Obituary

Newton Kansan, Friday, February 9, 1979

Mrs. Ray A. Cook, 89, formerly of 324 E. 4th, died early today at the Presbyterian Manor following a lengthy illness. A lifelong resident of Newton, she lived at the Presbyterian Manor the past three years.

Mrs. Cook was born Geraldine Shepherd, the daughter of Grant and Florence Wood Shepherd on Sept. 7, 1889. She attended the School of Business at Bethel College and also attended Friends University. She was married to Ray A. Cook on Nov. 2, 1910, and he died in March 1938.

A member of the First united Methodist Church since 1905, she was the oldest living member of the congregation until her death. She had served as president of the Women's Association and was a member of the Mother's Class.

She also was a member of the Themian Club and active in Masonic bodies, where she was past matron of the Order of Eastern Star and past president and secretary of the Social Order of the Beauceant. During World War II she was a volunteer for the canteen and USO work.

Survivors include a daughter Mrs. Hobart(Margaret) Chandler, and a son Lawrence A. Cook, both of Newton. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Marian