Mary Louise Cooke, 74, of Wagner

Funeral Services were held 2 PM, Friday, March 30, 2012 at the American Legion Hall in Wagner. Burial was in the Episcopal Cemetery in Greenwood. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements. Mary died Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at her home in rural Wagner.

Mary Louise Cooke (Franklin) was born to Josiah and Jenny (Necklace) Franklin on September 6, 1937 in Marty, SD at home. Mary attended school in Ravina and later attended Marty Mission School to the 8th grade.

Mary married Virgil Cooke, Sr. on March 2, 1958. They had 7 children (four sons and three daughters): Virgil Cooke Jr.; Robert Cooke (deceased); Francis Cooke (Donna); Julie Cooke (Jim); Brent (Jean) Cooke; Lisa (Bryon) Heth; Gina (Chris) Traversie. She also raised one granddaughter, Dannielle Cooke (Christina Rouse). Mary has many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was married for 55 wonderful years to Virgil Cooke, Sr.

Mary worked at the Marty Indian School as a cook for many years. She was also employed by the Yankton Sioux Tribe as a cook for the Elderly Program for many years.

Mary had many hobbies she like to do, listen to music, news, riding around, playing bingo, cards, beading and sewing. She also enjoyed working in bean fields cleaning them. She enjoyed baking and cooking for everyone. She always made sure people were full and happy. Mary made many friends wherever she went. She always made people laugh. She loved her dancing and listening to music. She enjoyed her company. She enjoyed listening to Butch Felix and the late Bill "Binaca" Felix "Country Skins" and the Risen Warriors Music. She loved having church services.

Mary battled many health problems, along with dialysis, later battled breast cancer, liver and uterus. She fought a long hard battle for 16 years. She was a fighter - never giving up on her health. She never missed dialysis.

Mary attained the age of 74 beautiful years.