COOK, Madonna R. (Stewart)

Madonna Rosemary Cook, age 89, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away August 29, 2008, at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City. Madonna was born March 2, 1919, in Crossroads, Delaware County, Indiana, to Crystal and Claude Stewart. Madonna moved to Clinton, Oklahoma, from Indiana at the age of 8, where she graduated from high school. She then attended Oklahoma College for Women, now USAO, for two years. She transferred to the University of Oklahoma after meeting and eventually marrying Max Cook, a law student at the University of Oklahoma. She studied at OU until World War II, which required her to leave school. When the war was over, Max and Madonna returned to Clinton, where they resided for 14 years, after which they moved to Oklahoma City. She worked as a secretary in Central Purchasing for the Oklahoma Department of Public Affairs. One hour short of her college degree, she returned to the University of Oklahoma in the 1970s and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English. Upon receipt of her degree, she worked for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, retiring after 27 years of service to the State of Oklahoma. Madonna was a member of Crown Heights United Methodist Church of OKC. In Lawton, she belonged to First United Methodist Church, where she served as chairperson of the Worship Committee, Communion Steward, on the Board of Stewards, the Foundation Board of Directors and the Memorial Committee. Upon returning to Oklahoma City in 2005, she became affiliated with the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Madonna was a member and president of the Lawton Business and Professional Womens' Association, where she organized and modeled in their annual style show. She was also a member of the Book and Review Club and supporter of the Lawton Philharmonic and Little Theater. As an avid OU football fan, she attended games since 1939. Madonna was an extraordinary seamstress, having made numerous wedding dresses, recital dresses and other outstanding fashions for friends and family. Additionally, she and Max traveled the world, bringing home highlights of their journeys that they shared with various civic groups. Even with her work, civic activities, and travels, she was a devoted wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Max Cook, Sr., her parents, Claude and Crystal Stewart, and her brother, Claude Stewart. She is survived by her children, Sandra S. Stanley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Carolyn Rawlings (Larry), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Max Cook, Jr., (Cindy), Jefferson City, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amy Kirkland (John), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Jennie McCartney, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Todd Parker (Anna), Columbus, Ohio Kevin Rawlings, Lee's Summit, Missouri Amanda Cook, Jefferson City, Missouri Ashlyn Cook, Jefferson City, Missouri and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for Madonna on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at 10 AM at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, Robert E. Rose, Jr., Senior Minister. Graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery in Lawton, Oklahoma, at 2:30 PM, officiated by Danny Moss, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church of Edmond. Funeral arrangements are with Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper. The family asks that memorials be made to the University of Oklahoma Foundation or Chapel Hill United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City.