Vera Belle Cook

Vera Belle Cook, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2015 in Worthington, Ohio at the age of 88. Belle is survived by her husband, Robert Johnson; sister, Carolyn Lou (nee Rich) Wilson (Robert) of Lapel, IN; four children, Linda Markham (John), Paula Cook Belman, Brian Cook and Teresa Cook; three grandchildren, Jason Williams, Kyle Belman and Danielle Belman and great-granddaughter, Olivia Williams. Belle was born on May 8, 1927 to Volney and Emma (Greene) Rich in Fishersburg, IN and graduated from Lapel High School in 1944. After high school, Belle attended two years at Ball State Teacher's College (now BSU), Muncie, IN and then returned to Lapel to help her father with the family general store. In 1946, Belle married Clarence Dale Cook of Lapel. They moved to Columbus, OH in 1950, Their four children were born between 1948 and 1960. Belle became very involved in North Broadway Methodist Church and was a 50+ year member of the choir. Belle also served as a member and president of the Woman's Society of Christian Service, was very active in multiple chapters of the Child Conservation League (CCL) and became the Program Chairman in 1961-62. She was a 55 year member of P.E.O. and president from 1968-1970. In 1980, Belle was accepted into the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lab. Belle also worked for the Ohio Vocational Association and was voted "Woman of the Year" in 1980. In 1982, Belle started working for North Broadway United Methodist Church as the church secretary and later became the Director of Pastoral Care, she retired after 17 years in 1999. After her husband Dale passed in 1999, Belle became engaged to Robert Johnson of California. They married on April 28, 2001 and lived in Belle's home in Worthington until spring of 2014. Belle and Bob enjoyed 13 years of loving companionship doing things together. They both enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, events and dining out. Health challenges began to surface and Belle decided to move to an Assisted Living facility. Belle was an unwavering Christian, a faithful servant, a gifted musician, a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and devoted friend. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to see the world during her blessed life. A Memorial Celebration of Belle's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at North Broadway United Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio with a reception to follow in the gathering area outside the sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. Belle's children would like to thank Sunrise of Worthington and Heartland Hospice for their exceptional care of our mother for the past several months. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory with Belle's family. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, OH.