Jim & Patty Cook
Jim Cook was born Feb. 18, 1928, to Robert J. and Daisy Cook in Yuma. Jim spent his early childhood in Yuma and then moved to Meeker around 1942. He worked for Rio Blanco County and then spent the majority of his working career building fence, including the fence around Meeker Elementary.
Patty was born Jan. 25, 1933, to Earl and Erma Rector in Meeker. Patty has spent her entire life — growing up, attending school and working — in Meeker. She worked at various local stores, including Tom Murray’s Meat Market and the laundromat.
Jim and Patty “tied the knot” May 9, 1950, in Meeker. They have five kids: Donna Hilkey, Barb Pelloni, Jamie McGruder, Marti McAlister, all of whom still live in Rio Blanco County, and the late Kenney Cook. Jim and Patty also have eight grandkids and nine — plus one on the way — great-grandkids.
Jim and Patty enjoy their days living up Strawberry Creek, where they have lived for the past 30 years. Jim still passes the time fixing fence and cutting firewood.
Fuzz & Roberta Cook
Walter “Fuzz” Cook was born March 25, 1924, to Robert J. and Daisy Cook in Yuma. Fuzz joined the Marine Corps at the age of 20. After serving his country, he moved to Meeker in 1946, where he picked up several odd jobs. One of those as co-owner of the local pool hall with his father and soon-to-be father-in-law. After 16 months of that he became a federal trapper, trapping in the Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Snake River and Hayden areas. Once while he was trapping, Fuzz’s back went out which “laid him up” for seven months. After recovering from his back injury, he went to work for Rio Blanco County Road and Bridge Department and worked there until he retired in 1987.
Roberta was born July 10, 1934, to Oscar and Eva Ridgeway in Cope. Roberta moved to Meeker in 1935. She worked at the hospital in various departments including the laundry, the kitchen and the nursing home. Roberta also worked as the school nurse and as a teacher’s aide.
Fuzz and Roberta were married on March 25, 1951 at the courthouse in Meeker. They were blessed with three children: Robert “Bob” Cook who resides in Alaska; Betty Jo Oliver who resides in Gillette, Wyo.; and Judy Davis who resides in Meeker. They have eight grandkids and 19 great-grandkids.
Today, Fuzz and Roberta enjoy their retirement at their home of 44 years on Park Street in Meeker.
