Eva Kay Cook, 75, a resident of Hurley, NM, entered eternal life on July 3, 2026. Kay was "born in space" in Santa Rita, NM on October 9, 1950, to Isaac Lorenzo Connell and Oletta Minerva Connell (Benskin). She and her twin sister Ila Fay were the 3rd & 4th children out of 5.
Kay grew up in Hurley, NM and attended WNMU on and off until she received her bachelor's degree in Academic Studies in 1996. Although she and Rick both grew up in Hurley, they didn't officially meet until they attended a church dance. Shortly after they started dating Rick enlisted in the Navy and Kay patiently waited for him to finish his enlistment. They were engaged in February of 1970 and were married June 20, 1970. Two years later they were sealed in the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Kay was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held a position in the Relief Society and was the church librarian for a time. Kay also had many jobs during her life, including working at the Silver Bowling Alley, Stream Dynamics, Copper Country Stamps and Gifts (a shop she owned with her sister, Delva), Holiday Inn Express, and the Gateway Hotel.
Kay will be remembered for her loving and kind spirit. Although she faced many hardships in life, she never lost her sweet disposition. She was a talented artist and blessed many people with gifts of creativity.
She is survived by her devoted husband Richard Cook of 56 years, sons Gregg Cook (Jennifer) and Bryan Cook, 8 grandchildren, and sisters Zoe VanHeel and Ila Fay Madsen. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wiley Connell, sister Delva Coldwell, her son Donald Cook and daughter Diana Bailey.
Services will be held on Monday, July 13th at the Church of Latter-Day Saints visitation will begin at 11:30am, funeral mass at 12:30pm, followed by burial at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 2pm. Serving as pallbearers will be Noah Cook, Dezert Cook, Travis Bailey, Kaiden Cook, Beau Jackson, and Gary Cook. Honorary pallbearer will be Edwin Lamoreaux.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
