Marietta Louise Cook

Marietta Louise Patton was born the youngest of five children (Odie, Roy, Dallas, and Hazel) in Morris, Oklahoma on February 29, 1928 to Minnie Belle and Walter Newton Patton. As a Leap Year Baby, she never hesitated to divide her age by 4 to tell you how old she was. Marietta had an affinity for the arts, playing in the marching band in high school and having leading roles in school drama productions. She also sang beautifully and prided herself on her ability to pick out harmonies. She often added a few lines of music to everyday activities, whether it was playing dominoes or cooking; music and dance followed her wherever she went. A beautiful young lady, she was thought by many to be the prettiest girl in town while she was in high school. She graduated from Morris High School in 1946 and began dating Lonnie Cook in February, 1949. Marietta first moved to California in 1950 to help a friend. Not long after, her handsome beau back home followed her and they were married June 23, 1950 in Salinas, California. Her sparkling personality made her a great fit for the retail industry. After working at JCPenny’s, she helped open a drugstore, then worked at Albertson’s Grocery for almost 20 years. She was always finding ways to have fun, even dressing up as Dolly Parton to go to work one Halloween. She always said that “go” was her middle name. She lived like life was a banquet, and she was not going to starve. Always up for an adventure, she traveled with friends to Germany, France, and Switzerland. While in the US, she traveled all over the East Coast with her husband, following work and visiting friends. During her time on the East Coast, she and Lonnie welcomed their daughter, Patricia Louise, in 1956. Marietta was the original family member to use the middle name “Louise,” and it was passed down to six other women in the family as her namesake. She absolutely loved people. Any day of the week was a good day to socialize. She often did this through the various bowling leagues she was on, or the friends she shopped and lunches with. Her home was always filled with treasures from antiquing. But, her greatest joy in this was finding that diamond in the rough at garage sales. Although she collected many things, she was also known for her generosity. Many times when she received a compliment on her earrings, she pulled them right off and gave them to the person who complimented them. Her generosity overflowed to her kitchen where she made fabulous meals to host or share. Her spaghetti and meatballs were unmatched, but she was especially known for her apricot pies. She and her husband were excellent gardeners and kept a pantry full of home made preserves, pickled okra and zucchini, and a variety of harvested nuts. Lonnie and Marietta Moved back to Oklahoma in 1993. It was then that Marietta discovered a hidden talent in her ability to paint China. This became her most prominent pastime during these years and was something she excelled at. Her teachers even asked her to teach a class. She also enjoyed making new friends, lunching, and shopping with the Red Hat Society. But, above all else, she relished time with her family. She doted continuously on her daughter and two granddaughters, Jeni Harding and Katie Cunanan. Once her great-grandson (David Harding) was born, he became a continuous source of joy in her life. She and Lonnie returned to California in July, 2018 to be near these family members. Many beloved memories were formed in the short six months they all had together. She continued to give hugs and “I love you’s” for as long as she could; with everything in her, Marietta gave love. Her husband, daughter, son-in law (Clark Cunanan), daughters, grandson-in-law (Nick Harding), great-grandson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss her presence, enthusiasm, and love.

Marietta Louise Cook

February 29, 1928 - December 11, 2018