Live Stream Link To View Service: https://youtu.be/PUer5FZte3s
Elona Peel Cooley passed away peacefully on November 12, 2022 at her home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 101. She was born on April 9, 1921 in Mesa, Arizona to Leslie Adam Peel and Edna Ann Russell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eldon Whipple Cooley, son, Ronald Cooley, son-in-law, Peter Taylor, two granddaughters and one great-grandson; siblings Narvin Peel, Richard Peel, Mary Skousen, Evalyn Jones and LeRoy Peel. Elona is survived by her children: DeWayne (Judy) Cooley, Jeffry (Melodee) Cooley, Chris (Ronni) Cooley, Linda (Kelly) Phelps, Maryann (Daryl) Bethea and daughter-in-law, Martha (John) Storment. She leaves a legacy of 27 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Elona attended Mesa schools and graduated from Mesa High School in 1939. Following high school, she earned a cosmetology license and was a hairdresser for a short time. On June 26, 1941, Elona married her sweetheart, Eldon Cooley, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to their six children. She was also a great support to Eldon as he served on the Mesa City Council and as the Mayor of Mesa. During their marriage, Eldon and Elona faithfully served in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They made many lasting memories as they served missions together in Salt Lake City, Utah and New York City. Eldon and Elona enjoyed nearly 66 years of marriage before Eldon passed away in 2007.
Elona was involved in the Mesa Desert Club and enjoyed helping with their annual Christmas Idea House. She had a green thumb and loved growing pretty flowers and plants. She spent many hours doing embroidery and quilting. She also loved to travel with Eldon, and with her family. Her example of faithfully enduring to the end, serving her family and others, and her testimony of Jesus Christ is a legacy her family will cherish forever.
A funeral will be held in her honor on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dartmouth Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85203 with a visitation prior to the service at 9:00 am. A viewing will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. in the Relief Society room at the same location. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
My heart is so sorrowful yet grateful for Sister Cooley’s influence on my life. I am thankful for her and President Cooley’s influence in my life. God bless the entire Cooley family.
I love Sister Cooley! She was one of my Young Women Leaders! She is such a beautiful example. I have seen her in years, but the memories of her will always be in heart! My prayers are with the Cooley Family. I am sure she is happy to be with her sweetheart! Families can be together for ever. Love to all of you.
I loved sister Cooley, she and Eldon guided me as a missionary and attended my temple sealing after my mission. They always welcomed me as a best friend when we visited. I am blessed to have them touch my life.
I love President and Sister Cooley! They are the greatest. I was blessed to serve with them in the USLC mission. They treated me like a son. Sure Love You!
Sister Cooley was truly an Elect Lady. I served as a Missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission when they were first called. She was a great example of Love and Service. So glad that her and President are back together again. They were inseparable in Life. Sure Love You!
President and Sister Cooley were like second parents to me when they served as mission president and companion in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. One fond memory was when Sister Cooley invited me to a sister missionary luncheon at at their condo at Trevi Towers where she invited Sister Perry to speak. She always made me feel so welcome, like one of their missionaries, even though I was not a full-time missionary. Another fond memory is when I visited them at their home in Mesa a few years about, before President passed away. She was so excited to show me President’s train. She always kept in touch. I understand one of their grand children has my name as a middle name. What a honor for me. I look forward to seeing President and Sister Cooley again! Sure Love You!
Sending a loving good bye to one of the most incredible women in my life . Sister Cooley was a mentor, a mother to many, an eternal friend. Both she and President Cooley continually influenced my life- our children knew and loved them. As they left their mission in NY, they traveled on a route planned to visit as many missionaries as possible who served with them in the SLC mission. We were blessed to have them in our home for an evening. So happy they are together again! Thank you to the Cooley children for sharing your parents with so many of us.
I wish to add my sincere condolences to each and every one of the Cooley Family. Your Mother was and is a very special part of my life . Words like supercalifragilexpialidocious comes to mind in describing her. I had the esteem privilege and honor to have had your parents for My Mission President & Wife. May Our Heavenly Father continue to be with each of you always. Be assured of our love and appreciation to each of you. Thank you so very much
I will always be thankful for President and Sister Cooley. Sister Cooley is one of a kind. Bless the Cooley family in their loss. I too look upon the time I spent with the Cooleys with great fondness and wonderful memories.
Sister Cooley loved me unconditionally—people forget she had to keep a young boy in line all the time named Eldon LOL—she made a huge impression on all of her missionaries those of us who served in Utah mainly from the Southern States —she had a great laugh and never flinched when it came to duty—I know Eldon has missed her deeply—-Love Mark Mears and Family
We are not able to attend the funeral and our computer is not being cooperative to view the service-please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time as you celebrate the life of this great lady and know the admiration that we hold for your family and the influence that the Cooley family and some other great families had on the conversion of Roman Darien (another Jacksonville native) to the Church. Surely there is a great reunion going on and we hope to be in the same neighborhood with the Cooleys in the next life.
Nancy D
Sister Cooley was one of my Grandmother Pearl Brinton’s best friends. I remember her very warmly. I am sorry to hear of her passing.
Our computer did decide to work and we were able to see a beautiful tribute to a life well lived!!!!!
Elona was my Laurel leader, clear back in 1965. Elegant and sweet to her core, I admired and loved her and felt her love for me. She was a wonderful example in many ways. I am grateful! Being in the same ward was a blessing. My heart filled with sorrow when Ron was killed in the car accident; he and my brother Dennis’ were close friends. I so appreciated your dad’s kindness when he served as honorary chairman of my campaign for the Legislature. Loved your mom. Love your family. Carma Lee Call Ellingson
YOU ARE SO MISSED ELONA. SUCH A GOOD FRIEND WITH WISE COUNSEL. YOU AND ELDON WERE DEAR NEIGHBORS AND ASSOCIATES FOR MANY YEARS. I KNOW YOU ARE GLAD TO BE REUNITED WITH YOUR HUSBAND. GOD BLESS.
I really appreciate Sister Cooley’s influence on my life as a missionary, She really was truly a mission mother that loved all of her missionaries