Linda Cofer

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Linda Lou (Spangler) Cofer, 81, of Pittsburg, passed away at 8:51 p.m. Friday, August 4, 2017 at Via Christi Hospital. 

She was born June 11, 1936, the daughter of John and Helen (Wilkerson) Spangler at Webb City, Missouri. She graduated from Joplin High School and received an Associate Degree from Joplin Junior College. 

On December 26, 1965, she was united in marriage to A. Bruce Cofer at LaCanada, California. They moved to Pittsburg in 1971. He preceded her in death on February 26, 1998. In addition to being a loving mother and grandmother, Mrs. Cofer worked as a teller for Bank of America in Pittsburg and Kansas City. She and her husband, owned and operated Pittsburg Optical Service, where she worked as the office manager. Membership was held in the PEO Chapter AQ., a volunteer at Red Cross and served on the Election Board. Mrs. Cofer was also active with Joplin High School alumni. She and her 1954 classmates were instrumental in the recent installation of the eagle statue at the high school, a project for which she was very proud of. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with friends, enjoying cruises, trips to Las Vegas and local bus trips. Mrs. Cofer was widely known for her kindness and infectious smile. She was quick to make friends and cherished the times she spent with them. Since her retirement, she would be frequently seen with several morning coffee groups, the Monday evening Mall Deli gathering, Tuesday evening Mazzio's group, the Friday evening dining club, three bridge groups, monthly Bank of America alumni lunches, shopping for the latest bargains and trying her luck on the one-armed bandits. 

Survivors include a son, Kevin Cofer and his wife, Sandy of Houston, Texas; a daughter, Cathy Smith and her husband, Craig, of Leavenworth, Kansas; two grandsons, Michael Cofer and Jack Cofer; a sister-in-law, Barbara Whittier of Vista, California and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday (August 10) at the Brenner Mortuary with Rev. Jill Chambers officiating. Burial will follow at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Brenner Mortuary, where friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. The family suggests memorials to the PSU Foundation – Bruce and Linda Cofer Scholarship. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.