Barbara A. Cook's Obituary
Barbara A. Cook, a resident of Broken Arrow, passed away October 27, 2018 at the age of 82.Barbara Allyn Cook, aka ‘my sweet wife’, mother, mom, mamma, Baba, Aunt Barbara, Barbara Allyn, Mrs. Cook and ‘my other mother’. We all called her something different. We all knew she loved us.Barbara Allyn Fine was born near what is now Beaver Lake on January 25, 1936 (her mother’s birthday, too) in Larue, Arkansas. Perhaps that was the beginning of her love for the lake and beach. She was raised in the Rocky Branch area and attended the Rocky Branch one room school house. They moved to Rogers, AR for her later school years.She went to be with the Lord on October 27, 2018 in Tulsa, OK. That is 82 years of loving others like Jesus.Barbara graduated from Rogers High School in 1954. She spent a year at the University of Arkansas. Barbara completed nursing school in 1958 at St. Edwards School of Nursing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It was during nursing school that she met ‘her Tommy’, the love of her life. They were married on Jan 31, 1959, and that was the beginning of the amazing love story that led to almost 60 years of marriage; 3 children: Katrina Cook Kingsley, Tom Cook Jr and Todd Cook; 3 children-in-law (She just considered them her own): Katrina’s husband, Neil Kingsley, Tom’s wife, Chelle Cook and Todd’s wife Georgia Cook; 7 grand kids: Katie Cook, Wesley Kingsley , Eli Cook, Jesse Kingsley, Reagan Kingsley, Kena Kingsley Hawkins and Levi Cook; and 2 grand-in-laws, Jesse’s wife Marilla Kingsley and Kena’s husband Josh Hawkins.The Cook family moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in 1965 where they would put down their roots on Canton St and remain there for almost 53 years. I mean literally ‘put down their roots’; if you have ever seen the tree in our front yard you know what I mean. Such a symbol and reminder of a life well rooted in Jesus. I have heard Barb referred to as ‘the matriarch of the Fine Family’ and occasionally the ‘Queen’. Baba believed in family…she loved family…she lived family. She was the oldest of 7: Bobbie, Nona, Pat, John, Jerry, and Beth (deceased). Many extended family gatherings were enjoyed at her home, also including Patton family members from Tommy’s line.In John 10:10b Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Barb tapped in on the abundantly! She abundantly served as a surgical RN at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa for 35 plus years. Barb ran a tight OR while wearing her ankle weights the whole time. The ankle weights were to prepare her for the many abundant years of lake weekends, snow skiing, water skiing and walking beaches. Tommy and Barbara were members of the First Methodist Church in Broken Arrow. She loved her “Mr. and Mrs.” Sunday School class. She enabled us to attend Sunday school, Bible school, youth group, church camp and summer trips! She showed us that church was family! Abundant family!Proverbs 11:25 says “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Now, Barb was in the refreshing business! Barb and Tommy had an “open home policy”. It was the home-base for many a family reunion, slumber party, bunco party, holiday dinner and birthday party. In fact, you just never knew who might be eating a bowl of cereal in the den in the morning. Her extended children knew where the key was hidden and used it as needed. They were always welcomed with open arms and a listening ear. Mom was lovingly referred to by many as their ‘other mother’. We are so blessed to be able to smile and say, we were raised in the “fun house” on the cul-de-sac on Canton Street. Barbara was endlessly driving us (and our friends) to church, youth group, band and sports activities. Mom’s overfilled station wagon and then later car seat filled van went from chauffeuring her kids to grandchildren. Barb absolutely adored her grandchildren, nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews. She always had the silly string and party bags ready for them.Barbara was greeted in heaven by her parents, John Wesley Fine and Audie Bland Fine Marrs, her Tommy, her sister Beth Marrs and a host of Fine, Bland, Cook and Patton family members … I’m sure it’s quite the party! The ultimate party in the presence of Jesus. Baba always loved a good party! Thanks momma for the legacy and for showing us how to: Love like Jesus, pray, listen, hug, work hard, serve hard and play… “more abundantly”. We Love you and Daddy!Family will greet friends on Thursday, November 1st from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home.Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow with Pastor Larry Varvel officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?