Margaret Jane Cook

Margaret Jane Cook, age 86, of Rienzi, Mississippi and formerly of Midvale, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009.A daughter of the late Ralph and Olive (Richie) Welch, Margaret was born at Uhrichsville, Ohio on November 15, 1922.During World War II, Margaret supported the war effort by serving as a member of the Women’s Army Corp. She dutifully served as a jeep driver for a commander and a cook.On January 16, 1948, she married the love of her life, Birten L. Cook. Together, the couple reared four children.For many years, Margaret ensured that hundreds of hungry children were fed on a daily basis as she served the Indian Valley School District as their head cook. Often as a special treat, Margaret would awake early in the morning to prepare donuts for the school children as well.Margaret was an avid reader who also enjoyed spending time on embroidery projects, going on outings, and spending time with her family, more in particular, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were her pride and joy.She is survived by her children, three daughters, Barbara (David) DeMattio of Rienzi, Mississippi, with whom she had resided for the past eleven years, Cora Erwin of New Philadelphia, Lela “Jane” Yakley of Ragersville, and a son, Lee Cook of Winnmucca, Nevada; two sisters, Olive Frantz of New Philadelphia, and Nellie Shinaberry of Rienzi, Mississippi.Seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren complete the family.In addition to her parents, Margaret is preceded in death by her husband; four brothers, Fred Welch, William Welch, and John Welch, and an infant brother Jimmy Welch; as well as an infant sister, Dorothy Welch.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, from 12:30 to 1:30 in the chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Hugh B. Berry will lead a celebration of Margaret’s life on Tuesday at 1:30 PM. Burial along side her husband will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. The Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW will render military honors.The family requests that memorial contributions in Margaret’s name be made to the American Heart Association, Great Rivers Affiliate, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, Illinois, 60693.