Dorthea L. Cook was born to Vincente & Mamie Lopez on August 15, 1932 in Valentine, Nebraska. Dorthea was called home on October 16, 2020 at Parkside Manor in Stuart, Nebraska. Dort was the youngest of nine children in the Lopez family. She attended Valentine Elementary School and Valentine High School, graduating in 1950.
On November 21, 1966, she married James (Jim) Cook in Pierre, South Dakota. they had one daughter, Jodi.
Prior to her marriage, she worked many years in the County Extension Office with Harry Stokely. After she and Jim were married, they moved to the ranch in Brewster, Nebraska. Being a country girl was a huge change for Dort, with lots to learn about country living. In 1977, they moved back to Valentine, and Dort began working at the Cherry County Courthouse in the Treasurer's Office. Dort was the Deputy Treasurer until she ran for the Treasurer position in 1994. She served at the Cherry County Treasurer for 8 1/2 years until her retirement in 2002.
Dort was involved with the extension club in Brewster and 4-H activities. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the women's church circle group. Dort had a love for bowling. She looked forward to league night and tournaments. She attended State Bowling for 35 years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, sewing, crocheting, collecting vases and Husker Football. But most of all, she loved spending time with her grandson, Tyler. She would bake cookies and other treats for him while they watched Husker Football. She had a special love for all her nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Jim; parents Vincente & Mamie; siblings Anita, Albert, Christina, Vincente Jr, Margaret, Leon and Rita.
Survivors left to mourn her loss are her daughter, Jodi and husband Dave Sedivy; grandson Tyler; sister Josephine; sister-in-law Helen; brothers-in-law Darrell Cook and Kevin Cook; along with many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held on October 20, 2020 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine, Nebraska. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine, Nebraska was in charge of arrangements.