Leota Laura Cook

Devoted wife, mother of five, registered nurse and a steady influence for 29 years at The Meeker Hearld, Leota will always be remembered for her loving kindness and generosity to both her family and the Meeker Community.

Remembered by many since moving to the White River Valley in 1964, Leota was a tireless volunteer who spread her Christian energy across many activities, all aimed at making Meeker a better place to live.

Born April 12, 1924 to Adam and Augusta Jaeger in Imperial, Nebraska, Leota was the youngest of 14 children who grew up in that farming community. While church and school were her two early focal points, she chose a career in nursing and later became an RN.

Her life changed in 1950 however when she met newspaperman Jim Cook who was a linotype operator for the Imperial Republican. Married on April 9, 1950, to this union were eventually born five children.

After moving to the White River Valley on January 1, 1964 when they purchased The Meeker Herald, Leota became an active member of the Methodist Church. However, she will best be remembered for her daily vigilance and caring for her children, husband, community and her 10 grandchildren. Meals were always well prepared, the house forever clean and the needs of the family were always first and foremost. Grandma “Otie” always had a way of making every grandchild loved in the way they needed to be.

A faithful servant of God and Jesus, all who knew her are sure she will be most welcomed in Heaven.

A funeral service honoring Leota's life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026, at the White River Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Meeker.