Obituaries

Cathi Lynn Cook

Photo of Cathi Lynn Cook
Cathi Lynn Cook, 61, of Springdale, passed from this life June 22, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born January 28, 1955 in Parsons, Kansas to Earl and Treva (Isnard) Vandervoort. Cathi grew up in Parsons, Kansas riding bikes, horses and swimming in pools and ponds. She loved to visit her grandparents and cousins near Erie, Kansas. In 1972 she shot Randy Cook with a water pistol in the parking lot of Bikes Burger Bar, beginning a romance that culminated in marriage on June 28, 1975. They moved near to her grandparents while she finished her teaching degree at Pittsburgh State in 1976. She taught third and fourth grades in Elsmore until Randy finished his degree and they moved to Castle Rock, Colorado. Having had enough of the high plains they moved to the Ozarks, settling in Springdale in 1982 where he established a cardiac pacemaker sales territory and she continued to teach first graders, which she loved, in Gentry, Arkansas. Finally, she started her family. Emily arrived in 1988, and Evan in 1992. Her priorities shifted to raising two great kids, and being involved in their lives through working at the children's ministry at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers, PTA at Jones and Harp Elementary in Springdale, band booster President at George Jr. High and Springdale High School. They're on their own now and doing fine; Emily teaching technology and engineering at Lakeside Jr. High in Springdale and Evan finishes his B.S. Nursing degree this fall. As often happens, when you get to that point that you think you'll have the chance to slow down and relax with Ladybug, her golden retriever, other issues pop up. In her case, her father Earl Vandervoort fell ill in Parsons, so from May to November she found mission in moving herself to Parsons to intensively and wonderfully serve and care for him until his passing in November 2014. Less than a week later she fell ill and provided Randy an opportunity to care and serve her until her passing June 22, 2016. Many people have expressed their appreciation of her for a life well lived. Cathi is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Steven Vandervoort. Cathi is lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Randy Cook; her daughter, Emily Cook; and her son, Evan Cook. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Fellowship Bible Church, Rogers. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon. Cathi's family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Youth Bridge. Please share your fond thoughts and memories of Cathi on her memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

Published June 24, 2016

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