Estelle Kelley Loftin Cooper

Estelle Kelley Loftin Cooper found eternal peace on February 2, 2014. Estelle was blessed with 93 years 234 days of life and is survived by her two daughters, Earline Loftin Fulton of Baytown, and Merline Loftin Fogtman of Houston. Estelle leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and dedication to family that touched and influenced the lives of many.

Family came first for Estelle. Throughout her years, she adored the company of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and gathered them around her at every opportunity. As a youngster, she was a tomboy being the only girl that played on the Apple Springs Baseball League, and after her children were grown she returned to more sports-related activities including bowling and softball. During this time, she was employed by the Goose Creek I.S.D. After retirement, she traveled here and abroad and made many trips to lands she'd only heard of, returning home with pictures and videos to share with family and friends.

Estelle always had a smile, spoke candidly, and was fiercely loyal to her family and her church, the Cedar Bayou Church of Christ of Baytown where she was a longtime member. She loved life and had a sassy sense of style and humor! She will be greatly missed.

Estelle was born March 5, 1920, in East Texas to Nettie Victoria Thompson Kelley and Robert Lee Kelley. At the tender age of 16 years, she married Artis E. Loftin in the spring of 1936. Sometime later, the couple moved to Pennington, TX, where their two sons, James Lee Loftin and Jack Loftin, were born. Later, they moved to the Baytown area where Artis was then employed by Humble Oil & Refining Company, later known as Exxon Mobil. In Baytown, two daughters, Earline Loftin and Merline Loftin, would be born into the family. Artis and Estelle were married 58 years, until his death in 1995.

In 1997, to the joy of their family, Estelle married long time neighbor and friend of the family, Walter Cooper. Their time together was spent traveling, laughing, and having coffee with those who dropped by to visit with them. Their romance ended June 2010, upon Walter's death.

Estelle was predeceased by her husband, Artis Loftin, and their sons, James Lee Loftin and Jack Loftin, and her later husband Walter Cooper. However, she leaves to our care daughter Earline Loftin Fulton and husband Charlie; Merline Loftin Fogtman and husband Robert. In addition she was blessed with two loving daughters-in-law, Carolynn Carroll Loftin of Houston and Glenda Creel Loftin of Baytown, in addition to many grandchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday, February 5, 2014, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown.

Christian friends are indeed among the most meaningful gifts of life. The Estelle Loftin Cooper family wishes to thank the people who have assisted in providing excellent care for her these last few years.

Today we rejoice in the knowledge that she has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with the Savior she so faithfully served.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.