Bretha Lea Cook's Obituary
Bretha Lea McDaniel Cook lived her life glorifying Jesus and being his hands and feet. She began this journey on May 15, 1944, and completed her work on March 22, 2025. Born to George and Willa McDaniel she was the first of 5 kids. She was the big sister to Georgetta, Dean, Steve and Terri.
Born in Picher Oklahoma, Bretha traveled the country with her family, George was in construction, and they moved where the work was. She never settled at one school but did graduate Azusa high School in 1962. She then began seeking a degree in physical education at a local college however, God had a different plan. The plan included an 18-year marriage that gave (in her words) her 3 blessings, Michael, Scott and Tricia. She would spend the next 18 years as a single mom working to provide for the blessings and being the best momma ever. The 4 went through some rough times but Bretha always told them if You’re okay, then I’m okay…If I’m okay, you’re okay and she always made sure the 3 were okay. The four spent many years making memories… Rose bowl parades, Mt. Baldy hikes and amazing day trips all over California. She not only spent time showing the kids cool California things, but she focused all her energy on being an example of what it looked like to serve Jesus and be the best person one could be. She had much faith and heard the Lord speak many times. She and her 3 blessing witnessed Gods moving in their life’s multiple times and in different ways.
In 1981 Bretha decided it was time for them to relocate closer to her family in Okay, Ok. She bought a home that would be full of much laughter and love. She enjoyed having dinner parties and early morning park breakfast with her church family in addition to the friends her kids would bring into her life.
After 18 years of unselfish living only for her God and kids, She and Frank Cook ran into each other at church. The family invited him to lunch and in his words, he not only fell in love with Bretha but with her family. A testament again to the life that she lived. This would start a relationship that turned into 31 years of marriage. During this time Frank and Bretha continued serving people as the hands and feet of Jesus. They volunteered at Falls Creek, traveled to Mexico on mission trips, worked many disasters throughout the United States and Canada with Oklahoma Baptist disaster relief. She volunteered at monarch ministries where she could share the love of Jesus to women who were not as fortunate. She crocheted many blankets and hats for small children; they were placed in cars of sheriff’s department and highway patrol to give to children in a time of need. She always had either a bible marker, scrubby, or jar lid opener in her purse or bag to bless anyone she ran into. She attended 3 different bible studies always looking to expand her knowledge and share Gods love. Frank and Bretha did lots of traveling with groups of friends and family and they enjoyed every memory they made.
Bretha is watching over her precious and valuable family- Husband Frank Cook, her 3 blessings-Michael and Janet Thron, Scott and Jeanette Thron, Trish and Jim Wright. Byron and Amanda Cook, Cydney and Matt Anderson, Brynn and Will page, Tabitha and Billy Olenick. Grandkids-Nick & Cheri Thron, Lindsey & Josh Vellotta, Megan & Derek Carlberg, Josh Payne & Lisa Altena, Jake Payne& Katelyn Rohling, Noelle Payne & Luke Brittan, Kaci Wright, Kylie & Dalten Nguyen, Christopher Gilbert & Tamera Ramos, Landon Cook, Hailey Anderson, Hannah Anderson, Peyton Page, Tommy Page, Wesley Page, Joey Olenick and Taylor Olenick. Great Grandkids-Makayla, Ryleigh, Chandler, Lucas, Ford and in July 2025 Rhyann. Sisters Georgetta Richhart, Terri Johnson, Brothers Dean & Kathy McDaniel, Steve & Gloria McDaniel, Brother-in-Law Kim & Mary Cook, a slew of nephews, nieces, great nieces, great nephews and many friends.
We will celebrate her life on April 25, 2025 @ 11:00 at Community Gospel Center Highway 62 Fort Gibson, Ok. Because we feel her life is a true testimony to the life of Jesus, the family invites those who would like to take a few minutes to share how she impacted their lives to do so.
What’s your fondest memory of Bretha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bretha?
Share a story where Bretha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bretha you’ll never forget.
How did Bretha make you smile?