Etola Cook

So many thoughts about our dear Aunt Etola. Sharing memories of her and Unc. Lyman with all those airport runs through the late 60's and early 70's. The Christian hospitality they both embodied through the years with visits, meals and overnights in their lovely home for our family. There was never a question...its just what they did. Etola did this with graciousness and in a spirit of WELCOME. She and Unc. Lyman welcomed me to their parish, St. Patrick's shortly after my own childhood conversion and always supported my faith-walk. Her supportive membership in the Catholic Church was never questioned. Even though we all looked back with musings at our church's antiquated tactics. Rest in God's Holy peace. Enjoy forever the vision of His Face. ~nephew, Clay Cook

Etola was my aunt through marriage to my uncle Lyman Cook. I have such fond memories of them both as I grew up and spent time in their home. They were very hospitable to any relative who came to Billings to shop, catch a plane or bus or train. They would put you up for the night and take you to places you needed to go. As my brother Clayton said, "if you were hungary, they fed you, if you were thirsty… they gave you water". Kind of a biblical quote for a family that were members of the St. Patrick Church and rarely missed a Mass. I always think of Etola as straight-laced and a good Mom. I hope her children never were irritated when they had to give up their bedroom for the night as they asked a family member to stay--among the names: Labree, Mulkey, Schallenberger, Gerber, or other Cook's. They made all feel welcome. Long after my Mom was divorced from my Dad, Clair, they made her feel welcome. Etola is the last of this age group of people. She is and was so special to me. She made me feel special too. A rare thing now days. I am glad to have known her and been part of her family. Sincerely , Nyla Cook Morris

Ooops, Forgot for a while those awesome poppies and flower displays in the Cook yard. And, who knew anyone could grow African Violets like Aunt Etola!

I became acquainted with Etola when she was homebound at South Forty in Billings and requested someone to bring her Communion once a week. I found visiting her delight and looked forward to our visits. She loved to talk and I came to enjoy the colorful stories of her life and family, and , of course the goings on at Aspen Meadows, which I took with a grain of salt. When her memory occasionally malfunctioned and she became confused, her stories were particularly interesting... She had a good heart and looked after her roommate by calling for a nurse when she needed one, by chastising her for trying to get out of bed when he wasn't allowed to, and by finding a blanket to cover her when she was sleeping. Etola was very sad and lonely when that roommate died. When it came to family, she was always concerned and worried about her children's health and wellbeing, all three of them. She frequently mentioned the Quads, her being truly amazed by them. Her eyes sparkled and her lips smiled whenever she talked about them. She kept very special place in her heart for each Quad. Etola was ever thankful for anything and everything one might do for her, but still she remained independent as long a possible for she was determined not to be a heavy burden to her kin. I still chuckle inside whenever it comes to mind how she would remind me not to stay too long so I could get dinner ready for my husband. She couldn't quite take in the concept that my husband often made our dinners! I miss her.

My grandmother was a huge part of my life and I am so thankful for all of the time that I had with her while I was living in Billings and for all of the very special visits that we had after I moved to California. My mother was so close to my grandmother and they were such a support to each other while my mother was alive. I am so thankful that they had each other. It was so difficult for my grandmother to lose my mom but I know that this was also one of those experiences that made her stronger as a person. She was one of the strongest women I knew and she instilled that strength in me. I remember hearing about the difficult times that she endured growing up without her mother who had died while my grandmother was a young girl. Life was never easy for my grandparents but they managed to get through everything and worked so hard to have the life that they had. I learned so much from her and am so thankful for all of her support and love that she gave to my family. I was able to spend a week last October with her while I was visiting family and was so thankful for every moment we had together as it will be forever in my memory as the last special moments together. So many wonderful memories of fishing at Big Timber, making cookies, helping her work in her garden, and her strict but always loving nature. The photo below is how I will always remember her-smiling with my daughter on one of our visits. You will be so very missed! Love from us all in California.