Deborah J. Rooks-Cook

OGLALA - Deborah “Debi” J. Rooks-Cook, age 59, passed away Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at her home in Oglala.

She was born on June 15, 1952, in Phoenix to Eugene B. and Willie Mae Rooks. She graduated from Holy Rosary Mission High School, Red Cloud, in 1971. Afterward, she attended Gonzaga College. She then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1972. She spent several years working as a U.S. Border Patrol dispatcher and then a Tribal Police officer and dispatcher for the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Subsequently she was elected to the office of Shannon County Commissioner. Among her many duties were several years spent as the county’s coroner. It was during that time that she began her work as an unwavering and courageous advocate for her tribe and community, and this continued throughout the rest of her life.

She was elected to the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council in 2010. She continued in her role as representative of the White Clay District until the end of her life. Deborah Joyce Rooks-Cook spent her life caring for her children, grandchildren, family, friends and her community. All who knew her would recount how happy and gracious she was. She defined herself by the love she had for her children, grandchildren and family. Many of her nieces and nephews affectionately called her “Mary Poppins.” She gave of herself willingly and constantly.

She is survived by her loving husband, Louis T. Cook, a son, Lawrence William “Buck” Cook of Akwesasne, by their three daughters, Rachel L. Ramirez, MD (Servio) of Philadelphia, Pa .; Mrs. Genevieve T. Schulte (Allen) of Winner; and Mrs. Jacqueline I. Aucker (Nathan) of Minot, N.D., Debi is also survived by in-laws Tom and Loretta Cook, Sakakohe and Ray Pembleton, Katsi and Jose Barreiro, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her father, Eugene B. Rooks, Hot Springs; her sisters, Theresa Nieschulz of Glendale, Ariz., and Kimberly Crawford of Hot Springs; and her brothers, Charles Rooks of Rapid City, David Rooks of Hot Springs and Michael Rooks of Oral. She was preceded in death by her mother, Willie Mae Rooks; and her brother, James Rooks.

A visitation/wake service was held at the Loneman School. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, August 12, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. George Winzenburg officiating. Burial with military honors were at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Funeral arrangements are with Edstrom & Rooks Funeral Services at Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel.

Louie’s address is P.O. Box 237, Oglala, SD 57764 or friends may sign her online guest register and offer condolences at:

http://www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.