Thelma Maxine Cook

August 30, 1929 – February 4, 2023

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Thelma Cook went to be with Jesus on February 4, 2023 at Brookdale Tempe in Tempe, Arizona. Before she passed her grandchildren were able to travel in and say goodbye and she was treated to a fine baby performance by her 9^th great grandchild, Elijah. She was greatly loved by her family.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Arthur P. Cook, parents Mahlon Zell Wyer and Lottie Bell Wyer of Findlay, Ohio, sisters Cleo Johnston  and Alice Powell and brother William Wyer all of Findlay Ohio. She is survived by sister Evilo Kring of Findlay Ohio, son Tim (Linda) and daughter Pauline of Tempe Arizona, grandchildren Alan (Emily) Cook, Caleb (Coral) Cook, and Karen (Jon) Petersen. And by nine great grandchildren.

Thelma grew up on her parents’ farm outside of Findlay, Ohio. As a girl she loved to go see the latest Shirley Temple movie at the theater. She spent her first year in school at a one room schoolhouse near the farm and the rest of her school years at schools in Findlay. Thelma was a good musician and became first chair clarinet in the Findlay High School orchestra. She had the honor of attending the Interlochen music camp in Michigan during these years. She also loved to sing and was a member of a quartet.

Thelma graduated from Findlay High School and became an office worker at Ohio Oil in Findlay. She corresponded with her good friend Kate Cook who had moved to Arizona with her family, including brother Art. Kate and Art had lived on a nearby farm in Findlay for a time and Art had worked for Thelma’s father. Kate suggested Thelma send Art a birthday card and the result was a long distance courtship. In February 1951 Thelma traveled to Arizona by train and she and Art were married in Danforth Chapel at Arizona State University where Art was working at the ASU experimental farm after graduating from ASU. Thelma and Art and children lived on the ASU farm for many years until the farm was closed.

Thelma and Art began attending the First Baptist Church of Tempe early in their marriage. Thelma served in various ways there including teaching Sunday School and she sang in the choir for many years and was a member up until her passing.

Thelma began working as a classroom aide at Kyrene School. She later became the school secretary and then finished her career as a library aide, working in the district for about 20 years. Thelma was very detail oriented and put that to good use in her work.

After the ASU farm was closed, Thelma and Art moved into the Ahwatukee housing development nearby. After Art was stricken with Alzheimer’s her grandchildren often helped her with house and yardwork. Eventually she sold the house and shared an apartment with granddaughter Karen and husband Jon Petersen which was a very good experience for them all. When Karen and Jon had to move to Chicago she moved in with son Tim and wife Linda where she stayed for about 9 years until a major surgery at age 88 left her with some dementia and difficult care requirements. She entered Brookdale Tempe and remained there until her passing. The family is grateful to the many caregivers and staff at Brookdale who provided her with much loving care during these years.

And so now Thelma is in the presence of Jesus and is reunited with many family members and friends who also knew Jesus and went before. As the Bible says, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

A Celebration of Life is planned for Thelma sometime in June when more family can be present.