Helen Cook 1924-2022

Helen ‘Max’ Maxine Cook, 98, lifelong resident of the Holton area, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Midland Hospice Care in Topeka.

Born on Feb. 10, 1924, in Holton, she was one of 14 children born to Walter Franklin Kathrens and Helen Margaret Glenn. Shortly after graduating high school, Max married Norman C. Cook and they enjoyed a 30-year life in the military and were married for 56 years. She was proud to have contributed to our nation’s efforts in World War II by working in the Bremerton, Wash. shipyards.

Max and Norman adopted five children and she devoted her life to raising the family. She was praised by everyone who knew her for being the best ever baker and cook and her bread, pies and cakes were always received with anticipation. 

She was preceded in death by 12 siblings and a son, Ryan Douglas Cook.

She is survived by her children, Ronald Lee Cook (Brenda) of Whiting, Richard Bradley Cook (Lisa) of Seattle, Wash., Maria Rochelle Cook (Tom) of Lummi Island, Wash., Paula Renee Cook (John) of Anchorage, Alaska; and a daughter-in-law, Maryanne Cook of Rockledge, Fla. Additional survivors include her brother and sister, Wallace (Wally) Wendell Kathrens of Holton and Roberta (Kaye) McKeever of Hines, Ore.; and six grandchildren. The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to Sherri Moore who gave comfort to Mom with her compassionate care giving for 11 years.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14 in Larkinburg Cemetery. She will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)