Audrey S. Cook

Audrey Sue Cook, 64, of Richland, received her heavenly promotion on May 9, 2024 after a five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Audrey was born on September 26, 1959 to Arnold and Marilyn (Kinney) Lourens in Des Moines, Iowa. After Audrey graduated from Adel-Desoto High School in 1978, she moved to Michigan to be closer to her mother Marilyn and step-father Lloyd Cripps.

After completing cosmetology school in Newaygo, she succeeded in many work opportunities, including Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, McDonald’s, as well as many years of cosmetology. Audrey’s ability as a salesperson could be described as one who could “sell ice cubes to eskimos.” Her most recent years working for Mike at U.P. North Sandwich and Pasty Co. in Richland could be described more as working with her extended family rather than co-workers. 

In 1987, Audrey married Arthur Cook in Fremont, Michigan. They went on to have three children: Arthur Jr. “AJ”, Andrew, and Abraham. They remained married for almost 25 years as they raised the three joys of their lives.

Her passion for serving others came from her love for God. It overflowed in her life from her family to her job to her community service. Audrey started the “Golden Friends” program for the senior citizens of Ravenna and the surrounding communities. She also headed up the Staff Appreciation week and luncheon for the Ravenna Public Schools while her boys throughout their school years. Audrey never did anything out of the desire to be recognized, but rather the love she had for those around her. The level of compassion and tenacity Audrey had was next to none. Audrey wouldn’t describe herself as “bossy”, but rather “aggressively helpful.”

Although Audrey never retired from work, she took time to spend with those she loved. Whether it was staying home to raise her sons, visiting family on weekends, or spending evenings with friends, Audrey would make time for the many friends and family she loved. 

Audrey is survived by: her three sons, AJ Cook of Richland, Andrew (Amanda) Cook of Millersburg, IN, Abraham Cook of Richland; grandchildren Abbigail Cook, Adelaide Cook, Asher Cook, Annalyse Cook; her siblings, Julie (David) Johns of Richland, Allen Lourens of Centerville, PA, Darrel (Johnnie) Lourens of Creston, IA, Sheryl (Bobby) Slings of Prairie City, IA, Lorie (Tom) Stajcar of Urbandale, IA, Scott (Patty) Lourens, Des Moines, IA, Charles (Lila) Cripps of Newaygo, MI, Aunt Sue Kinney of Fayetteville, NC, Uncle Garry (Marcy) Lourens of Colfax, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her father Arnold Lourens, mother Marilyn Cripps, and step-father Lloyd Cripps.

The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16^th and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 17^th at gracespring Bible Church, 8643 Gull Rd., Richland, MI 49083 where a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. In honor of Audrey, the family has requested that you wear her favorite color, yellow, to the service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the family or gracespring Bible Church. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Audrey may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.