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Madonna Thome Cook

The world is diminished by the passing of Madonna Thome Cook, of LaRue. After 93 years, she left this earth Saturday January 10, 2026 at the home of her daughter in Marion. She was born November 10, 1932 in Defiance, the middle child of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth O. Thome, who preceded her in death. She was the last survivor of siblings Kenneth Thome, Kathleen Granger, Karen Russ, and Francis Thome. In 1951, she married the love of her life, James Robert “Bob” Cook, and they spent 62 years together before his death in 2013. They began a family and a farm business and moved to LaRue after purchasing property there. She was a devoted farm wife and mother. Madonna was of the Catholic faith, graduated from St. Mary’s School and attended St. Mary’s church in Marion. In her younger years, she was active in and excelled in baseball, softball, and bowling. She was an avid reader and enjoyed all kinds of puzzles and was known to be a rabid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. Her warmth and kindness eventually led her to a career in the ENT department at the former Smith Clinic. She spent 25 years there before retiring in 1997. Her grace, dedication, and loving spirit made her very popular with doctors, patients, and her co-workers. Madonna is survived by her children: Dr. James Robert (Kathy) Cook Jr. of Boca Raton, FL, Valerie “Kim” Cook, John Cook, and Ron (Teresa) Cook, all of Marion. sister-in-law, Marian Kingsley Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews will all miss her dearly. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends on Thursday January 15, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue. There will be a Memorial Mass and burial at St. Marys Cemetery in Marion later this spring. This page will be updated when the plans are finalized. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Assn. 5200 Upper Metro Pl #170, Dublin, OH 43017 Remembrances and Condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com. Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Matt Appelfeller La Rue Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 2:58 PM Goodbye, you dear sweet woman. May God care for your family, now. #2 from: Deb Thomas Morral Ohio Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 3:23 PM Kim, I’m so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and family #3 from: Amy Brown Marion Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 4:16 PM Prayers to the family. #4 from: Jeff Hicks Houston, mississippi Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 4:17 PM So very sad to hear of this beautiful lady’s passing. Spent many years growing up and working for her and Bob. 2 of the sweeting loving and caring people I have known. Thinking of all the kids and family #5 from: Greg & Barbara Rice LaRue Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 4:30 PM Mrs. Cook was a lovely lady. She loved her family dearly. Prayers for all of you as you process her passing. #6 from: Katy Yagr Orlando, Fl Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 4:49 PM Sending my deepest sympathy to the Cook family! Aunt Madonna was one of the kindest and sweetest  members of our family…..and the last living of my parents generation! She was beloved and will be missed. God bless her family, and know that she is now resting in peace with her Father #7 from: Paul Alonzo Granger Marion Oh Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 6:39 PM I and the entire Granger family will miss our beautiful kind Aunt Madonna. I will see you in heaven. #8 from: Jennifer Bolton Lebanon Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 7:05 PM My heartfelt sympathy to my dear cousins on the loss of your mother. I have very fond memories of Aunt Madonna and her cheerful and spunky spirit. What a lovely photo of a beautiful lady. Condolences to the family. #9 from: Katy Yagr Orlando, Fl Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 7:13 PM Sending my deepest sympathy to the Cook family! Aunt Madonna was one of the kindest and sweetest  members of our family…..and the last living of my parents generation! She was beloved and will be missed. God bless her family, and know that she is now resting in peace with her Father #10 from: Eric and Debbie Weston Marion Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 8:05 PM Prayers ❤️  will always  cherish  memories  of Aunt  Madonna  and Uncle  Bob and stories  at our get together going to be missed  fun loving Prayers  to you all 🙏❤️ #11 from: Jeanie and Lauren Park LaRue. Ohio Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 9:59 PM We are so sorry to hear of Madonna’s passing ! Your family was blessed blest to have Madonna as an amazing mother & grandmother! May you find comfort & peace as you reflect on many precious f memories! #12 from: Joseph Derringer Arizona Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 11:51 PM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES AND LOADS OF STORIES! #13 from: Mandy Stover Gillespie Sidney Ohio Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 10:31 AM Prayers and sympathy. #14 from: Angela Meade Marion Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 11:01 AM I absolutely love Madonna and miss her so much! The joy we shared she would dance and joke so much with me and my son! Forever loved and missed! Sorry to the family heaven gained a beautiful angel! #15 from: Juan Pickens 2nd Marion Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 11:07 AM My mom worked with her and Kim and I got to go see her a couple of times and I called them both my grandma and I got to cook for her and dance and joke with her I love you grandma Madonna and I am sorry Grandma Kim I love you both! #16 from: Judy Himler Cardington Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 12:02 PM So sorry to hear of Madonna's passing. We shared alot of good times at work and as friends.  My husband passed the day before she did, so I am sure there is a party going on in heaven. His calling hours are at same time and I am sorry to miss seeing you all in person, but know that my prayers and thoughts are with your whole family as we travel this difficult time together. #17 from: Susan Fox Richwood Oh Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 2:41 PM Kim, My deepest sympathy to you and the family. It's difficult to lose anyone, but especially when it's your Mom. Remember to cherish the memories. Praying for your peace. Susan Fox #18 from: Bill &Linda Alley LaRue Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 6:26 PM TO THE COOK FAMILY: Linda and I are wishing You all A prayer of condolence. We are so sorry for Your family's loss! #19 from: Ben Higgins Marion Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 7:33 PM Please accept our families condolences on the loss of your mother. Your family will be in our prayers #20 from: W.K. Ballinger N. CA Wed, Jan 14, 2026 at 8:12 PM My condolences to Rob, Kim, John and Ron. I admired your mother from the time I was young kid roaming the streets of LaRue. I thought she was the ultimate partner as I very seldom saw her without your dad. And they always seemed to be so happy. I remember her working the fields and I was so impressed with her toughness. She also found the time to raise four good kids. You were a very fortunate bunch. #21 from: Laura Giles Harpster, Ohio Thu, Jan 15, 2026 at 12:37 PM Dear Cook family, Madonna was the heart of the ENT department. She was an integral part of the Smith Clinic family. Madonna was loved by patients and staff alike. I always loved stopping by to visit her, as ENT was so close to OB/GYN. I will always have fond memories of her. May God bring you comfort with your many memories of her. #22 from: ryan & jo weston safety harbor, florida Thu, Jan 15, 2026 at 1:11 PM We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Madonna's passing. I remember all of the fun times when the families got together for reunions.  We hope these memories will help you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all Ryan and Jo Weston #23 from: Gloria J Boles Lakeview, OH Fri, Jan 16, 2026 at 9:17 AM Rob, Kim,& John, II am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories, of both, Madonna & Bob. We use to play euchre, took dance lessons together @ Par, celebrated birthdays&anniversaries, at home &. also at Indian  Lake.  I remember one of  our anniversaries they decorated the pontoon boat with crepe  paper an when we came out from eating dinner, all the decorations were drooping down.  We all just laughed & boarded -took off across the lake. Those were the “ good ole days.”! #24 from: Jan Haynes Marion Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 6:01 AM Sending deepest condolences to Madonna’s family. She was a dear person. She was part of the Medcenter/Smith clinic family for so many years.  Everyone knew her and John, Ron, Teresa.  She was loved and respected.  Thinking of you all during this difficult time.  Sincerely, Jan Haynes #25 from: Carol E.   Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:13 PM So sorry for the loss of your mother. Prayers for the comfort of your entire family, Ron.

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