Veta Fay Cook, 87

A graveside service for Veta Fay Cook, 87, formerly of Pleasanton, Kansas, was held March 28, 2021, at Thornfield Cemetery. A funeral service was held March 27 at Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton. Mrs. Cook died March 24 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City.

She was born Feb. 15, 1934, in Nottinghill, the daughter of Kenneth Calvin “K.C.” and Jencie Betty Newman Williamson. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1951. On June 14, 1952, in Harrison, Arkansas, she married Thomas Leo Cook.

Mrs. Cook was a “Jill of all trades” who was known for her ability to do almost anything. She maintained a 14-acre garden with over 400 tomato plants, keeping the weeds at bay with only a hoe. She was also excellent in math, a skill that served her well in her various jobs selling everything from vacuum cleaners to paint to milk.  

Survivors include one son, Thomas Ray (Rebecca “Becky”) Cook; four daughters, Linda Diann Berry, Teresa Lynn (Phillip) Sweigart, Cynthia Leila Rogers, and Delilah Laureen “Lori” (Richard) Payton; a grandson who she raised, Brian Cook and his wife Stefanie; one brother, Kenneth “Calvin” Williamson, Jr.; one sister, Yvonne Keeny; 14 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and one daughter, Tammy Renee Overturf; five brothers, Warren Cloyd Williamson, Raymond Lester Williamson, Charles Owen “C.O.” Williamson, Verl Arlyn Williamson and Melvin Wayne “Dutch” Williamson; and two sisters, Marcia Ruth Baxley and Eudine Robb.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Veta Cook Memorial Fund and may be mailed to Schneider Funeral Home, PO Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075. Online condolences may be expressed at schneiderfunerals.com.