Norma Lee Cook

Age 82, of Jackson, and formerly of Alanson, Lansing, East Lansing, and Traverse City, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Ridgecrest Health Campus. She was the daughter of Hazel and Ruell Ormsby, born October 10, 1937 in Alanson, Michigan. Norma is now happily reunited with those who she held dear to her heart; husband of 35 years Richard Eugene Cook, mother Hazel Kiwala, father Ruell Ormsby, step father Joseph George Kiwala. Norma is survived by her four children; Wendy (Randy) Kaplan, Jodi (Chad) Vargason, Sheri Mosley, and Ramon Hutson; along with three children by marriage, Rob Cook, Marc (Kathy) Cook, and Rich (Tina) Cook; grandchildren, Chaim (Kaitlyn Bedel) Kaufman, Austin Vargason, Samantha Vargason, Joseph Mosley, Amber, (Jason) Salter, Casey Witter, Rob Cook, Parker Cook, Alaina Cook, Krystal Middaugh, Mandy Rae Pena, Chad Cook, Ross (Lisa) Kaplan, Stephen (Emily) Kaplan, and Blair (Mathew) Brager; along with nineteen great-grandchildren  who she loved dearly. Her biggest pride came from being a mom and grandmother.  After raising her four children with her former husband Ramon Hutson in Lansing, East Lansing, and Traverse City, she made a home in Jackson, Michigan.  Norma worked there at Ella Sharp Museum from 1979-1985.  She was known to love reading with the same affection she put into raising her family. Norma took that passion and put it to work at the Jackson Meijer Branch Library in 1985. Norma knew how to fill her day with joy. Blessed with a gregarious spirit, she always included her husband, family, and friends to share her interest in creating and learning about art, attending theater and movies, square dancing, gardening, going to museums, sewing, traveling the world, cooking, volunteering, participating in grandchildren’s events, entertaining friends in her home, and playing cards. She never met a stranger, and filled her days with countless book groups, art classes, and social organizations:  MSU’s Master Gardener Volunteer, Delta Kappa Gamma, Red Hats, Election Work, Questers, The Jackson AAUW, Woman’s Club of Jackson, Newcomers and Friends, along with The Jackson and Traverse City Garden Clubs to name a few. Her parents “Old House” in Northern Michigan was her favorite place in the world, and is where she loved spending summer days with life-long friends and family on the Crooked River. It is there, in Alanson, where she will spend the rest of her days in God’s light and love. Norma was an inspiring role model who taught the value of family, friendship, kindness, giving, and how to honor the golden people in our lives. We loved her so! Grace Be To God. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. Services will be set at a later date. Please forward words of sympathy to Norma’s home address.

Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.

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