Marie Lois Cook

Marie Lois Hale Cook (72), of Afton, Wyoming passed away on November 9, 2020 after being diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year. 

Marie was born on April 30, 1948 in Afton, Wyoming, the 2nd daughter of Wilford Call Hale and Janette Woodfield Hale. 

She spent her younger years in North Ogden, Utah, and later, she returned to Afton, Wyoming where she attended elementary and high school. She graduated from Star Valley High in 1966.   

Marie was accepted to Weber State College where she graduated with her associate’s degree and then continued her education at Utah State University.  In 1972 she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. 

Marie served in the Northwestern States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1969 to 1971. 

After graduation, she was hired as the Duchesne County Extension Home Economist.

While living in the Unita Basin, she met Edwin Van Cook and they were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on April 23, 1976. 

In 1977, Edwin and Marie moved back to Afton, Wyoming.  They lived in the old Hale home while they built a log home on the 55-acre farm west of Afton.  There they would raise their children: Jenny Marie, Justin Van, Eric Christopher, Emily Janette, Jessica Lee, and Josie May. 

After Edwin’s death in 2001, Marie substitute taught at Star Valley High School.  She then worked for the Lincoln County Women, Infants, and Children Program as a nutrition counselor until she retired in 2013.

Marie’s priority was her family.  She taught her children hard work, organization, and integrity through her example.  She taught each of her children to sew and quilt, cook and bake, garden, farm, and pick worms.  She enjoyed taking her family on Sunday picnics and hikes, Dutch-oven cooking, and identifying plants. 

 Throughout her life, she served in her community as a 4-H leader, Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout Advancement Chairman.  Many young men attribute their Eagle Scout Awards to her encouragement. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including Relief Society President and Family History Consultant.

After retiring, Marie worked on family history, attended the temple regularly, and made quilts for each of her grandchildren.  She was active in Daughters of Utah Pioneers and travelled around the country visiting her children and grandchildren. 

She is survived by her children Jenny(Jake) Linford of Tallahassee, FL; Justin(Annie) Cook of Afton, WY; Eric Cook of Afton, WY; Emily(Steven) Mott of Midvale, UT; Jessica (Robert) Christison of Layton, UT and Josie(Luke) Lorimer of Afton, WY; her sisters: Marilyn(Ceril) Shumway and Larene(Clyde) Merritt; and 20 grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 11 am in the Afton 3rd Ward Chapel.  A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 from 6-8 pm at Schwab Mortuary and Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Afton 3rd Ward building.