Ronald Jack Cook Obituary (2023)

Ronald Jack Cook, 89, of Yakima, passed away on August 4, 2023. Ron was born on December 24,1933, to Opal (Starr) Cook and Edmund W. Cook. Raised in Yakima, he graduated from Yakima High School in 1951, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp shortly thereafter. He married his wife, Kay (Wills) Cook, in 1956, and they departed Yakima to live the active life of a military family. They lived in many places around the U.S. during his career, including California, North and South Carolina, and Arizona. Ron served his country during the Vietnam War and for many years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Specialist. The family returned to Yakima, in 1973, to resume life as civilians and enjoy semi-retirement. Ron worked in appliance and automotive repair and servicing for several years. A fixture at his daughters sporting events, he often appeared on his motorcycle, on which he enjoyed zipping around town. He was a relaxed trout fisherman in local rivers and streams and would play golf when the opportunity arose. For many years, he worked in the "pits" at the Yakima Speedway, helping to service race cars. Tinkering with woodworking projects and wood carving art kept his hands busy. In his childhood, he worked summers on his Uncle Ralphs ranch in Goldendale, bucking hay and helping with other ranch chores. He and his wife, Kay, kept a large vegetable garden for many years, resulting in many quarts of canned beans, tomatoes, and grape juice. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Edmund, stepfather, Frank Beach, and his brother, Lawrence Cook. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay Cook, his three daughters, Susan Rice of Fall City, Washington, Laura Lantz of Yakima, Washington, Rhonda (Andy) Bethurum of Seattle, Washington, sister, Joanne McLenahan, grandchildren, Crystal (Richard) Hill, Jeremy Rice, Michael Jenkins, Amanda Lantz, and Ainsley Bethurum, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 3:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA). A Reception will follow. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Memorial Service Brookside Funeral Home Saturday, August 19, 2023 3:00 PM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Reception immediately following service.