Ralph Edward Cook, age 84, of Helena, passed away on March 10, 2016. He was born in Logan, MT on August 5, 1931 to Gladys and Grant Cook.
After graduation from high school in 1948 Ralph went into the United States Navy. His first assignment was to an Aircraft Carrier that was home ported in San Diego, CA. In 1952 he met the love of his life, Nelda Hinze and they were married in 1955. Two years later they had their only child, Cherrie Cook.
Ralph was a person who loved to live life and he loved to travel as well as telling you all about it. The family were stationed in Italy for 3 years and then on to Norfolk, VA until he retired. After retiring in from the Navy 1971, the family moved to Helena, MT and Ralph worked for the school system as a custodian until his retirement 1992.
Ralph loved to be involved with kids and his grandkids. He was a leader in the Christian Service Brigade and later with his grandkids in Awana. People were very important to him and he would do anything he could for them if needed. He was very active in the VFW and at Fort Harrison as a volunteer worker in the pharmacy.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Gladys Cook; siblings, Elaine Mercer and Gene Cook. He is survived by his wife, Nelda Cook; daughter, Cherrie Cook and her husband, Steve Albrecht; grandchildren, Angela and Casey; many nephews and nieces, and great nephews and nieces.
A viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Helena Alliance Church, 1400 Stuart St. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison with a reception to be held at the church following the burial.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ralph.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 16, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday March 17, 2016
Helena Alliane Church
1400 Stuart St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the funeral
Thursday March 17, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
After the burial
Thursday March 17, 2016
Helena Alliane Church
1400 Stuart St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 16, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday March 17, 2016
Helena Alliane Church
1400 Stuart St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the funeral
Thursday March 17, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
After the burial
Thursday March 17, 2016
Helena Alliane Church
1400 Stuart St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Dorothy (Dee) Butrell says
Nelda I am so sorry cousin Ralph has passed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Betty Brewer says
I am so sorry to hear if Ralph’s passing. I pray for comfort and Gidd peace for you and all of your family. God is always watching you!
Mark Bartosik says
Sorry for your loss. I am proud to have called him a friend. He brought me into Boy’s Brigade, to help prepare young men to serve Jesus.
David & Patty Elliott says
I spent several years with Ralph and Nelda In Helena, Ralph and I started a Men’s Breakfast every Wednesday morning at Hardies and there were times we had close to a dozen men there. Ralph loved the Lord and People. I miss him as we moved away but always will remember him as a fellow sailor and Brother in Christ. Nelda, so sorry but he is now home and in his new body.
Kathlene Sampson says
Very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I remember him from church at Evangelical Church many years ago. Having youth group at your house I think and if my memory is right he had us playing Kazoos going down the street. This was in the 70’s. But, what I remember most is after my Mom left my father he saw us kids with my Mom, we were laughing and having a good time. He came to my Mom and told her how nice it was to see us all laughing. To see us relaxed, being kids who were enjoying life. There was no doubt he was a great and loving man. I often think of him taking the time to let us know it is o.k. to laugh. We all moved away from Helena long ago. Your family is some of our happy memories of Helena. He is your angel above forever watching over all of you. May God bless you all. Kathy Johnson-Sampson
Lynda Milliron says
so sorry for your loss. will be thinking about you Cherrie. Lynda milliron
Pastor Rick DeMato says
Sorry to hear about Ralph’s death. I know he is in heaven because we talked many many times about our Lord Jesus Christ. We lived just 2 doors from Ralph. I pastored Liberty Baptist Church in Helena and Ralph visited many times. The world will miss him, but heaven rejoices over the home coming of the redeemed. Pastor Rick and Kathy DeMato