In Memory Of
Betty Cooke
Betty Cooke
Betty Lou Cooke (nee Okes), 81, Topeka, passed away early Monday morning, March 20, 2006, at Midland Hospice House.
She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on June 22, 1924, to Vernon and Ethlyn Okes. She was preceded in death by both parents and her sister, Imogene E. Okes.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ralph "Tom" Cooke and her children, Cynthia L. Cooke (Tom Schaefer) of Dayton, Ohio, Anita D. Cooke (Amasa Miller) of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Christopher T. Cooke (Teressa Keenan) of Missoula, Montana. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Joshua Cooke, Samuel Cooke, and Ayla Miller; three step-granddaughters, Jennifer, Elisa, and Kelly; four step-great grandchildren, Alex, Noah, Ellie and Louisa; her cousin and close childhood friend, Wanda Taylor of St. Simons Island, Georgia; and her god-daughter, Dorian. Betty also left behind many sisters- and brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and good friends, especially Carol, Charlie and Karen and the folks at CAS, Jane, Dolores, and her other workout friends at Dynamic Health, her devoted "family" at Gammon's Restaurant, as well as Bea, and Jewell. All wish her well on this journey into the next stage of her life.
Betty graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1942, and attended Indiana State University. She later completed her undergraduate degree at Urbana College in Ohio, where she graduated valedictorian of her class in 1980. She completed a Master of Divinity in Theology and Philosophy at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1983. She also completed a course in Pastoral Care and the Healing Ministry at Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka in 1985. She was a strong proponent of hard work and the pursuit of excellence in both her own and others' education.
The family would like to thank especially the nursing staff of the CCU unit at Stormont-Vail Hospital for their gentle, loving care of Betty over a long, difficult week. They would also like to thank her other nurses and doctors, and the caring people at Midland Hospice.
Betty's wish was to be cremated. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
A Memorial service and Celebration of Betty's life will be held for family and friends at St. Phililp Episcopal Church, 3860 SE California, Topeka at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2006.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 5375 SW 7th, Topeka, Kansas 66606.
A special message for the family can be left online at www.PenwellGabel.com
She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on June 22, 1924, to Vernon and Ethlyn Okes. She was preceded in death by both parents and her sister, Imogene E. Okes.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ralph "Tom" Cooke and her children, Cynthia L. Cooke (Tom Schaefer) of Dayton, Ohio, Anita D. Cooke (Amasa Miller) of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Christopher T. Cooke (Teressa Keenan) of Missoula, Montana. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Joshua Cooke, Samuel Cooke, and Ayla Miller; three step-granddaughters, Jennifer, Elisa, and Kelly; four step-great grandchildren, Alex, Noah, Ellie and Louisa; her cousin and close childhood friend, Wanda Taylor of St. Simons Island, Georgia; and her god-daughter, Dorian. Betty also left behind many sisters- and brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and good friends, especially Carol, Charlie and Karen and the folks at CAS, Jane, Dolores, and her other workout friends at Dynamic Health, her devoted "family" at Gammon's Restaurant, as well as Bea, and Jewell. All wish her well on this journey into the next stage of her life.
Betty graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1942, and attended Indiana State University. She later completed her undergraduate degree at Urbana College in Ohio, where she graduated valedictorian of her class in 1980. She completed a Master of Divinity in Theology and Philosophy at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1983. She also completed a course in Pastoral Care and the Healing Ministry at Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka in 1985. She was a strong proponent of hard work and the pursuit of excellence in both her own and others' education.
The family would like to thank especially the nursing staff of the CCU unit at Stormont-Vail Hospital for their gentle, loving care of Betty over a long, difficult week. They would also like to thank her other nurses and doctors, and the caring people at Midland Hospice.
Betty's wish was to be cremated. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
A Memorial service and Celebration of Betty's life will be held for family and friends at St. Phililp Episcopal Church, 3860 SE California, Topeka at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2006.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 5375 SW 7th, Topeka, Kansas 66606.
A special message for the family can be left online at www.PenwellGabel.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Cooke, please visit our flower store.
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