Betty Herschelman Cooke was born June 5, 1934 in Lorain, Ohio and died peacefully on April 12, 2024 in Plano, Texas.
Betty grew up in Ohio with her parents and 1 brother. She was sociable, athletic, and musically talented. In high school Betty sang, played the flute and was the drum major for her high school band. Her love for music and friendship followed her throughout her life.
After graduation Betty attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, then transferred to and graduated as a “fighting Illini” from the University of Illinois. She was an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated with a bachelor’s in education. Upon graduating, Betty moved to San Diego, California where she began her career as an elementary school teacher. This is where she caught the eye of Richard “Cookie” Cooke. After he won her heart the two were married in 1960 on the naval base in San Diego.
Soon after marrying, Betty and Cookie made the move to Texas. They had their first child, Richard “Rich” in 1961, followed by Kathryn “Kathy” in 1964, and Kristin in 1969. They raised their children in Lake Highlands where Betty became extremely active in the community. She volunteered at her kids’ schools, served as President of the PTA for many years and played a dynamic role in all the kids’ sports and extracurricular activities. Betty was very proud to serve as President of the Lake Highlands Women’s League where she was currently a sustaining member. In addition, Betty and Cookie were members at Highland Park United Methodist Church, where Betty sang in the choir.
Betty and Cookie retired to Georgetown, Texas where they lived in the beautiful Sun City community while enjoying the life of retirement. They were lucky to enjoy many cruises, trips all over the world, and spend time with each other, family and friends. Betty kept busy through her love of music as a member of the Sun City Singers, where she participated in and assisted in directing the annual Sun City Follies.
Betty is survived by her children, Richard Cooke and his wife, Geri; Kathryn Peterson and her husband, Robert; Kristin LeGate and her husband, Edward; and brother, Robert Herschelman.
She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Cody Cooke, his wife Sarah and 3 children; Peyton Bielby and her husband, Caleb; Kendall Peterson and her fiancé Jack Macon; and Brooke LeGate; 3 grandchildren by marriage, Billy Webber, his wife Terra and family; Caitlin Schwanke, her husband Ethan and family; and Shane Webber, his wife Shelby and family; nephew, Randall Herschelman, his wife Pam and family; and niece, Debi Palmquist and family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Cookie” Cooke and her parents.
A memorial service for Betty is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75205.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to the Lake Highlands Women’s League. Click Here to Donate