Gladys Cook

Gladys B. Cook went peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior on January 6, 2013. She was born near Hazelton, MO to Arthur and Lindy (Sullins) Ellis on January 14, 1924. She was saved and baptized at an early age and loved to read and study her Bible. She lived her whole life in the area of Licking, growing up during the hard Depression years. On August 10, 1940, she was united in marriage to Herbert F. Cook and together raised 4 sons and 3 daughters. All but one was born at home, and Gladys and Herbert themselves soon built the house they lived in until 1980. At the time of her death, Gladys was in her 50th year of employment at the George O. White State Forest Nursery in Licking, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Herbert, son Charles and his wife, Faye, a daughter-in-law Mabel Cook, a granddaughter Leah Kay Cook, and a brother Ray Ellis. She is survived by 3 sons, Herbert Ray; Bill and wife Wilma; Roy and wife Nancy, as well as daughters, Margaret Little and husband Jim; Cheryl Shores and husband Mike; Mary Kimrey and husband Scott. In addition, she is survived by 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Gladys was known for her tremendous gardening and canning skills. She always grew an abundance of beautiful flowers, trees, and other plants. She had an uncanny ability to identify and care for a host of trees and plants, and was a source of information to many on these subjects. Conservation techniques that would be fashionable today were the methods she had used all her life. She was also an expert on wild birds and spent many joyous hours watching her favorites-cardinals and hummingbirds-descend on her feeders each year. Gladys spent her entire life cooking large meals for family, and did so right up until her last days. Her favorite times were family gatherings and holidays, when she would begin preparing food early in the morning, if not the day before. She also greatly enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. Gladys truly loved her family above all else, and she will be sorely missed by them, as well as a multitude of friends, neighbors, and co-workers. A more pure human spirit never walked the earth.