Joyce Cook

Joyce Irene Cook, 79, of Elsie, passed away January 26, 2026, at Perkins County Health Services in Grant.

Joyce was born November 18, 1946, in Shenandoah, Iowa, to Gale "Bill" and Christina (Slauter) Rood. She grew up in the area and graduated from Callaway High School.

On July 24, 1963, Joyce married Lynn R. Cook in Taylor, Nebraska. The couple lived in Hastings for 10 years before moving to Elsie, where they made their home and raised their three boys, Cary, Chris, and Colby.

For Joyce, one of her greatest joys was found in caring for her family. She loved baking cookies for her grandchildren; her chocolate chip cookies and hot rolls were family favorites. Joyce's meals were always made with love and were a highlight of family gatherings, particularly during the holidays, when she was happiest cooking for those she loved most.

Joyce also enjoyed tending to her flowers. Perhaps above all, she adored her dogs, who were her special companions throughout life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gale and Christina Rood; siblings, Vernon and Richard; and other loved ones.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Lynn Cook of Elsie; sons, Cary (Stacey) Cook of Ogallala, Chris Cook of Sutherland, and Colby (Tami) Cook of Elsie; grandchildren, Amber (Jason) Dowse of North Platte, Michael Cook of Atkinson, Michele (David) Vinton of Whitman, Hunter Cook of Lincoln, Kennedi Cook of North Platte, Kimberly Cook of North Platte, Kiffen Cook of Minden, Kaitlin Cook of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Lauryn, Lily, Kyree Dowse, Emitt, Eli, Elivia, and Millie Vinton, Samuel Dircksen, Henry Cook, and Sawyer Cook; sister, Diana Dankof of Nebraska City; along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Elsie Methodist Church, with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

A memorial has been established in Joyce's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.