Betty Cook
December 25, 1924 ~ November 26, 2021
Betty Jane (Nichols) Cook, 96, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Born at home on Christmas Day, 1924, in Sioux City, Iowa, Betty proved herself quite the gift to her parents, James Kingsley and Lena Fae (French) Nichols. She grew up on farms in Charles Mix County near Lake Andes and Geddes, South Dakota, graduating from Geddes High School in 1942.
Betty united in marriage with Alvin Owen Cook on September 5, 1953. They were devoted to each other and valued family above all else. It was important to Betty that the family always sat down together at meal time. Her recipes (especially desserts) will be forever treasured by her children. And while Betty never had the opportunity to play a musical instrument herself, she valued music greatly and saw to it that each child had the chance she never had. Betty and Alvin's home resounded with music, especially during the holidays. And together, the couple showered their children with support, encouragement and unconditional love. For Betty, the needs of her family always came before herself.
Betty worked in sales at Killian's Department store for five years and Petersen Harned Von Maur for 12 years. She was first a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and later, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After Alvin's death in 2016, and with her own health declining, Betty moved to Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon. Betty's children and grandchildren will always hold a sense of wonder about the hardships, simple joys and incredible life she experienced in her youth. Her storytelling about her father cultivating the land by horse and plow; harvesting ice from the Missouri River; the long hours her family spent tending to a large garden; heating and cooking with stoves fueled by wood and corn cobs; living with no electricity, plumbing or phone gave everyone an appreciation for life's many simple blessings. And yes! Betty truly did walk over two miles (carrying her own drinking water) to attend a one-room school house.
Betty is survived by her sons, Bradley (Loriann), James (Marcia), Mark (Tim), David (Sheri) and Karsten (Kendra); stepson, William Martin; sister, Cheryl Fisher; grandchildren, Joshua (Cassidy), Amanda (Richard), Chad (Julie), Nathan (Kelsey), Katie (Andrew), Andrew, Austin, Theresa (Josh), Richard, Shelby, Lydia, Karis, Kaleb, William Jr. and Cynthia (Jim); and fifteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvin; parents, James and Lena Nichols; and sisters, Shirley Chase and Glenda Kluver.
A private family celebration will be held for Betty. Interment will take place at a later date at Shueyville Cemetery. Arrangements by Steward Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Please share your support and memories with Betty's family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Betty was such a sweet, kind lady. We always enjoyed visits with Betty and Al. She led a long and good life, leaving the world with wonderful sons. enjoy your memories of a great mother. Steve and Rose Rennekamp
Thank you very much! We appreciate it! David
I’m so sorry to hear that Betty passed. Sending prayers to the whole family!
Thank you very much Katherine!
My self and my siblings had the pleasure of knowing Betty and spending a few special years in our childhood with her boys. We were saddened to learn of her passing and feel that impact even more since we lost our mother just recently as well. We will remember her for her kindness to us and especially to our Mother Bevery. We found a picture going through our mothers things that Betty was in, it was a baby shower for Mom when she was expecting our sister Becca. We later moved and added another sister Carmen to the Weyland brood. Please know that we are thinking of you all right now and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Hey Kathy, so nice of you to add your comments and appreciate you sharing. I am so sorry about your mother and also send our prayers your way. I remember your mom as being kind and whenever I would come over to your house to play, she would greet me as Dee Dee as everyone else in the neighborhood called me Day Day! That to me made me feel special so fond memories of your mom and the Weyland clan growing up. Thank you again for your post and say hello to rest of your family. Sincerely, David
Betty was my babysitter when I was 4-5 years old on Park Ave. I have very fond memories of Betty. Every morning she made me cinnamon toast and Strawberry Quik. I remember her popping open a new can of Quik and telling me there was a surprise inside. She fished around a pulled out rabbit stickers for me to take home. I remember her greeting me happily when my mom dropped me off early in the morning. As an early childhood educator, my own child care kiddos look forward to cinnamon toast day. Please know that her kindness is still being passed on. I’m sorry to hear of her passing. Praying for your family during this difficult time. Becca English formerly Becky Weyland.
Wonderful story and appreciate you posting on the tribute wall Rebecca! Fond memories of the Weyland’s and so nice to hear from you. I am also so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing recently too! Thoughts n prayers your way. Sincerely, David
I’m very sorry to learn of your mother’s death. I was privileged to have had them as patients in my practice! They were both very nice people and I always enjoyed seeing them! Please accept my deepest sympathy. Dr. John Wollner
Thank you Dr. Wollner.