Loretta "Fern" Cook

Loretta "Fern" Cook, 102, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville. Fern was born September 8, 1914 in Rush County, the daughter of Harrison G. and Pearl L. (Rea) Land. On June 26, 1946, she married Richard W. Cook, and he preceded her in death on February 20, 1994. She is survived by her daughters, Sylvia C. Spurling and husband, Larry, and Melinda K. Horner and husband, James Jr., both of Shelbyville; sisters, Phyllis Albea and husband, Hubert, of Anderson, and E. Kathryn Dickey, of Whiteland; grandchildren, Kristin M. Parker, Alison E. Sabino and husband, Keith, Laura K. Harris and Dana Sass, Warren R. Harris and wife, Tammy, Jennifer L. Horner-Dixon and husband, Kyle and Gregory J. Horner; great-grandchildren, Nolan Parker, Sophia Parker, Logan Erwin, Kylie Harris and Jeremy Harris; and several nieces and nephews. Fern was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mildred Greer and Martha Williams; brothers, Roy Land, Maurice Land; and two infant brothers, Forrest and Wallace. She graduated from Milroy High School in 1932 and Terhune Business College. She worked as a bookkeeper most of her adult life, working in the Addison Township and Shelby County Assessor, Shelby County Auditor, and Shelby County Clerk’s offices, she then served as interim director of the Shelby County Welfare Department, retiring in 1976. Fern was a member of First Christian Church for over 80 years, where she was a Sunday school teacher. She was also member of Church Women United, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Psi Iota Xi Sorority and Business and Professional Women. Fern loved music and playing the piano. Her parents recognized her talent early in her life, making piano lessons available for her, although she also had the gift of playing by ear. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2016 at First Christian Church, 118 W. Washington St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with Rev. Bill Horner officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Services entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Shelbyville-Shelby County Public Library, 57 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or First Christian Church. Fern’s family would like to thank the staff of Ashford Place Health Campus, Assisted Living for the exceptional care she received during the past few years.