1944-2025
Donna A. Cook was born on May 3, 1944 in Winfield, Kansas to Cecil and Florence Waldorf, one of five siblings. She passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, in her home surrounded by family.
Donna attended Winfield schools, graduating in 1962. On April 4, 1964, Donna was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Cook, and to this union, Rod Cook and Janet Cook were born. They resided together for 56 years on 121st Road outside of Winfield.
Donna worked in the food service industry starting at Winfield State Hospital, followed by Winfield School District, before retiring after spending 23 years at Dexter Schools. She knew every student by their first name until she retired in 2012, and she could silence the cafeteria with just a look and snap of her fingers.
Donna loved spoiling her “grands” with homemade chocolate chip cookies, beirocks, and food in general. She enjoyed making memories with her “grands” whether it was reading a book or entertaining them with various activities. Donna appreciated the simple things in life such as being outdoors, tending to her lawn, watching the hummingbirds, or taking care of her rose bushes and flowers. Her other hobbies included sewing, cross stitch, and embroidery.
Donna loved fiercely and passionately. She was a stubborn woman, but if you were lucky enough to know Donna, you were in the presence of an amazing woman. She protected those she cared for with all her might. She fought for what she believed in, and she did not back down. Donna will be deeply missed by her family and friends, and there will forever be a void left by her absence.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Delbert Waldorf and Christine Flottman.
She is survived by her husband Dick of the home; her children, Rod (Melissa) Cook of Manhattan; Janet (Tom) Horton of Winfield; her five grandsons, Darren (Jordan) Archambeau of Winfield; Steven (Krissy) Archambeau of Douglass; John (Christa) Archambeau of Winfield; Kyle (Rachel Kaufman) Cook of Manhattan; and Braden (Michelle) Cook of Manhattan; her six great grandchildren, Logan and Liam Cook; Charley and Claire Archambeau; Addeline Archambeau; Raymond and James Archambeau; her four bonus grandchildren, Tommy, Ashley, Sequoyah, and Dalton Horton; and her eight bonus great grandchildren. Donna is also survived by her brother Gene (Janelle) Waldorf of Bartlesville, OK; her sister Martha Wilson of Muskogee, OK; and her sister-in-law Glenda Waldorf of Winfield.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, February 28, 2025, at Highland Cemetery under the direction of Miles Funeral Service. A reception will follow at Tisdale Methodist Church.
A memorial has been established in Donna’s name for Tisdale Methodist Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
