Katherine “Kathie” Darlene Cook

Katherine Darlene Cook (McClendon) - "Kathie" passed away at age 62 years old, on June 18, 2021, at 12:10 p.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lake Saint Louis, MO, due to complications from Covid-19/Pulmonary Fibrosis.  

She was born on May 31, 1959, at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis, MO.  Kathie leaves behind a mother, Olga Marie (Brewer) McClendon in Wellsville, KS, a step-father Ken Warren, and three sisters, Linda (McClendon) Blecher in Wellsville, KS, Karen (McClendon) Rand in Allen, TX, and Tammy (McClendon) Barrett in Olathe, KS, four sister-in-laws, Connie Gianformaggio, Pam Riesenbeck, Debbie Cook, Stacey Cook, and seven brother-in-laws, James Blecher Jr., Thomas Rand Sr., Roger Barrett, Bill Cook, Jerry Cook, Pat Cook, and Frankie Gianformaggio. On November 2, 1979, Kathie McClendon married Gary Bearden at Victory Baptist Church in Shawnee, KS. They had three children, and later divorced in 1997. Their adult children are Michael J. Bearden, Rachel Bearden Henkelman and Rebecca Bearden Baskin. They also have two son-in-laws, Brian Henkelman and Ryan Baskin. On August 23rd, 1997, Kathie married Tom Cook and they had a set of twin sons on May 30, 1998; Thomas Cook Jr. and Shawn Cook. Kathie's three step-children are Kamilah Cook, Cassandra Cook, and Samuel Cook. Kathie has nine grandchildren: Caitlyn, Peyton, Brody, George William, Joe, Andre, Myranda, Allen, and Mckenzie. Kathie also leaves behind her small dog named Frankie, who has fortunately found himself a loving new home. 

Kathie attended Glasgow Elementary School, in St. Louis, MO, from 1964 - 1969, and attended Shawanoe Elementary School in Shawnee, KS, from late 1969 - 1972. She also attended Trailridge Jr. High from 1972-1975, and graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1979. 

Kathie worked at Lakeview Village Retirement Home in Lenexa, KS, and took on various babysitting jobs over the weekend from 1977-78. A year later, she worked for Pizza Queen in Shawnee, KS, where friends had introduced her and Gary to each other. A few months later they were married. In February of 1980, Kathie and Gary moved from KS to FL. She worked at a local laundromat, early 1981; just months after their son Michael was born. In July of 1982, Kathie moved back to KS. Their second child Rachel was born in December of 1983. In 1985, Kathie worked at La Petite in O'Fallon, MO. While at LaPetite, their third child Rebecca was born. Working very hard and keeping busy with three small children, Kathie's plate was definitely full. Late 1996, Kathie began working at a local Printing Shop, and was considered for a very high leadership position. Kathie and Gary parted ways and Kathie found the love of her life, Tom Cook.  They quickly started a family of their own with two rambunctious twin boys who monopolized every moment of their days and gave them countless happy memories.   

Kathie attended First Baptist Church of Louisiana Missouri and has been a member for about three years.

In summary, while always a hard worker, Kathie was a fun-loving person who truly enjoyed life, and had a laughter that was extremely contagious. Kathie would work herself to the painful limits to aid someone she cared about with whatever it was they were needing. As a very sacrificial person, she was willing to let God's grace flow through her for another's benefit. Without even trying, she had that unique, light-hearted, "Kathie" ability to brighten any situation or inspire humor, and could truly lighten a heavy mood. As a Christian, Kathie openly shared her own personal testimony and belief with others without fear or shame. Kathie's personal relationship with God was very important to her and it showed. Kathie deeply loved her family, and was especially proud of all of her kids, and had made some truly precious friendships along her life's journey. Kathie gave much love to many, and is loved so much by many who evidence how she has touched their lives. She was a blessing given to us, and will truly be missed by those who knew her.