Gladys Bernice Tjaden Cook

Gladys Bernice Tjaden Cook peacefully passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the age of 98 years. She lived in Wichita until she was 96 before moving to Dallas area in March 2020, to be closer to her daughter, Carol. Gladys was born to Minerva (Reese) and Benjamin Tjaden December 29, 1923 in Wichita, Kansas. Gladys grew up on the family farm through college cooking for the farm hands. She was a 1941 graduate of Wichita North High and received a degree in Home Economics from Kansas State University in 1945. She taught Home Economics in Coffeyville, KS for 3 years before becoming Gas Service Company director of Wichita in 1948. In February 1954 she married John Cook. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage until John's passing in 1989. To this union 2 children were born, Carol in 1955 and Craig in 1957. John and Gladys enjoyed going dancing on Saturday nights at the Elks, Moose and Cotillion Club. Her favorite pastime was maintaining a nice yard of flowers and vegetables. She could not walk by a weed, no matter where she was, without stopping to pull it. She was a people person and enjoyed holding offices and participating in various clubs. These included: Daughter of the American Revolution, Daughter of the American Colonist, Gamma Chi Sorority, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Home Economist Wichita Club, Bookarama Book Club, PTA, North High Grads of 1941, Girl Scout Leaders, Beta Mothers Club, Pi Beta Phi Mothers Club, and longtime member of Faith United Church of Christ. She prided herself in her seamstress endeavors and baking. Gladys centered her life around her children's activities. Her parenting responsibilities increased since her husband John was a traveling salesman during the school year. In the summers the family would take yearly trips to Lake of the Ozarks, Texas to visit family and venture off into different directions. Her bucket list was to complete all lower 48 states by the time Carol graduated from High School, which was accomplished. She continued to travel with her girlfriends and her daughter Carol on numerous international trips and cruises. Gladys was also a caregiver to many, including her brothers, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law. She is preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Wayne, John and Howard Tjaden; and sister Helen, Woolsey. Survivors include daughter, Carol and husband Tom Stiffler of Coppell, TX; son, Craig and wife Wendy; grandchildren, Jaden and Jack Cook of Indian Hills, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Monday, June 27, 2022; Memorial Service will be 1:30 pm, Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. The service will be live streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Event" below. Graveside Service will follow at Wichita Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Butterfly House, 701 Amidon Wichita, KS 67203.

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