Viletha Surber Cooper, born October 15, 1919, in Mason County, Texas, died Monday, February 9, 2015, in Fredericksburg, Texas. She was the 6th of 7 children born to Charles Otto and Maude Reeves Surber, and was the last surviving sister of the "Surber Girls".

She reminisced about life on the family farm in the Peter's Prairie community and attending the Peter's Prairie School. The girls rode horses to school, and one particular horse would always pitch them off into the sandy creek bed. Of course they thought that was great fun. In the tenth grade she and Naomi Harris played doubles tennis and went to State competition. They were so confident they would be winners…..that was not to be. She continued to enjoy playing tennis as an adult. After completing the tenth grade at Peter's Prairie (1937-1938) she attended the 11th grade at the Mason School. In May, 2014, she was able to attend the historical marker dedication at the Peter's Prairie school.

Farm work involved a lot of work, but the kids managed to have their share of fun, too. They played many a prank on brother Fritz, especially when he acquired a new hat. One time the hat was thrown up on the light fixture, and when the light was turned on, the hat caught fire! It seems sister Jewel always received the blame for these escapades. The family had a sorghum press turned by a horse. She and Mamie had the job of stripping the cane stalks for processing. The processed sorghum and fresh eggs were taken into town for sale. Every few months a piano tuner would pass through, tune the piano, enjoy Maude's excellent biscuits and meals, and be on his way. With that many kids pinging on the keys I'm sure it wasn't long before it was out of tune. He drove a Model T, and one night Viletha and Mamie took it for a spin out in the pasture, hitting every bump and hole, giggling the whole time until they ran out of gas and left the car sitting in the pasture. No punishment for this shenanigan was mentioned.

On July 15, 1939 she and George Thomas Cooper were married in Mason, Texas. Early years were hard financially, work was scarce with little pay but they managed and soon they were blessed with 3 sons: Tommy, Roy and Gary. Family was very important to Viletha, and many happy celebrations were spent with the Surber families out at the home place.

Viletha was a provider for her family, and when one son needed a Scout uniform and there were no extra funds, she traded fresh butter for a uniform; both parties were extrtemely happy. One day there was no meat for the meal. She took the 22 from the closet, proceeded to shoot the fat squirrel out in the pecan tree and proudly told George when he came in to eat she had killed and dressed the squirrel by herself. As the boys were growing up, George and Viletha spent many hours taking them hunting and teaching them how to properly handle firearms.

In 1955 Viletha and George opened the door to Cooper's Bar-B-Q in Mason, a legacy they passed on to their children and families. Viletha helped in any way she could, and after 28 years the business was sold so they could enjoy retirement.

Always welcoming you with a hearty laugh, big smile and hug, Viletha was glad to see you. You never entered her house and left without being offered something to eat or take with you. An Excellent cook, nothing gave her more pleasure than preparing, serving and sharing a meal with her family and friends. As a member of the Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School class, she was active serving and attending as long as was possible. Her faith and love of life helped her through many difficult times.

Viletha will be greeted in Heaven by her son Tommy, husband George, sisters, brothers and parents.

Survivors include – Sons: Roy Cooper and wife Sheila; Gary and wife Charlotte; Grandchildren: Mark Cooper and wife Kim; Matthew Cooper and wife April; Kaylynn Brown and husband Austin; Anthony Cooper; Barry Cooper; Terry Cooper; Great-Grandchildren: Amber Cooper, Chase Cooper, Kylie Cooper, Rilley Cooper and Aubrey Cooper; and a devoted caregiver, Candy Karim.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 13, in the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Eckert leading the service. Interment followed in the Gooch Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Jerry Smith, Jackie Behrens, Dewey Eckert, Tommy Durst, Jeremy Hamilton, Randy Surber and Jeff Bergman.