C. Arlene Cookie Munson

Cora “Cookie” Arlene Campbell Munson

Born November 12, 1944 – Passed January 20, 2026

Why did everyone call her “Grandma Cookie”? Because she was just that sweet.

Cora was born on November 12, 1944, in Puyallup, Washington, to Tom and Neva Arlene Bushnel Campbell. She grew up alongside her siblings Barbra Peavey, Tom Campbell, and Sherry Torsh. After the passing of her mother, her father married Francis, who helped raise her—but the greatest joy of that time came from her beloved Grandmother Barnaby.

Cookie spent nearly her entire life in and around Puyallup. She first lived near the berry fields between Puyallup and Orting, later moving near the rabbit farm. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1961 and, just a few months later, married her high school sweetheart, Jerome Munson, in Gig Harbor, Washington.

The couple lived in several places before settling on South Hill in Puyallup, where they built their forever home in 1977. Their growing love brought a growing family: first Debralee Ann, born the same day the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show (a coincidence she always insisted was unrelated). Three years later came Wendy Jo, followed four years later by Sarah Arlene. Believing their baby years were behind them, they were surprised and blessed once more when their son, Jerome David, arrived in 1977, completing their family.

Cookie worked at Elvon’s and Ryan’s apparel stores during high school, as well as at a chicken farm—a job she disliked but remembered with humor. Once her children were in school, she delivered flowers for Stella’s Flowers in Parkland. Her final and most cherished job was with the Puyallup School District as a paraeducator, where she supervised playgrounds and buses until her retirement in the early 2000s.

Her life was full, joyful, and adventurous. She painted, practiced archery with loved ones, camped, visited the ocean, and delighted in treasure hunts and “pirate days.” After Jerome’s passing in 1998, she continued exploring the world with road trips to Disneyland, Montana, El Paso, and Georgia. Two of her most meaningful journeys were delivering her father’s ashes to the family plot in Ironton, Ohio, and a memorable family trip to Mount Rushmore with all her children and grandchildren.

Gardening was one of her great passions. Even at 75, she would mow or weed eat her yard before anyone else could get to it. Her humor and spontaneity were larger than life. She never hesitated to share her thoughts—on politics, the weather, her union, religion, or simply how to live well. Her family will miss that honesty, that spark, and that unmistakable “Cookie” spirit.

Cookie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20th, surrounded by family. She was pain free, she knew Jesus, and she left this world with the comfort and love we all hope for at life’s end.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome Marlow Munson; and Roy and Opal Munson, who were deeply important in her life. She is survived by her daughters Debralee, Wendy, and Sarah; her son Jerome; and their spouses; six grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren—the joys of her life as well as an extended family of a great many nieces and nephews.