Lolita "Lita" Louise Cook, 69, of Marion, passed away Saturday afternoon surrounded by loved ones, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Elwood, she was the daughter of Conrad Ritchie Wilson and Evelyn Joan (Coble) Weaver.  Though a lifelong resident of Marion, Indiana, Lita spent much of her childhood living around the world – in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.  These early experiences helped shape her into a cultured, compassionate woman with a deep appreciation for the world around her.

On August 9, 1986, she married Terry Dean Cook at St. Paul Parish in Marion.  Lita was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family and had an unwavering passion for animal rescue. She also found joy in anything related to nature – walking through woods, enjoying the beach, or tending to her flowers and plants.

She is dearly missed by her husband of almost 39 years, Terry Cook; her mother, Evelyn Weaver.  Her brother, Carlos Wilson (preceded in death by his wife Sheila); her sister, Marta Cullen; and her children, who meant the world to her:  Jamaise (Dominic) Wilson, Megan Cook, Zachery (Erin) Cook, Quentin Cook, Weston Cook, Nathan (Samantha "Sam") Cook, Kirby (Carrie) Cook, Charlie (Jessica) Cook and Hayden (Cherish) Cook.

She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren:  Pegen, Julien, Capri, Haylie, Allie, A.J., James and Apollo; and her great-grandson, Milo.

She is reunited in peace with her father Conrad Wilson; her brother, Randy Voland; her grandparents, Eugene and Mildred Coble and other beloved family members who passed before her.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Lita's life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 18th at Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City.

In honor of Lita's memory, donations may be made to any local animal rescue or shelter.  In lieu of traditional arrangements, the family welcomes flowers that can be planted to help build Lita's outdoor memorial in her 'secret garden'.