INDEPENDENCE — The children of Pendleton County native Russell and Mary Cooper threw them a surprise 60th wedding anniversary party Nov. 22 in Beechgrove Baptist Church, Independence.
“We gathered the whole crew — their friends, their kids, their grandchildren and even the great-grandkids — at a local church, a place that’s been special to them through the years,” daughter Karen Cooper-Hillard said.
“With plenty of food, drinks, cake and lots of laughter, it was the perfect way to celebrate their milestone. There were plenty of jokes about how they’ve made it 60 years without driving each other crazy — though we’re pretty sure humor and patience have a lot to do with it.”
They have three children, Cooper-Hillard and husband, Daniel, Jeff (Connie) Cooper and Bill (Christa) Cooper; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Russell and Mary Cooper live in the same house in Kenton County for 60 years.
Russell Cooper grew up in the Jagg Road area of Pendelton County, the son of Elza and Corrine Cooper, members of Unity Baptist Church on Jagg Road.
Russell met Mary Ellen Allen, who is from Mason County, and they were married in November of 1964 after Russell returned from serving in the U.S. Army, in Germany.
Mary worked for the Kenton County Board of Education for many years before retiring and she is a Kentucky Colonel.
Russell is still employed as a machine operator in Cincinnati. He drives to and from work each day, working full-time hours.
“He loves to work, and he is a trainer for the new hires at his company,” Cooper-Hillard said.
“Our parents worked hard their entire life and instilled their work ethics into their children. They always provided a wonderful home growing up, with great morals and values.
“They have supported each other throughout the years and where you see one, you always see the other.”
Anyone who would like to celebrate Russell and Mary’s 60-year milestone may drop a card or a celebration wish to them at:
Russell and Mary Cooper
c/o Beechgrove Baptist Church
450 Independence Station Road
Independence, Ky 41051