Rebecca S. (Oliver) Cooper

Rebecca S. Cooper (Becky Oliver), 74, of Akron, passed away under the watchful eye of her constant companion and true love, her little dog, Oreo, while surrounded by family. Becky has struggled with multiple health issues for the past 7 years, with a recent diagnosis of Myelofibrosis.

Becky was born October 6, 1951, to James and Carol Oliver where she was raised in Springfield Township, outside of Akron, OH. She attended Springfield High School, was a member of the choir, and was an avid Thespian. She appeared in many plays and developed a great love of the theater. She carried this into her later life, becoming active in her local community theater, Church Street Theater.

In the early 1980s, Becky moved to Florida where she began a career with the U-Haul Company and a love affair for the beach. She never could pass on a spare moment that she had to get to the beach. In the early 1990s, Becky continued working with U-Haul in Louisiana. She enjoyed living near New Orleans and enjoyed many Mardi Gras events. She also survived a flood or two. In the late 1990s, Becky was drawn back to Akron to help take care of her mother. Becky remained in Akron, reclaiming it as her home after her mother passed away in 2000. She always had an ache in her heart, however, to return to Florida.

Once reestablished in Akron, Becky returned to her life-long journey of faith and evangelism. She returned to her former church, Wedgewood United Methodist, where she had previously led the youth group. At this time, Becky branched out into her lifelong passion of working with and nurturing children. She started to get involved by helping with Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. She also branched out to helping young adults by becoming a housemother with a sorority at Kent State University.

Another passion of Becky’s was cooking and baking. She was our own resident gourmet chef, providing food for all holidays and parties, ranging from Thanksgiving to graduation and birthday parties. She still insisted on making Christmas treats this past year for her nursing staff, regardless of how ill she was. Becky was famous for her baked beans, and the church luncheons will never be the same without them.

Becky was a caring, loving, compassionate, and kind individual. She was extremely generous with her time and anything she had to share. She was a hard worker who loved life, having fun, and enjoyed a good party.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Jr. “Big Jim” Oliver, who was her life-long best friend, protector, and partner in crime.

Becky is survived by her beloved dog Oreo; siblings Lori (Julie) Oliver and Pam (Steve) Varga; sister-in-law, Cindy; nephews/nieces, Michael, Kelly (Harold), Alex (Jen), Nick (Amanda), Sean, Casey, and Ellen; great-nephews/nieces, Ally, Noah, Carly and Logan; “daughter by choice” Donna; special cousin, Rue; as well as many other cousins, extended family, and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Wedgewood United Methodist Church, 2350 Wedgewood Dr., Akron, OH 44312 with Pastor Paul Wilson and Pastor Joe Burkhardt officiating. Calling hours will be held at church for one hour prior to the service, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. with a private burial at Hillside Memorial Park at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to Wedgewood United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements handled by Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44305

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