JOHN C: LEE, 70, of Lathrop, Missouri, died January 25, 1997, of
cancer.
John loved his wife, his family, his church, his many volunteer
organizations, his many friends and neighbors.
He was a retired Amoco Oil dealer and farmer. His hobby was
antique tractors, especially IHC. He was very dedicated to the
Lathrop Antique Car, Tractor, and Engine Association.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Lee. John will be forever
missed by all who loved and knew him.
Submitted by E. Brad Foster, 13501 SE State Rt. 116,
Edgerton, MO 64444.
MARCELLA REILLY COOKE, 77, of Billings, Montana, quietly
departed from this life, Wednesday, March 26, 1997, to begin
anew.
While nursing in Omaha, Nebraska, Marcella met Oscar Cooke. She
ended her nursing career when she married her beloved Oscar in
1952. The newly weds settled in St. Joseph, Missouri, where Oscar
had a branch of his machinery business. Marcella, already a savvy
business lady, fit in as a perfect partner with Oscar. During their
43 years of life together, this ‘dynamic duo’ had many
successful business adventures. In 1958, they made the move from
Missouri to the CX Ranch in Decker, Montana. When Oscar decided to
get out of the cattle business, Marcella leased his share of the
ranch from him and ran her own cattle business..
Marcella shared Oscar’s love of collecting antiques and she
was a vital contributor to the building of Oscar’s Dreamland
And Yesteryear Museum. Her devotion and love of not only her
husband but of her rural heritage led her to enjoy participating in
the accumulating of antiques to build this fantastic museum. She
spent countless days trucking ‘treasures’ home, attending
auctions, purchasing antique items and giving tours of the museum.
She was also the half of the partnership that kept the business end
running smoothly.
Marcella was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Oscar,
and her oldest brother, Edward Reilly. Marcella is survived by her
two children, Riley Oliver Cooke, of Laurel, Montana, and Marcie
Ann Limpp, of Roberts, Montana; one sister, two brothers, two
granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews, all very dear to her
heart.
Submitted by her daughter, Marcie Ann Limpp of Roberts,
Montana.
