Lila Cook

     Lila A. Cook was born to Jacob and Pauline (Hoff) Brecht on July 25, 1937 in Palisade, Nebraska. She attended school in Culbertson and graduated with the Culbertson High School class of 1954.

     On February 9, 1958, Lila was united in marriage to classmate Ronald Cook. They celebrated 67 years of marriage in February 2025. To their union two sons were born, Rory Gene in 1959 and Richard Alan in 1961.

     After graduating from high school, Lila went to work for the First National Bank in McCook where she was employed until retiring as Cashier in 1996.

     Lila was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist church in Culbertson where she served on many committees and was financial secretary for many years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and was a dinner chairman for the many funeral dinners they served. The UMW is a very active group serving the church and community in many ways. Ron and Lila also enjoyed helping with the youth group at church, making countless runzas and assisting with spaghetti dinners.

     Lila was a past member of the Culbertson Women’s Club and the Red Hatters. She enjoyed reading, having coffee with friends and monthly birthday celebrations. She also enjoyed attending high school sporting events and activities. The state high school track meet was a favorite along with Nebraska football and volleyball.

     Lila passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook at the age of 89.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald on March 24, 2025; brothers, Kenneth Brecht and Alan Brecht; sister, Norma Wilson; sister-in-law, Carol Brecht; brother-in-law, Virgil Wilson; daughter-in-law, Judith Cook; former daughter-in-law, Robin Seabrook; and nephew, Matthew Brecht.

     Survivors include her sons, Rory Cook and Richard (Kris) Cook; grandchildren: Scott Cook (Lisa Bartholomew), Travis (Rachel) Cook, Lauren (Matt) Gerlitz, Bryce (Stacy) Cook, Alyssa (Christian) Grant and Oliver Carlon; great-grandchildren: Braxton (Gracie) Cook and Maddox Cook, Brandon Cook, Camden and Bailey Gerlitz, Avery and Brooks Grant; sister-in-law, Karen Brecht and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen. A time of fellowship is scheduled for Friday afternoon, October 16, 2026 at Herrman-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Saturday morning, October 17, 2026 at the Culbertson Methodist Church with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial in the Culbertson Cemetery will follow services.

Memorials in Lila’s name are suggested to the Culbertson Methodist Church or Culbertson Rescue. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.