Leslie Carol Cooper

 Leslie Carol (Roederer) Cooper, passed away peacefully at her home in Utica, Ohio, on September 18, 2026. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on August 27, 1954, Leslie grew up to be one of the sweetest, friendliest people you could ever hope to meet—the kind of person who loved to talk, loved to laugh, and made sure that when you visited, you never left empty-handed.
 Whether it was a bundle of fresh asparagus from her prized patch, an armload of vegetables from her garden, or a prized start from one of her many plants, Leslie shared her abundance freely. She had a true, undeniable green thumb. Her home was a thriving indoor jungle featuring plants that spanned decades, including a cherished aloe vera plant passed down from her mother. In the kitchen, Leslie was a force of nature, often surrounded by an abundance of canned green beans, homemade tomato sauce, and many other goods. Leslie worked in the screen-printing industry for much of her life and enjoyed her work.
 Alongside her devoted husband of many years, Ron "Coop" Cooper, Leslie was part of an incredible creative team. Together, they poured their hearts into craftsmanship, handmaking beautiful furniture, signs, clocks, trays, boxes, and—most notably—intricately detailed model railway buildings that are highly coveted by collectors.
 Above all, Leslie’s greatest joy was her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and she lit up anytime she got to see them in person or catch a glimpse of them in photos and videos. She hosted legendary Thanksgiving dinners for a large crowd, happily roasting the turkey, green beans, and baking a ton of pies just to bring everyone together.
 Leslie leaves behind a family who will miss her fiercely and cherish her memory always: her loving husband, Ron Cooper; her children, Tiffany (Reese) Row, Matt (Jen) Cooper, Olivia (Shawn) Brodie, and Leo Wilcox; her grandchildren, Darrin (Genevieve) Brodie, Joe (Ashley) Haddad, Nick (Katy) Smoke, and Lorelai Row; and her great-grandson, Lincoln Smoke. She is also survived by a large, loving family including her five siblings, Ann Adams, Mike (Sandy) Roederer, Jamie Roederer, Mary Pat (Clyde) Holobaugh, and Charlie (Jan) Roederer, as well as her many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
 A memorial service to celebrate Leslie’s sweet and vibrant life will be held on Saturday, September 26th, at the Utica Presbyterian Church. Calling hours will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with the service beginning at 3:00 PM.
 In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Lung Association or Ohio Hospice of Central Ohio.

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