Ethel Cook Obituary

COOK - Ethel Mae Cook, age 91, of Wayland and Gun Lake, passed away about eleven minutes to eleven on the morning of January 11, 2011 with family by her side. Born in Lansing, MI to Wilson W. Smith and Minnie Augusta (Plack) Smith on December 15, 1919, she was happily married to Jack Fletcher Cook of Lansing for 57 years. Together they operated Cook's Jewelry in Wayland for 43 years, where they took pride in and gained great satisfaction from serving their customers. Jack, the love of her life, preceded her in death in 2003. Together, Jack and Ethel were widely-known and well-loved square dance leaders throughout Michigan, having shared the fun and fellowship of square dancing through clubs in Wayland, Hastings, Cutlerville, Kellogsville, and Grand Haven over the years. They were also involved with the Battle Creek and Lansing Area Square Dance Callers' Clubs, were presidents of the Michigan Square Dance Leaders Association, and were Charter Members of the Invitational Meeting of Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers. They established wonderful relationships with leaders and dancers across the country. Ethel was involved in many local organizations, including the Ladies Library Club, Order of The Eastern Star, Gun Lake Women's Club, the Wayland Methodist Church, and Unity Church. She was preceded in death by two sisters, and two brothers, as well as a number of close friends. She is survived by her sister, Patience Marie Pratt from Lansing; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her children survive her: Ramona Lee Diller and her sons, Mitchell (great-grandson, Anthony) and Bradley Diller; Bunny (Samuel) Sewell and her children, Ami (Pierre) Jasmin, Annaliese (Luis) Guerrero, and James Grosser; John (Lauren) Cook and their children, Monica (John) Inhulsen (great-grandson, Charlie), Jennifer, Jeremy, and Ryan Cook. The family has so many wonderful memories of Ethel's legendary home-cooked feasts, coin-filled birthday cakes, and the crocheted afghans that she lovingly made for every family member. The family wishes to thank the staff of Metron of Forest Hills for their wonderful care of Ethel, as well as the staff of Butterworth Hospital for their caring and respectful treatment during her final days. Private interment of cremains will take place in Lansing. Arrangements by: Archer, Hampel & Kubiak Wayland Chapel 269-792-2237

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Published by Grand Rapids Press on Jan. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ethel Cook

12 Entries

Judy & Bob Hanlon

January 30, 2011

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We both grew up in Wayland. My Mom's "Town and Country Shoppe" was across from your
folks Store on Superior St. We were all back and forth many times and your folks were always so friendly and helpful when we went to the store. My folks were Isla and Merle Peffley and my husbands folks owned the Hanlon Drug Store on Main St. They have all passed now but it brings back many memories. Those were some fun days in Wayland. Please accept our sympathy now and for days to come.
Judy (Peffley)Hanlon and Bob Hanlon, we've been married 54 years now.

Marcia Lapham-Phelps

January 24, 2011

Ramona(Honey-Lee),John, Dorthy Jane (Bunny) and families: A great tribute to a great couple. When ever you went into the jewelry store you knew that you would always be greeted with a smile and that love was in the air. They represented christian love to all that met them. They are now together once again. May Gods' grace be the constant companion for all of you the rest of your days here on earth. God Bless........

Anette Ofoezie

January 24, 2011

Bunny and family, We are very sad to hear about your mother passing away. She was a wonderful special lady, and I was fortunate to spend a whole year with your loving and caring family. I will always be very grateful. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

erin lyon

January 24, 2011

i remember taking care of Ethel or mom as we called her when she came to the adult foster care,her and i had our good days and bad days but she could make you laugh faster then anyone i know! she thought the world of my husband and when she found out we were going to get married the first thing she said to him was what do u want for a gift,since us women all get what we want when we get married! well mom you are with your Sweetie now just like you wanted to be i hope you two dance it up in haven! xoxo to you! Russell & Erin Lyon

Marie (Finkbeiner) Whittemore

January 24, 2011

This brings back such wonderful memories of the 1950s in downtown Wayland. I stayed overnight at your house a few times when we were in grade school ( I graduated with Ramona). You are all in my thoughts.

John McCarthy

January 23, 2011

John and Lauren, Bunny - So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I remember her well from the times stopping in the jewelry store, and from the times we got together when riding back and forth to Grand Valley. Many thoughts and prayers headed your way. May your Mom rest in the Father's peace.

Don & Linda Stahl

January 23, 2011

John and Lori--so sad to hear about your
mom.You have our condolences and are in
our thoughts and prayers. She was a neat lady. Don and Linda Stahl

Bryan & Karen Grinnell

January 23, 2011

We have many good memories of family get-togethers through the years. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers through this time of grief.

Becky Baker

January 23, 2011

The act dept at Metron of Forest Hills will miss
Ethel are prayers are with you

January 23, 2011

Jerry Brown..............with love.
Kim Etheredge...... with love

Mary Ellen Mynatt-DeYoung

January 23, 2011

Beautiful tribute to Ethel and Jack! I'm proud to say they were my good friends. I miss their store, the Christmas music that filled downtown Wayland from the roof of Cook's Jewelry, her distinctive voice, and sharing memories.

You are now with your love, Ethel, enjoy and God Bless!

Arnold Wilde

January 23, 2011

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

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