Ross L. Cook

A free spirited, fun loving, and adventurous person, Ross Cook was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a stranger to none and a friend to all with a colorful sense of humor as well. Ross was a devoted husband and father whose family tree blossomed to include eight grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Although he was willing to work hard whether in the workplace or around the house, but he also made sure he spent ample time having fun, too. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, Ross will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to cross his path.

With the end of WWII in 1945, America was making the shift to being a nation at peace once again. Countless young servicemen and women returned stateside and went to college on the GI Bill, resumed their place in the workforce, and began families with the sweethearts they so dearly missed while serving. The new home construction industry was experiencing an explosion as the baby boom was underway, and a time of prosperity was a welcome change to having to deal with the economics of war. It was just as the forties were drawing to a close that a young couple from Whitley County, Indiana, was pleased to announce an expansion in their own family as they welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home on April 3, 1949. Ross L. was one of four children born to his parents, Jack A. and Gloria J. (Gruesbeck) Cook, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Randy and Ryan, and his sister, Reisa.

For the most part Ross experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He developed a lifelong love for sports while growing up and enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball while in school. Ross was just three years old when he started bowling, which isnt really surprising since his grandfather owned the Cook Lanes in Columbia City. He was a student at local schools including Columbia City Joint High School. After graduating from high school in 1967, Ross signed on with the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. His time in the service spanned from 1968 until 1974. Ross also went to Ivy Tech.

Throughout his life Ross worked in a variety of industries. He spent ten years working at Essex, from 1969 until 1979, at which time he had several small jobs while searching for himself. Ross and a friend even started their own electrical/construction company called AC Electric for about a year based on the idea that we can do that! He ultimately ended up at Bosch in Albion, retiring in 2006.

Life was forever changed for Ross when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Rebecca L. Auer, and they met through friends. Sparks flew almost immediately, and a dating relationship ensued. It was within a few years on New Years Day that Ross proposed to his sweetheart. With a desire to establish a life together Ross and Becky were married on June 12, 1982, at Hope Lutheran Church in Coesse, Indiana, located just down the road from Columbia City.

The couple settled into a house in Columbia City that would be the place Ross would call home for the rest of his life. Together they were blessed with a family of three children, Todd, Robyn, and Jenaca. As a family the Cooks looked forward to several family traditions where priceless memories were made. One such event was the Cook Christmas on Christmas Eve. Countless fun times were had aboard the family pontoon, the Glory-Jac, that Ross and his father built together. On one occasion that they were gathered on Lake Wawasee everyone wanted their picture taken on board the boat, which was also known as the party barge. This resulted in so many people getting on board that the ship almost sank. Although it was a bit scary, it was way too much fun trying to get that many people on the boat.

When at home Ross enjoyed keeping busy. He loved finding various house projects to work on, and it was not uncommon to catch him wearing his tool belt. If he wasnt dinking around, Ross could often be found out in his man cave that was located in the back of their tool shed. He had quite the setup as it was complete with a television and chair, heater, and even his computer. Ross was known for spending time buying and selling things on eBay. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played tons of softball where he was known as Round Ass. Ross also enjoyed watching sports and keeping up with his favorite teams including Notre Dame football, IU basketball, and both the Chicago Bears and Cubs. It was not uncommon for he and his son to wind up talking about sports when they were together.

In addition to spending time with his family, Ross enjoyed being social with others as well. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 98, and the Elks Lodge 1417. Ross played euchre with his buddies, and on Wednesdays all the guys would show up wearing their Camel T-shirts because they all knew this was the requirement due to it being Hump Day according to the Geico commercials. Not wearing the shirt came with the price tag of buying two rounds for everyone, and Ross was sure not to forget! He never knew a stranger and had a good sense of humor.

All who knew Ross Cook would agree that he put the spice into the world around him. He was outgoing and social with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Ross leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of his family and friends.

Ross L. Cook, of Columbia City, died at 11:27 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2014, at his home. Rosss family includes his wife, Rebecca Cook; son, Todd (Erin) Cook of Columbia City; daughters, Robyn (Ross Reed) Tuttle and Jenaca (Miles) Wolfe, both of Columbia City; brothers, Randy Cook of North Webster and Ryan (Karen) Cook of Columbia City; sister, Reisa (John) Snyder of Columbia City; and eight grandchildren, Landon Tuttle, Logan Tuttle, Taya Cook, Delaney Tuttle, Madilyn Cook, Makenna Cook, Cadence Reed and Harlow Reed. Ross was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will start at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. His memorial gathering will follow until the Elks service at 7 p.m. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Cook's memory to Humane Society of Whitley County.