Lynda Cooke, 76, of Wagner

Lynda died Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner.

Funeral services are 10 AM, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the Wagner National Guard Armory. Burial is in the Holy Fellowship Episcopal Cemetery, rural Greenwood. Wake services will begin Sunday at the Armory.

Lynda A. (Burnette) Cooke was born to Lois Sully and Grover S. Burnette, Sr. on December 24, 1948 at the Wagner IHS. There to meet her was her big sister Petite and she was later joined by 3 brothers and 7 sisters.

Lynda loved to fix hair and she graduated from the Stewart School of Hairstyling in Sioux Falls, before moving to Wagner with her family. She then met the love of her life, John Cooke, Sr. and they married on September 16, 1972 and shared 46 loving years together.

Lynda started working when she was fourteen years old and made an impact everywhere she worked. She held various jobs during her life, including at the YST Housing and the Ft Randall Casino, before becoming the Contract Health Coordinator  at the Wagner IHS, a position she held for over 30 years. She also served as the Chairwoman of the Marty Indian School Board for many, many years. Lynda was an expert bowler, earning awards every year from her bowling league. She also loved to cheer on Johnny and the Marty Renegades at fast-pitch softball tournaments all over Indian Country and play bingo at the Casino.

Lynda was blessed with three children: Jason (Heather) Kristi (Daryl) and John Jr. "Juice"; five grandchildren: Darion, Jacee, Megan, Dayton and Dayson; and four great grandchildren: King, Daejhoni, Legacy and Caius. Lynda was a loving, doting mother and grandmother and her children and grandchildren were her world.

Lynda was preceded in death by her husband Johnny; mother Lois; fathers Grover Burnette and Bob Tiger; brothers: Grover Jr., Ronnie, and Steve; and sister Donna.

Lynda is survived by her precious children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; her sisters: Lois Petite, Bobbi, Evelyn, Suzie, Ruth, Jean and Debbie; many nieces and nephews; and her bonus son Steve Hernandez; and additional loving grandchildren: Galen Jr., Janae, Genesis and Jaren Patterson and Mara Wright.