Gloria A. (Smith) Cook

The eldest of three children, Gloria Annette Smith was born in Greenville, Michigan on December 22, 1941, to Edward and Georgia (Hatinger) Smith. She and her two younger siblings, Bruce and Georgia Jean, were raised in Ionia by their mother and loving stepfather, Gordon Sargeant. 

Gloria graduated from Ionia High School with the class of 1960. She often reminisced of her school days, always highlighting special moments shared with childhood friend Janice (Graham) Morrison, whom she met in kindergarten. The two remained friends for the entirety of Gloria’s life, taking trips to Europe together and meeting up at the Ionia Free Fair. 

She married David O. Cook on October 13, 1962, and together they had two children, Greg and Kathleen. Gloria was great with children, but her four granddaughters, Allison, Mattie, Ellen and Margot were especially dear to her. In her children and grandchildren, she instilled a love of the arts, reading and the absolute joy of holiday tradition. Her grandchildren will carry with them the fondest memories of their “Goya” - summer evenings on the porch, trips in the motorhome, stargazing and sleepovers.  

Gloria got her cosmetology license and cut hair for many years out of her home, at Estelle’s Beauty Shop with Frances Morey and Frances Cobb, and later was the resident hairdresser at Pine Vista. She also worked in the physical therapy department at Ionia Memorial Hospital. In the 1980s and 90s, Gloria operated a booth at the Ionia Antique Mall downtown. She enjoyed going to auctions and traveling throughout the country with David, hitting several antique shops along the way.  

Gloria was civic-minded and an active member of the Ionia community. Over the years, she served on numerous boards and was a member of many organizations. Some of her contributions to the community include serving as Ionia City Councilwoman, Ionia County Commissioner and as a library board member. Gloria was instrumental in the Formation of the Friends of the Library and Reader’s Circle at the Ionia Community Library. Gloria was a lifelong Democrat and active with the Ionia County Democratic Party. At their home on Rich Street, she and David hosted many political fundraisers for various candidates and even some sitting senators. 

Gloria was curious, kind, funny and energetic. She was able to run, skip and could imitate Clem Kadiddlehopper right up until the end! At home you would find her with NPR on the radio, the New Yorker in one hand and a strong cup of coffee in the other. She loved to read, especially classic literature. She enjoyed yard work, tending her flower beds, walking around town and relaxing on her patio. She and David hosted many foreign exchange students, and she was especially fond of Javier Jimenez Gallo with whom she remained in contact throughout the years. Gloria will be remembered for her sweet tooth, her laugh and for being a night owl.  

Gloria is survived by her husband of 62 years, David; her daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Greg Cook; grandchildren Allison (Andrew Roberts), Mattie (Ian Hildebrandt), Ellen (Thomas Finn), and Margot Cook; and great-grandchildren Clancy, Carroll, and Beatrix. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Martha Colony-Smith, Dorothy Cook, and Hollis Treadway, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents Georgia and Gordon Sargeant, biological father Edward Smith, siblings Bruce Smith and Georgia, brother-in-law Jim Kennedy, son Gregory Gordon Cook, special nephew Patrick Kennedy, sisters-in-law Louise Cook, Chieko Cook, and Jenny Cook, brothers-in-law Douglas, Michael, Wallace Cook, and Larry Treadway. Also preceding her in death is an entourage of beloved pets, all whom consumed her time, sanity and love.  

A visitation will be held on July 18, 2025 at Lehman Funeral Homes, 220 Rich Street, Ionia from 3:00-7:00 p.m., The funeral will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at First Christian Church, 130 East Washington Street, Ionia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Gloria’s name to the Ionia Community Library Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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