Hester Cook

Hester Marie Cook, 49, completed her journey surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born to Kenneth and Karann Laughlin in Tacoma, the third of three girls.

Hester grew up in Yelm, Wash., and graduated from Yelm High School. After graduation, Hester joined the U.S. Army where she excelled. Hester spent many years writing in medical records at Group Health.

Hester met the love of her life, Shawn W. Cook, at Walts Tavern in McKenna, Wash. Their first date was a Shania Twain concert on June 13, 1998. They were married Dec. 1, 2001. They have two wonderful children and two beautiful granddaughters.

Hester loved her family and always put them first in her life. Many of her kids’ friends called her mom. Hester also volunteered for all of her kids’ school functions.

Hester loved all animals and frequently surprised Shawn with a “stray” that just showed up. Hester had many horses since she was a young girl and enjoyed showing at the fair, barrel racing, trail riding and riding on the beach.

Hester always had a beautiful garden and flowers everywhere. She had a real green thumb.

Family and friends will remember her spicy character, her generous heart and her love for her people.

Hester’s pride was her children who meant the world to her — especially her two beautiful granddaughters who were her whole heart.

Hester is survived by her husband Shawn, daughter Emma (Dalton Wynn) Cook, son Cody (Justice Phelps) Cook and her two granddaughters Brinnleigh Cook and Anniston Cook, all of Kamiah.

Also surviving are her two sisters, Annette Haworth and Roxanna Durham, brother Ernest Durham and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Hester was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Karann Laughlin, her grandparents Howard and Bettie Alexander, and her father-in-law John W. Cook.

Hester was an organ donor so her selfless love is continuing for others.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in Hester’s name to your local organ donor program or Life Flight Network