Melva Beatrice Cooke, late of Weyburn, passed away August 8, 2014, at the age of 73 years. Melva Cooke (Rolston) was born February 18, 1941 to Beatrice and Ray Rolston at Rabbit Lake, SK. Melva is predeceased by her mother Beatrice Phillips; step-father Jack Phillips; father Ray Rolston; step-mother Margaret Rolston; sister Doreen Simpson; brothers-in-law: Lyle Simpson, Walter Venaas; nephew David Venaas. Melva is survived by her husband Verne Cooke; children: Vernna (Warren) Wiggins, Cheryl Cooke (Bob Stanners), Kevin (Bonnie Adacsi-Cooke); grandchildren: Randi (Adam) Maurer, Charli Wiggins (Justin Churko), Chantel Cooke (Kendall Oliver), Cody Cooke; step grandchildren: John (Robin) Stanners, Lesley (John) Stanners-Vukelich, Robbie (Leanne) Stanners; great grandson Lane Maurer; brothers: George (Hilda) Rolston, Jim (Judy) Phillips, Perry (Anne) Phillips; sister Valerie (Ed) Dinius; sister by choice Gladys Marlatte; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Most of Melva's childhood was spent at Yellow Grass. She then went to Regina to take a secretarial course. She became quite smitten with a young cowboy who worked at the PFRA pasture at Yellow Grass. On October 2, 1959 she married the cowboy, Verne Cooke. They moved to Weyburn where she worked as an aide at Souris Valley Institute. Together they raised three children. When the kids came along Melva became a stay-at-home mom until they were all in school. She re-entered the work force first at Waddell's Drug Store then Southeast Regional Library Headquarters and she retired as a medical librarian from Souris Valley Extended Care Centre in 2001. Melva was involved in the United Church, Alexandria Rebekah Lodge, the Royal Canadian Legion and helped Verne with Scouts. She was a fabulous cook, she made the best meals, great baking, canning and pies to die for, and the best leftovers. Her magic was definitely in the kitchen. Melva enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and reading. Melva and Verne enjoyed their travels to parts of Canada, US and Costa Rica. Melva and Verne were beautiful old time and pattern dancers, and they spent many enjoyable times dancing with friends. She spent a lot of time following her grandchildren, watching them dance, playing music and participating in sports and 4-H. The birth of her great grandson brought so much joy into her life, she looked forward to each and every visit from him. She was a kind and generous person, if you were in need she was there to give. In February 2012 Melva was diagnosed with cancer. She chose not to have any treatments and was able to continue with her life as she chose to live it, enjoying each moment as it came. She faced her disease head on with great courage and an incredibly strong mind. She defied every timeline the medical profession gave her. She would set goals: Christmas, her birthday, the birth of her great grandson, Christmas again, dad's birthday she was lovingly cared for at home by her husband Verne. A service of remembrance for Melva was held on Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn with Rev. Barnabas, officiating. Lunch followed at Upper Grace Hall, Weyburn. Interment followed at Goodwater Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Home Care and Palliative Care nurses, Dr. Bridgeman and Dr. Paszkiewicz, the kind staff at the Weyburn General Hospital and Taka Iida, all of who provided such wonderful care so she was able to stay at home to the end. Your special care made Melva's quality of life so much better. Donations in memory of Melva may be made to the Saskatchewan Oddfellows & Rebekah Visual Research & Equipment Foundation, 202 west Pointe Estates, Regina, SK, S4Y 1A4 or the Salvation Army Corps 126-4th Street NE, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2L5.Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com. "Our family serving your family"
