Mary Esther (Utke) Cooley

Mary entered the arms of her Savior on October 29, 2026, following a challenging journey with vascular dementia in her final years. Mary was born on July 10, 1940, in Valley City, ND, to Herbert and Helen Utke of Oriska, ND. The second-born of four children, Mary grew up loving her family and enjoying all the creative and practical skills of farm life. After graduating from nursing school, Mary moved to Seattle, WA, where she met her husband, John Cooley. They were united in marriage on August 30, 1963, and made their home in North Seattle. Mary delighted in raising her children and aiding others throughout her nursing career. Mary faithfully served her Lord and displayed her love for Him by caring for others through her church engagement activities, assisting her neighbors, and touching lives across the globe through the ministries for which she supported and prayed.

Mary and John loved organizing whole-family vacations to Long Beach, WA, and other beautiful places, like the Oregon Coast, many National and State Parks, Victoria and Vancouver, BC, and other amazing places. Mary chronicled all the memories made on these trips with lots of pictures and detailed journals and scrapbooks. She made sure that everyone had a wonderful time, and no one became bored while spending time with her. Her grandchildren have delightful memories of all the games, activities, and crafts she would pull out of her blue “bag of tricks” that she always had nearby—games, embroidery, crocheting, Brain Quest activities, coloring, and more. One never knew what new, fun activity Grandma would pull out to entertain them in the moment. Her family fondly remembers hearing her often say, “Have all the fun you can think of!” Mary had a passion for providing opportunities for her children and grandchildren to grow in their faith and in life experiences, providing music and swimming lessons, annual zoo or science museum passes, and much more. She made it a priority to attend as many school, church, or community functions that took place when one of her children or grandchildren was involved. Mary was always present when speaking to or interacting with someone, and that person always felt seen and heard by her.

Mary lived a full and beautiful life, and looked forward in hope to an eternity spent with her Savior. She is preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, Herbert and Helen Utke, and her sister, Virginia Brekke. She is survived by her daughter, Carol (Gordon) Ferguson; grandson, Colin (Jannah) Ferguson, with great-granddaughter, Genevieve; and grandson, Bryce Ferguson. She is also survived by her son, Dennis (Karen) Cooley; grandson, Nathanael (Kristen) Cooley, with great-grandchildren, Carmella, Kai, and Monterey; granddaughter, Elisabeth Cooley; grandson, Caleb (Tatum) Cooley, with great-grandchildren, Eloise, Beatrice, and Ardon; and granddaughter, Hannah Cooley. She is further survived by her sister, Gretchen Graybeal, and her brother, Thomas (Kathy) Utke, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In the last years of her life, Mary was content and peaceful with her situation. Even in her cognitive decline, she encouraged and brought joy to those around her. Mary, you are deeply loved, and you will be greatly missed. We know that you will “have all the fun you can think of” now that you are safely home with your Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Avenue N., Seattle, WA, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PST). Live stream will be available. (On the day/time of the service, click here for the live stream.) Coffee, light refreshments, and visiting will follow the service.

All are welcome to join us in remembering Mary and celebrating the life she lived well. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Accessible Hope International (PO Box 334, Wheaton, IL 60187). This is a ministry that Mary loved, supported, and prayed for, which reaches vulnerable people with the hope of the Gospel.