Patsy Cook

1935 - 2018

COOK Patsy "Pat" Ruth, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2018 while surrounded by her children. A native of Blackey, Kentucky, Pat was born in 1935 to the late Clyde and Mabel (Bates) Back. Pat was the widow of Ted Cook as well as a former Lafayette High School guidance counselor. She was a beautiful, gracious, compassionate, intelligent, wise, perceptive, classy, calm, kind, courageous, admired, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. A graduate of Berea College and the University of Kentucky, Pat began her career as a teacher of history, then as a counselor at Dunbar Jr. High School. From there she joined Lafayette High School, retiring after over twenty years of service. An avid bridge player and golfer, Pat had a collection of trophies; one, in particular, for a hole-in-one. Pat and her husband, Ted, were true University of Kentucky sports fans. They travelled to away games and watched game replays. Pat joined the Presbyterian Church as a young woman. She was a member of Beaumont Presbyterian Church, joining shortly after the church opened in the early 1960's. She was a faithful member which afforded her and Ted many social contacts resulting in life-long friendships. Pat leaves behind a son, Richard (Patricia) Cook; daughters, Jackie (Ron) Merrifield and Libby (Steve) Leedy; 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Jesse and Bill Back as well as her sisters, Mary Lou Croucher and Beth Hunter. Pat's children would like to thank the competent and compassionate people who were caregivers to their mom during this past year. She will be deeply missed. Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 27th from 5 pm 8 pm at Milward-Southland, located at 391 Southland Drive, Lexington. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Friday, September 28th at Beaumont Presbyterian Church located at 1070 Lane Allen Road, Lexington with Rev. Stephen Fearing officiating. In honor of Pat's legacy and in addition to floral tributes, her family would like memorial contributions directed to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, NY 10001. To share a remembrance of Pat or offer condolences to her family, please visit: www.milwardfuneral.com