Mila Elaine Loya

Mila Elaine Loya, age 53, of Duncan, Oklahoma, passed away on January 7, 2022 after an avoidable battle with Covid-19.

Mila was born on May 8, 1968 to Billy Joe and Nadine Cooper in Bakersfield, CA. After Mila graduated from Shafter High School in 1986, she went on to attend Bakersfield College studying music, although she didn’t do much studying during this first attempt at college. In 1991 she married Richard Loya, and had two children, Matthew Raymond Loya and Taylor Rose Loya. In 2000, Mila decided to lose 211 pounds, but kept the name and the kids.

Mila eventually found her academic pathway and in 2003 graduated from East Central University in Ada, OK, earned Bachelors and Master of Science degree in Human Resources. Mila worked in the field of rehabilitation services before moving on to other various jobs. She eventually found her passion of teaching special education and coaching swim in Ada and Duncan, OK. Mila also loved volunteering with Crosspoint Church where she was a member, before moving to Duncan, OK in 2018.

Mila was known for her ability to laugh out loud, her caring nature, and her ability to be stubborn at times. She was a mother to many and was a listening ear to numerous students and swim kids, helping to shape their future. Mila was a music enthusiast and listened to all types of music ensuring her children developed a love of music as well. Mila enjoyed participating in Dollar Tree retail therapy, journaling, and crafting.

Mila was predeceased by her father, Billy Joe Cooper, and brother, Dennis Cooper. She is survived by her son, Matthew Loya and daughter-in-law Ashley Loya of Ada, OK; her daughter, Taylor Loya and fiancé Ryan Feil of Duncan, OK; grandchildren: Michael Joe Loya, Lilly Lindsey Loya, and Nolan Matthew Loya; her mother, Nadine Cooper; her siblings: Linda Roberts, Jo Ellen Bobo, Catherine L. Cash, Ross T. Cooper, and self-proclaimed sister, Sherri Cheatham; brother, Ivan Otero; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Criswell Funeral Home, 815 Arlington St., in Ada, OK on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 2pm. Additionally, a live stream of the service will be available through Criswell Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crosspointe Church, https://crosspointeada.com, to help support their ministry that Mila benefited from.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.

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