Ronald Cook, 71

Ronald Lew “Ron” Cook, age 71 of Mendon, died Monday, June 15, 2009 following a long illness.  He was born in Vicksburg on April 22, 1938 the son of Rex A. and Gladys (Henry) Cook and was a lifetime resident of the Mendon area.  Ron attended Mendon Schools, and was a 44 year employee of Simpson Paper and later Fox-River Paper Company in Vicksburg.  Ron enjoyed working on machinery, repairing tractors and small engines.  He liked being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and spending time with family and friends. 

Ron was married to Beatrice “Bea” Hamminga on April 2, 1966 in Mendon.  She died May 14, 2008.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Ray Cook.

Ron is survived by 2 daughters, Joanne Gibson (Dan) of Montville, NJ, and Carol Ann Cook of Kalamazoo;  2 grandchildren, Jordan Gibson (Dani) of Wayland, MI, and Danielle Gibson of Montville, NJ; 1 great-grandchild, Lorelie Gibson;  2 sisters, Beverly Matthies (Louis) of Vicksburg, and Florence Holroyd (Duane) of Mendon;  5 brothers, Clarence “Dick” Cook (Pat) and Dave Cook (Sandy) both of Mendon, Leo Cook (Betty) of Three Rivers, Robert Cook (Kay) of Burr Oak, and Roger Cook (Marilyn) of Vicksburg;  and by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon.  Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2009 at the funeral home with Rev. James Robertson, Pastor of the Fulton Christian Church officiating.  Burial will be in Mendon Cemetery.  Memorials will be directed to the Three Rivers Health Hospice.  Online register is available and condolences may be left at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com