Obituary of Betty K. Cook

COOK

Betty Kellen Cook passed away peacefully with family at her side on September 9, 2017, at the age of 87. Betty was the loving and devoted wife for 66 years to the late Bruce Alan Cook. 

The most gracious, kind and gentle mom ever, she leaves behind her heartbroken children:  John (Marlene) Cook, Tom (Michele) Cook, Geri (Jim) Alder, Connie (David) Laug; loving grandchildren:  Sarah (John) Lytton, Patrick Cook, Jeremy (Teisha) Gates, Sarah (Jake) Mayfield; Alexander and Zakari Cook; Brian (Cathy) Alder, Angela Alder, Peter Laug, and 11 delightful great-grandchildren:  Jackson Lytton, Taylor Smith, Emma Gates, Ethan, Molly and Hannah Jane Mayfield; Emma, Lily, Addi, Olivia and Sophia Alder.

Born at the Kellen family home in Skokie, Illinois, Betty and Bruce grew up in the same neighborhood.  They fell in love in high school and were married shortly after graduation.  They enjoyed a full life raising their family beginning in Skokie, then Champaign Illinois, on to Wisconsin, next to Nevada, with a move back to Chicago and then settling in Cincinnati in 1969. They were dedicated to the city and became avid Reds and Bengals fans very seldom missing a home game.

Betty loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures with Bruce including white water rafting on the Colorado River, exploring Alaska and Russia on small boat cruises, touring America’s rivers on the Delta Queen and trips that took them around the world and to every state in the nation.

In addition to volunteering for her children’s schools and activities, Betty was a dedicated “Rotary Anne,” an active member of the Kenwood Woman’s Club for many years, serving in leadership roles on various committees and as a member of the Board.   

Growing up in a family with a greenhouse and floral business, Betty was an avid gardener and had a special and nurturing "green thumb." She was also a competitive bridge player and bowler. 

Betty was a generous and gracious host to family and friends for countless holidays and special occasions. She was a great Cook and celebrated for her delicious grape pie.

If desired, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 13, at 12PM Noon at St. Gertrude Catholic church (45243), until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 1Pm, entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven.