Arlene Elizabeth Cook, 93, of La Porte, passed away peacefully at 12 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born December 21, 1926, in Naperville, IL, to Ernest and Lucile (Netzley) Widick. Ernest passed away suddenly before Arlene’s first birthday. Her mother later married, Earl Fry, whom Arlene considered to be her father.
On June 21, 1947, in Naperville, IL, she married, Delbert “Del” Cook and celebrated 61 years of marriage before Del’s passing in 2008.
Arlene was a loving mother for her family. She co-owned, managed and assisted in the wedding photography portion of Del Cook Photography in La Porte for over 50 years. She was a charter member of MPP - Michiana Professional Photographers and she was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren in LaPorte. She assisted in the publication of the church newsletters and a variety of other activities to assist her church family.
Arlene is survived by her daughters, Delene Rutledge of Angola, IN, Bonnie (Melody Bliss) Cook of Las Vegas, NV and Julene Cook of Merced, CA; two sons, Ronald Cook of Merced, CA and Larry (Kristin) Cook of LaPorte; one brother, Clyde (Elsie) Fry of Mansfield, OH; three grandchildren, Samantha Cook, Kevin (Kristin) Rutledge and Laura (Ian) Pope; and one great-grandchild, Ashley Rutledge.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband; sister, June Bains; son-in-law, Steve Rutledge; and grand-daughter, Lisa Rutledge.
Cremation will take place. A private family service will take place at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, (219) 362-3100 is caring for the arrangements.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
Memorial contributions may be directed to New Beginnings for Merced County Animals, www.newbeginningsforanimalsmerced.org. New Beginnings is a non-profit organization which is dedicated to helping the animals at the Merced County Animal Shelter. Arlene enjoyed helping this organization with their newsletter. Assisting with various fundraising activities and fostering duties during her winter stays in Merced.
