Zelda Reed Cook

Zelda Reed Cook, of Minerva, formerly of Austin, died peacefully at home Sunday July 16, 2023, after a lengthy illness, and one week short of her 84th birthday.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, at the Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. A private family burial will be held at Minerva Community Cemetery at a later date.

Mrs. Cook was born in Austin on July 23, 1939, to Connell Badger Reed and Zelda Bess Blailock.

She grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1957 and from the University of Texas with a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1961.

In July of 1961, she married Irby Jack Cook II and they recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

She and Jack remained in Austin and raised their children Zelda and Colt there.

In 1999, they “escaped” from Austin and moved to their ranch in Milam County, where they lived until her passing.

Mrs. Cook cherished the close and long-time friendships she shared with her group of AHS girls. These ladies continue to meet for monthly lunch dates, which Zelda loved attending.

She was a member of Chi Omega sorority at UT and the Junior League of Austin.

She was a voracious reader, enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at Willow Beach (her family’s place on Lake Austin) or at the ranch, and doted on the many dogs she loved so dearly through the years.

Her kindness, grace and humor will be sorely missed.

Mrs. Cook was predeceased by her parents and her dearest friend, Karen Lopez.

Survivors are by her husband, Jack Cook of Minerva; daughter Zelda Cook of Georgetown; son and daughter- in-law Colt and Laura Cook of Lakeway; grandson Reed Cook, his wife Chloe and their daughter (Zelda’s great-granddaughter) Violet of Leander; grandson Devin Cook of Lakeway and her “semi-adopted” son, Miles Dear and his wife Dana of Austin.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John V. “Pete” Cook of Hunt; niece Susan Gray and her family of Katy; nephew Beaux Cook and his family of Medina; her cousins Alyce Jeanne Rawlinson of Denver, Nancy Matthews of Austin, Sue Atkinson of Hunt and Janet Treadway of Lufkin; also, a loving extended family and close friends and her devoted caregivers, Alma Hernandez and Jadira Luna Hernandez.

Pallbearers will be Reed Cook, Devin Cook, Miles Dear, Jesse Luna Ramirez, Francisco Ramirez, O.C. Ramirez, Billy Mac Callahan and Steve Mccollum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or to the charity of your choice.