Jeane (Cooper) Wood

Jeane Wood, 92, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away, peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at home.  She was born on November 23, 1933 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, daughter of the late William S. Cooper and Frieda A. Rinehart Cooper.  She married, Bobby Lee Wood on August 22, 1953.  They enjoyed a good life together until his passing in 2017.

Jeane began her working career as a telephone switchboard operator.  Jeane was the first in her family to obtain a college degree.  She graduated from the College of Santa Fe with a Bachelor of Education Degree.  She taught sixth grade for 19 years at Gonzales Elementary School in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  From that time on, she was a life member of PEO Delta Kappa Gamma, the International Professional Honor Society for Woman Educators.  Many of her students reached out to her over the years to tell her that she was their best, and favorite, teacher.

Jeane was a former member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Santa Fe, where she was in the church choir and played and directed hand bell Choirs.  She, also, was a member of the Sweet Adelines High Desert Chorus and participated in the Emmaus Walk.  Jeane was a proficient piano player and was asked to perform at the prestigious Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe. She enjoyed camping and traveling the world.  In 2015, she and Bob moved to Wilmington, Ohio to be near their daughter.  Jeane attended the Wilmington Church of Christ.  She enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbors each week on Friday evenings.  She loved spending time with her daughter and watching and interacting with her two Granddogs and her two Grandkittys.

Survivors include her daughter, Janece Curry of Wilmington, Ohio; a brother, Leland G. (Karen) Cooper of Roswell, New Mexico; granddaughter, Lisa Noes (John Horton) Curry; and her best friend since seventh grade, Dequita Hanley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Lee Wood; a son, Robert Ray Wood; son-in-law, Samuel Dean Curry; a brother, Charles E. Cooper; and a sister, Jacqueline Cooper.

In accordance with her wishes, Jeane will be cremated. A memorial service will be held 12:00 Noon, Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Wilmington Church of Christ, 909 W. Locust Street, Wilmington, Ohio.  The celebration of Jeane’s life will continue after the service with a meal at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeane’s memory may be made to PAWS Humane Society, P.O. Box 10, Clarksville, Ohio 45113 or online at http://pawshumane.weebly.com/donate.html

Smith Funeral Home is serving the family.  For more information or to leave a note of condolence visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.       

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