and named to the honor of Sigma Theta Tau International.  She became a charter member of the Youngstown State University unit.  She served for the UM Association of Health and Welfare Ministries in various roles and received recognition for her service and dedication to the EAGLE committee.  Because of her commitment to education, healing ministries, and serving a prophetic witness to those in the margins; Betsy was given the God and Man award as well as the Georgia Harkness Award.  Betsy was a lifelong member of the American Legion unit 432 serving as chaplain. 

She did so much community service not limited to managing and coaching the girls softball team, scorekeeping for the boys baseball team, boy scout master, and mentor for many.  She will be missed by many.

She is survived by her daughter, Rev. Dr. Beth Cooper of San Diego, CA; and her four sons, Daniel Cooper (Jackie) of New Wilmington, Brian Cooper (Bobbi Lynn) of New Castle, James Cooper of New Wilmington,   and William (Diane) Cooper of New Wilmington.  She is blessed to have 13 grandchildren; Danielle, Rex Anthony, Keresty, Nick, Cody, Cierra, Chanielle, Juliana, Brady, Jim, Joel, Caitlyn, Travis, and all of her grand four legged doggies.  She is also blessed to have 5 great grandchildren, Jayden, Kendell, Lilly Grace, Braxton, and Reed as well as many other relatives by blood and choice.  Her service (retired) dog of 20 years, Mikey helped her to continue her travels and ministry work.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward L. and Althea A Stanton as well as 4 brothers: Edward Jr, Phil, Tom, and William “Butch”.  

The family asks in lieu of flowers, please contribute a legacy gift to a public nonprofit that will be started in her memory.  Please make contributions to Elizabeth S. Cooper Memorial Fund - First National Bank 134 E. Neshannock Ave. New Wilmington, PA 16142 Attn: David Leyde, Branch Manager.

Friends may call Friday April 3rd, 2026 from  4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Sharon First United Methodist Church 237 W. Silver St. Sharon, PA.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday April 4th, 2026 at 10:30 am in the church, with luncheon to follow.

Arrangements entrusted to the SHERMAN Funeral Home & Crematory.

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