Thelma Hellesto Cook's Obituary
Thelma Hellesto Cook Age 81, was called to the Lord on Saturday, October 30th in Tacoma. Thelma was born and raised on Vashon Island, and was class valedictorian upon graduation in 1947. She married Kenneth Cook of Tacoma in 1949 and, together with their daughter Cindy, moved to California where Ken helped develop Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Company in Oakland, CA. When Ken sold Dreyer's in 1975, Thelma and Ken moved back to Tacoma, where Ken continued with Cook's Flavoring Extracts and briefly managed their resort on Tanwax Lake. Thelma took over management upon Ken's death in 1990. Thelma enjoyed traveling, entertaining guests, was an avid gardener, and especially enjoyed watching her grandson participate in sports. She was involved in a myriad of church activities and, as an accomplished musician, was the church organist in California and enjoyed accompanying her church quartets in Tacoma. Thelma continued with business, church and philanthropic activities until they were curtailed by recent health challenges.
Thelma is survived by her daughter Cindy Cook-Boettner and grandson, Jason Boettner of Toledo, WA. She was predeceased by her husband Ken, parents Olga and Torvald (Tom) Hellesto, and brother Irwin. She is also survived by siblings Irene Halbert (Wayne) of Fremont, CA, Tommy Hellesto of Pullman, and Clara Carlson (Joel) of Anchorage, AK. Additionally, she leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as brother-in-law Don Cook (Carol), of Tacoma. The family appreciates the superb care by the staff at Franke Tobey Jones.
A private family graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery will precede a celebration of her life scheduled for 1:00pm Saturday, November 13th, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church, 20 Tacoma Avenue S. Remembrances may be made to First Presbyterian Church.
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