Barbara Kay Cook

Barbara Kay Cook, (Purdy, Blaylock, Shelton) age 72, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away on October 4th 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents Katherine Bertha Galbreath and Edwin Leo Cook; and brother James Michael Cook. She is survived by her loving son Chad Robert Purdy, sisters of the heart Patti Beck and Debbie Brittin, beloved and close friends Jim Blaylock and Russ Shelton, Belleville West Gals, and special companion Bailey.

Barbara lived a full life and was a graduate of BTHS West in 1971 and a graduate of SIUE with a bachelor’s degree in 1983. Barbara had a long career in television news as a director at KTVI-TV Channel 2 in St. Louis before retiring in 2005. She was nominated for 14 local television Emmy Awards. She was active in the IBEW Local 4. She then created a successful wedding business Bk design that turned custom weddings and receptions dreams into reality for hundreds of brides over the last 20 years.

She loved animals, especially rescue dogs. She had many over the years; Bailey, Buster, Betty, Blackie and Rusty that all had special places in her heart. She loved life, loved entertaining family and friends especially at her notorious Christmas parties she used to throw in New Athens. Barb loved to travel and was able to achieve traveling to all 50 States. This started as a bucket list with her first cancer diagnosis 8 years ago and achieved this with Deb, Jim, and Chad.

Barbara Cook’s Celebration of Life will be held at Columbia Turner Hall in Columbia, IL, on January 3rd, 2026 starting at 2 p.m., with food served at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society and Belleville Area Humane Society.

Please sign Barbara's on line guest book and share fond memories.