May 31, 1919 to April 21, 2013
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Charles Pargin; her parents W.D. and Anna Cooper; siblings Charles V. Howard, Brayton, Miriam Robbins, Bessie Farrow, and Ann Bland; grandson Larry Kingsley and son-in-law John Dillinger.
She is survived by her daughters Shirley Kingsley (Jim), Dolly Dillinger, Charlotte Metz (Bill); brothers John and Joe Cooper; nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Sylvia married young and approached life and family as a partnership, taking her role as wife, mother and grandmother very seriously. She was an excellent care giver, cook and homemaker. Sylvia and Charles were children of early day pioneers and raised their family on the ranch at Pargin’s Lake, 17 miles west of Pagosa Springs. They sold the ranch and retired near Cortez, Colo., in 1964, later moving to Cedar Hill, N.M. Charles and Sylvia enjoyed traveling and gardening, making many trips with their Airstream across the northern hemisphere, traveling from Alaska to the Yucatan. With their strong faith, they also traveled to Israel to visit the birthplace of their savior. After Charles’ death, Sylvia, at age 87, continued to enjoy travel; particularly fond of islands she had read about in Avonlea books, she visited Prince Edward Island and St. Thomas Island. Sylvia lived in her and Charles’ residence until age 92 when she then took up residence at Gingrich Home for the elderly on Crouch Mesa. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her daughters and her new family, the loving staff at Gingrich Home, who sent Sylvia into eternity with song and prayer.
A memorial service will be held on April 27 at 11 a.m. at her daughter’s Cedar Hill residence. The service will be followed by a noon meal.
