Lucy Cook

Lucy left us unexpectedly February 7, 2026, for her eternal home with Jesus. At nearly 84 years old, she was living life on her own terms in Maize, Kansas just the way she liked.

Born Mary Lucille Needham April 14, 1942, in El Dorado, Kansas, Lucy was the firstborn child of Freda and Lester Needham. Her father passed away when she was 16 years old, and Lucy helped her mother with her three younger siblings. That early responsibility shaped the strong, independent woman she would become.

Lucy spent her life in Kansas. She married David Cook January 18, 1964, and they adopted two infant sons, Dolan in 1970 and Donald two years later. While raising her boys, Lucy worked in medical and chiropractic offices. After her boys were grown, she started a new chapter — one that would be defined by her role as Grandma Lucy.

In 1993, both of her sons became fathers within months of each other, and Lucy became a grandmother. All told, she welcomed five grandchildren who she was so proud of, and eight beautiful great-grandchildren. She showed up — for games, concerts, events, and all the moments in between. Lucy loved being included in all the things.

She was feisty and strong-willed. Subtlety was not her middle name. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Lucy faced life’s challenges by trusting God and moving forward.

After retiring from full time work, Lucy worked part-time at the daycare at her church and later at Goodwill. Over the last decade, Lucy made wonderful friends, and she loved playing cards with them at their neighborhood clubhouse. She had a love for the game. Watching baseball and football and playing Rummikub, Sequence, and Uno.

Lucy was always clear about what she liked. And at a restaurant, she ordered it without apology — usually chicken strips and a Diet Coke. She was always on the go – washing her car so often the paint is coming off in a few spots. You could find her at Target, Kohl’s or Sam’s wandering the aisles, seeing what she might need. Or getting her daily steps in walking all around her neighborhood.

Lucy was a simple woman. She loved her family, her friends, and every baby she ever held. More than anything, Lucy loved Jesus. Her faith gave her strength and shaped how she loved others.

Lucy wasn’t an animal person at all, but she tolerated decades of grand-dogs for the sake of her dog-loving family. The current crew — Cooper, Drake, Diesel, Rally, Jager, Indy, Piper, Loki, Marley Jo, Tango, Jack, and Jet — will miss her. She won’t miss them.

Lucy is survived by her sons Dolan (Jessica) of Elgin, IL and Don (Kelly) of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren Gabe (Sophie) Cook of Goddard, KS, Grant Cook of Gilbert, AZ, Aubrey (Garrett) Farris of Derby, KS, Reed (Caitlyn) Cook of Gilbert, AZ, and Morgan (Jake) Soria of Wichita; and great-grandchildren Wyatt (8), Judge (5), Tripp (2.5), Oakleigh (2), Hailen (1.5), Donnie (1), Kollyns (4 months), and Ronnie (5 weeks).

Lucy is also survived by her sister, Cathy Hoffman of Arlington, TX, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Bev Cook of Wichita, and nieces and nephews she loved in both Kansas and Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Sam and Steve.

Lucy was loved deeply and will be missed in the same way. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Community Church in Wichita, where Lucy found her spiritual home under the ministry of Pastor Bob Beckler.

Service Details:

• • Visitation: Downing & Lahey West Mortuary , Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 5:00–700 p.m., 10515 W. Maple St., Wichita
  • Funeral: Central Community Church Chapel, Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., 6100 W. Maple St., Wichita
  • Burial: Following funeral services, Lucy will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, 6231 W. 47th St. South, Wichita