COOK, Gretchen VanDeVenter - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Gretchen Van Devanter Cook was born May 5, 1897, in Veedersburg, Indiana, to Chris and Blanche Irvin Van Devanter. She departed this life February 15, 1962 at her home in Covington, Indiana. Gretchen attended the Veedersburg schools and was graduated from Veedersburg High School with the class of 1915. O May 4, 1918 she became the wife of Marvin H. Cook, her high school sweetheart. Their Christian home was one of harmony where friends were always made welcome. In 1908 at the age of 11, Gretchen made her confession to Christ and became a member of the Veedersburg Christian Church. After moving to Covington in 1937, she later affiliated with the First Methodist Church and its Woman's Society of Christian Service. She was an active member as long as her health permitted, holding office in both Church and Woman's Society. Gretchen was a lover of the fine arts and at an early age became an ardent scholar of music and an accomplished pianist and taught piano for 25 years. She had served as organist in her church. She was a member of the Covington Woman's Club, American Legion Auxiliary and had served as president of Tri Kappa Sorority. She was a charter member of the Covington Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa. To these organizations she was a devoted member and a beloved and loyal friend. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Samuel Glascock, and a brother, Karl Van Devanter, both of Veedersburg Community, and several nieces and nephews. Gretchen was known among her host of friends as a perfectionist and always prepared for the morrow well in advance. She was indeed a lady, held in high esteem by all, and one worthy to grace any home. While we humbly say, "Thy will not ours be done," we deeply mourn the loss of one who accepted the months of failing health with courage and cheerfulness. After all, "life is a little gleam of time between two eternities." - - Tribute to Gretchen Cook from The Covington Woman's Club - - "They are not dead who live In hearts they leave behind; In those whom they have blest, They live again, and shall Go down the years arrayed - In shining memories." During the quiet moments we want to pay tribute to Gretchen Van Devanter Cook. On February 15, 1962, God's hand beckoned and her spirit was released into eternity. The Covington Woman's Club of which she was a devoted member has lost a true and valuable friend. The beauty of her glowing personality remains a memory and an inspiration to her present. Mrs. Cook had served her club in many ways and always with promptness and thoroughness. Her kind and cheerful companionship endeared her to the hearts of all. Her talents were many but her superb musical ability was shared with enthusiasm for her love of the fine arts was conveyed in her spirit. Mrs. Cook often spoke of her love for her church and she was always happy to "go the second mile" to serve beyond the call of duty. Faithfulness and courage in her duties as organist for her church for many years was a point of pride, and a never-failing inspiration. "Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me..