A visitation will follow the graveside Sunday at 7:00 pm at the Drexel Community Building. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to Vintage Park Activity Fund or Drexel School. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Lois was born to Ira and Dorothy (Schultz) Bodenhamer February 16, 1936 in rural Cass County near Drexel, MO. They lived on farms in the Drexel area until 1945 when the family moved to town. Lois started her education at Coldwater, a one room schoolhouse near Lisle. She continued her education at Drexel and graduated in May 1954. After High School Lois, along with three of her classmates, went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C. Lois worked in the typing pool. She returned to Drexel after 10 months due to homesickness. Lois was united in marriage to Howard Lee Cook on November 27, 1955. Lois and Howard had four sons, Aaron Lee, Bryon Ray, Kevin Joe and Darin Wyn. Sadly, May 20, 1986 Lois’ husband of 31 years (her true love) Howard passed away.
Lois worked for the Drexel Star newspaper after she married Howard. In 1964, Lois began babysitting while raising her own sons as a stay at home mom. She opened her home to many children. Once Lois’ sons were self-sufficient, she started working for Drexel School as the principal’s secretary; she worked for the school from 1976-2007. During her employment at the school she filled many different roles, but most people probably remember her as the basketball score keeper. For anyone who entered the principal’s office for good or bad reasons, Lois was the first person they would see. Both students and teachers utilized her as an important resource while at school.
Lois’ time away from school was spent traveling with Darin to his dance competitions where she took great pleasure in watching him compete, until his death on April 20, 1992. She spent many hours attending Bryon’s daughters sporting events and she enjoyed visiting her sons Aaron and Kevin and their families in Texas and Alabama. Lois’ favorite hobbies included jigsaw puzzles, reading, and crocheting.
Lois’ home the last year of her life was Vintage Park in Louisburg KS. The Caretakers at Vintage Park quickly became her second family. She truly loved her “new family”, they are incredible. They took great care of her and made her feel loved.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Dorothy, her husband Howard, son Darin, brother Ronald Dee, and infant sister Iretta Jeanette. Lois is survived in death by her brother Ramon “Bodie”,of Drexel, son Aaron and wife Brenda of Fort Worth, Texas; son Bryon and wife Lorrie of Drexel, MO; and son Kevin and wife Donna of Huntsville, AL; and seven grandchildren: BryAnn, Adrianne, Joe, Ben, Josh, RJ & Soren and eleven great-grandchildren: Sami, Colton, Kennedy, Camryn, Harper, Reagan, Atticus, Issac, Lawton, Esther, and Reese.
