Terry Irwin Cooper

Sept. 19, 1943 – Jan. 2, 2026

Terry Irwin Cooper passed away at home in St. George, Utah, on January 2, 2026, following a battle with cancer.

She was born in Lovell on September 19, 1943, to Arneva and Harley Irwin. 

She attended the Lovell public school system for all 12 years, graduating in 1962. After high school she attended Northwest Community College in Powell and later obtained her Cosmetology License in Salt Lake City, Utah.

After several years of marriage, while working as a beautician and caring for three small children, she resumed her education at the University of Wyoming, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counseling psychology. 

Soon after graduation in 1977, she accepted a position at Ark Industries (now called Ark Regional Services) in Laramie. She spent her entire professional career in ever increasing levels of responsibility, culminating with her becoming the executive vice president. Throughout her years of service at Ark she fulfilled a vital role in the growth and development of an array of comprehensive services for the benefit of all Ark clients. She was instrumental in the creation of a nationally recognized staff development and training program for direct support staff. 

She also was instrumental in the establishment of Ark’s equestrian center for the purpose of providing therapeutic horseback riding called hippotherapy. This therapy uses the movement of horses to help treat neurological, physical, cognitive or communication deficits. This was unique and cutting edge at the time, with only one other of its kind in the United States. 

Due to Terry’s gifted leadership and influence, Ark Regional Services became one of the most outstanding human services organizations in the entire country and received numerous awards and recognition both nationally and internationally. She promoted and encouraged personal growth and development of her staff, while insisting on proper treatment and respect for the clients of Ark and their families. She was a true mentor to her staff and had a wonderful way of bringing out the very best in them and in all those whose lives she touched.

The capstone of her career was seen in the establishment of the Creative Arts Center, which bears her name. She envisioned a center where Ark clients could receive instruction and participate in self-expression through art, music, dance and performing arts. Shortly after retirement the Ark Board of Directors, in recognition of her vision and efforts in establishing the center, named the building after her and the chief executive.

Among the many firsts of her accomplishments was the creation of the Wyoming Buddy Walk, sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society, held every September at Washington Park in Laramie. This past September marked the anniversary of the 25th consecutive year of the event. 

The Buddy Walk is designed to help raise awareness of people with Down Syndrome and further the development of a parent support system for the newly born. Additionally, the proceeds from the Buddy Walk go to fund an annual Wyoming Down Syndrome Conference, where parents and families can hear speakers and leaders in the field, while forming alliances and support networks among themselves. 

After retirement in 2009, she and her husband served a senior mission for 18 months, beginning in 2014, at the LDS London, England, Temple. Terry was a gifted chef and loved to prepare meals for her family on special occasions. She was especially fond of her grandchildren, for each of whom she made special quilts with much love and affection.

We are indeed fortunate to have had the privilege of knowing and being influenced by this amazing woman. She shall be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Darryl Cooper, of St. George, Utah; daughters Lisa Martin of Laramie and Kimberly Fleming of Kailua, Hawaii; sons John Stevens of Monroe, Oregon, Matthew Cooper of San Diego, California, and Bryan Stevens of St. George; brother Thomas Irwin of Lovell; sister Gayle Warren of Orlando, Florida; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A life tribute will be held Saturday, June 20, at 2 p.m. in the Cooper Center for Creative Arts, 1174 North 4th Street, Laramie.