Obituary of Rita Cooke

Rita Mae Cooke, 94, of Moberly, MO went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 15, 2020 at University Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Rita was born on March 21, 1926 in Hunnewell, MO. to Herman John Graupman and Lillian Mae (Tolbert) Graupman.

Rita married Archie D. Cooke on May 9, 1948 in Paris, MO. She was a very active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Moberly, MO, who loved playing the piano and singing in church. In her earlier years, Rita was a homemaker, taking pride in raising three wonderful children. In her later years, she enjoyed planting flowers and tending to her garden, she canned and froze a variety of fruits and vegetables. She was also very fond of quilting and cooking, especially baking. She loved playing and singing her favorite old hymns.

Rita’s family will always remember her as a loving, kind hearted and sometimes funny lady. She was known for her delicious homemade pecan pies. She was a truly amazing cook. She had tremendous patience as she quilted numerous quilts by hand. She was a very precious lady who will be greatly missed by her many, many, many friends.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Archie Cooke; sister, Doris Lee; parents, Herman and Lillian Graupman; step grandson, Seth Andrews, and great grandson, Jase Lee Baggett.

Rita is survived by her children, Judy (Dan) Cromwell of Edmond, OK, Jeanne Ashworth of Moberly, MO and Joseph (Debbie) Cooke of Moberly, MO.; grandchildren, Todd (Sarah) Cromwell of Oklahoma City, OK, Tobey (Justin) Cromwell Price of Guthrie, OK, Anissa (Johnny) Ashworth Baggett of Moberly, MO, Shane Ashworth of Moberly, MO, Melissa Cooke, of Phoenix, AZ, Mike (Ryan) Cooke, of St. Peter’s MO and Joshua Cooke of Fordland, MO; twelve great grandchildren; her furry companion, George; nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

A graveside service will be held celebrating Rita Cooke’s life on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 12:00 Noon in Stoutsville, MO.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 19, 2020 at the First Assembly of God Church in Moberly, MO, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., where everyone is welcome to proceed to Stoutsville Cemetery for the service.
The family acknowledges that the drive may be too much for some to undertake; however, they would still like to invite all to return to the church for a luncheon around 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to the First Assembly of God Church’s Music Department, 120 Outer Road, Moberly, MO. 65270.

Condolences may be shared online at www.pathwaymemorial.com.