Obituary of Bessie Frances Cook

Bessie Frances Cook, 98, passed away March 21, 2019 at home in Oakville, Washington, where she resided for 31 years.  She was born March 15, 1921 to Irl Ramond Hicks and Nora Ellen (Turner) Hicks in Oceola, Nebraska.  She was raised in Shelby, Nebraska, and Sandpoint, Idaho, where she graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1940. She also lived in Burien, Washington from 1949 to 1988.  

Bessie and Walter Stewart Cook were married September 23, 1940 before a Justice of the Peace in Seattle, Washington, and again in the Catholic Church. Bessie was an incredible woman. When she was younger, she was adventurous and showed her “wild side” by hitch hiking from Sandpoint, Idaho to Seattle, and riding a motorcycle with Walter after they were married.  Bessie’s other adventures included gold mining in Alaska, hunting for uranium, and Co-owning a marble mine. 

Bessie worked for The Boeing Company (1950-1951), and was also a waitress, dairy farmer, factory worker, and foster care provider.  She had great compassion, which showed in her love for God, her family and the foster children she cared for and loved. Bessie was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elma, Washington, St. Joseph’s Seattle Community, the Legion of Mary, and the Third Order of Carmelites. 

Bessie and Walter opened their home to their granddaughter, Diane, who lived with them for many years. Bessie never gave up on family and always had her heart and home open to those in need.

Bessie loved quilting, sewing, crafts, gardening, and canning.  She was a volunteer at Catholic 

Community Services as a driver for Para Transit, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program 

(RSVP).

She is survived by her sons, Walter Louis Cook of Montesano, Washington, Frank Earl Cook of 

Forks, Washington, Daniel Anthony Cook and Dean Francis Cook, both of Oakville, Washington; daughters, Ellen Louise Rhyner and Jeanette Marie Higgins, both of Fife, Washington; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband, Walter (January 2, 1990); and daughter, Virginia Catherine Cook (January 25, 2012). 

Services will be held Thursday, April 4, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 510 W Waldrip St., 

Elma, WA 98541.  The Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Carmelite Education Fund.