Shirley Ann Cook, 88, of Chanute passed away at Heritage Healthcare and Rehab in Chanute on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Shirley Ann was welcomed into this world on March 14, 1936, at Wilson County Hospital in Neodesha to Elmer and Adeline (Hynek) Carstedt. Shirley was a proud member of the Class of 1954 at Neodesha High School, Neodesha. On April 17, 1955, Shirley married Harold “Dale” Cook in Neodesha. Shirley grew up on a farm east of Neodesha. In 1963, Shirley and Dale moved to Chanute. Through the years they welcomed four children, Jeff, Becky, Matt and Marty.
Shirley was foremost a mom and homemaker. When Shirley’s children were older, she went to work at Evans Music Store for eight years and Fleming Music Store for 25 years. She also worked at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Countryside Funeral Home for many years. Shirley was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and its Altar Society. She was a member of the church choir and served as a eucharistic minister. She was also a member of the Harvest House.
Shirley was a beloved wife to her husband, Dale, for 67 years, a proud mother to her children and devoted to her church. Shirley had a big servant heart. She was involved heavily in her children’s activities and extended that care and encouragement to many of her children’s friends throughout the years. Shirley always had a hug for family, neighbors, friends and anyone she felt needed comfort or encouragement.
Survivors include her daughter, Becky Stich (Joe); a son, Matt Cook (Tammy); 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Edward (Carolyn) and Robert Carstedt.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Dale” Cook; sons, Jeff and Marty Cook; her parents, Elmer and Adeline Carstedt; her in-laws, Harold and Lorean Cook; a sister-inlaw, Betty Fleming; and a brother-in-law, Ron Fleming.
The rosary will be recited at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Chanute, with Mass of Christian Burial following at 2:30. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the St. Patrick Catholic School and can be left with Countryside Funeral Home. The family has entrusted arrangements with Countryside Funeral Home in Chanute.
