Dean Bennie Cooley

Dean Bennie Cooley, our almost 4 year old little man, lived at home with his father Jacob, mother Whitney, siblings Joseph Summers, and Shane Cooley. Dean was born on May 5 ^th 2016, our little Cinco de Mayo, taco baby. Dean was named after his great grandfathers Bennie Cooley and Ronald Dean Stoneman. He spent the first 7 weeks fighting for his life at EIRMC in Idaho Falls Idaho. On week 8 he was transferred to Primary Children’s to continue his fight. He prevailed! He was sent home off of all equipment and most medications after several weeks. Over the next four weeks he learned to be fed from a bottle but was unable to gain enough weight to meet his needs and the decision was made to tube feed him and place a feeding tube. Love, perseverance, and medicine gave Dean the tools to stay with our family for the next 3.5 years. This hard won time was a miracle and every day was a gift. Our family was privileged to have Dean with us. He helped us find strength we did not know we had.

Deanie left us Thursday morning, March 26 ^th 2020 at 5 AM. He had been having a hard time sleeping for months and Joey volunteered to take the night shift allowing Jacob, and Whitney to sleep. At 1:30 Whitney came out to help calm and care for Dean. Everyone returned to bed until 5 AM when Joey calmly woke Whitney up to check on Dean. Dean would not wake up or respond and passed in the arms of his family. Dean’s great grandparents, grandparents, parents, and siblings were given his last gift that morning, being allowed to hold him and say goodbye. He laid with us, a warm smile, a quiet heart, and a resting spirit that calmed our grief and sorrow.

Dean is survived by his parents, Jacob and Whitney Cooley; siblings, Joseph Summers and Shane Cooley; Grandparents Stephen and Linda Price, Terry and Denise Cooley, Marlene and Steve StClair, Jim and Linda Cooley; his Great Grandparents, Ron and Jeanne Stoneman, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dean loved being around people and loved noise. The more noise and people, the happier he was. He enjoyed driving to Salt Lake and seeing his Aunt Tansy, going to his many doctor appointments and flirting with the nursing staff. Attending preschool class was the highlight of Dean’s week. Dean loved the sweet Georgian accent of his nurse Laura who was devoted to him and appreciated by his family. Dean looked forward to our family’s boating trips and spent time on the Snake River, Flaming Gorge, Blackfoot Reservoir, and Ririe Reservoir. Dean was not limited by his body, he spent time outside shooting bow with his dad and brothers, walking with his mom and grandma, and backpacking the Menan Buttes, and Webber Creek Mountains on the back of his father, surrounded by mom, Joey, Shane, and the dog, Drake. The overnight, back-country backpack trip, was an accomplishment for our family to show we could all be together and free, not limited by disability and lack of access.

Dean can be visited at his home in Roberts today March 27 ^th , 2020 and Saturday, morning. We welcome you all to come say goodbye to Dean. Dean leaves behind his power of unconditional love, and the memory of a smile that could brighten the darkest of days. Team Dean says hold tightly to each other, love your family, and thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, kindness, flowers, and support. We are eternally grateful.

Dean will be laid to rest at the Roberts Cemetery, Saturday, March 28 ^th , 2020 at 11 AM. There will be no formal services only a simple prayer by Joseph Summers, the graveside will be reserved only for Dean’s grandparents and great grandparents for their safety.