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Obituary for Ruby A. Cook
Ruby Andrina Cook, age 96, died February 11, 2016, surrounded by her children.
Ruby was born March 7, 1919 to Stanley and Ida (Amundson) Clementson at Branstad, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed in Bethany Lutheran Church. After graduating from Grantsburg High School Ruby attended Polk County Normal School. She went on to teach in Burnett County schools for several years.
In 1946 she married William James Cook. They moved to a farm in Atlas which was to be her home for the rest of her life. To this union eight children were born, four boys and four girls. She transferred to Laketown Lutheran church and remained a faithful active member until her death. Throughout the years Ruby served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught both Sunday School and Bible School, sang in the choir, and held several offices in the WELCA. Ruby loved her church family and was the oldest member of Laketown Church, only missing when she was too sick to attend.
When you would come to Rubys home you would always be welcomed with good strong coffee, a warm gentle smile and a heart ready to listen. You never left hungry and always left feeling better than when you came.
Ruby, a proud Norwegian, loved and enjoyed people, often saying I learn something from everyone I meet. Her sense of humor, curiosity, and enthusiasm for life never wavered. She wanted to know everything that was going on, with her family, in the community, and in the world.
Ruby appreciated the wonder of nature, loving flowers, birds, wildlife, and her garden. She loved to sit on the deck and listen to the birds as she watched for wildlife. Ruby said I want to live every day I can if for no other reason than just to see the seasons come and go. She was kind and caring to everyone she encountered and extended that compassion to all living creatures.
Ruby was an avid reader, finishing several books a week. She played the piano, wrote heartfelt letters, and even an award winning story published in Hobos and Swimming Holes.
Although she was the one who was ninety-six, it was her children and grandchildren that would be asking Ruby specific details about names and dates; her memory never failed.
When she was terribly sick on the last days of her life she still found the strength to make sure her Valentines got mailed to the great-grandchildren and that some treats got to her sister in a nursing home. She questioned if all her children were well and if they were finding something to eat.
Ruby found great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved when all her family got together on special occasions, which they regularly did. Ruby didnt care much for travel, finding perfect contentment in being at home, but she did go to Canada, to Alaska twice, and to several other states.
With indescribable courage she faced many challenges, from open heart surgery at age 89, to the greatest tragedy, the loss of son, Kevin. Never taking time for self-pity, she was right back to the business of living.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; parents, Stanley and Ida Clementson; son, Kevin; son-in-law, Charlie Anderson; sisters, Velva Bauer and Betty Skinner.
Ruby is survived by children, Scott Cook, Melody (Tom) Hutton, Crystal (Ozzie) Berntson, daughter-in-law Jill Cook, Claire (Chris) Chinander, Kerry Cook, Rockne Cook, Marigen (Rev. Roger) Kastelle; grandchildren, Torey (Holly) Hutton, Trinity (Tory) Greenquist, Gabriel and Dominic Berntson, Kirt Cook, Ben (Sarah) Cook, Bjorn, Trygve and Leif Chinander, Ethan and Mckenna Cook; great-grandchildren, Declan and Selah Greenquist, Savannah, Amelia, Carolyn and Bennett Berntson, Ella, Molly and Liam Cook. Also survived by sisters, Dolores Johnson, Elayne Johnson, Marjorie Robinson, Deborah (Pepper) Clementson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
We thank God for Rubys life, our greatest blessing.
Memorial services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Cushing, WI on Saturday, February 20th visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Marilyn Crossfield will be officiating and music will be provided by organist, Margie Nelson and vocalist, Shawn Gudmunsen.
