Geraldine "Gerry" Galley Cook

Geraldine “Gerry” Galley Cook passed from this earth February 12, 2021, in her home, surrounded by family. She was born in Venice Beach, California August 24, 1931. She was married to Rulon Hancey Cook, September 10, 1951 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Logan, Utah temple. They spent 59 playful, devoted years together before Rulon’s passing on November 3, 2010. They had 8 children: Vickie Lynn (deceased Feb. 11, 2008), Melanie, John Merle, Marianne, Cindy Lee, Cheryl Denise, Jason Rulon, and Jeremy Scott.

Gerry’s father died when Gerry was about 10 years old; she had one older brother, Robert, and two half siblings. Her mother married twice after the death of Gerry’s father, resulting in many half and step brothers and sisters. As the oldest girl, Gerry cooked, cleaned, and sewed clothing for her siblings during times her mother was single and worked to support the family. It was said that her mother accepted all as her own and that Gerry’s house was full of love as she grew up.

Gerry loved being a mother and homemaker. After her children left home and at the age of 60, she returned to school to graduate from Sonoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She later volunteered for hospice and was a caregiver, specializing in relieving pain through visualization, self-hypnosis, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and therapeutic touch. She is survived by seven of her eight children, 22 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. She will be missed, remembered, and loved forever.

She was a lover of all children, nutritious food, exercise, cold showers, the ocean, family, dancing, and spirituality in all forms. She was a never ending explorer of finding her best self, a seeker of roses, and wearer of rose-colored glasses. A seamstress at a young age, out of necessity, she continued using this skill throughout her life, often sewing dresses into the night and early morning hours for her daughters. She wrote poetry as an adult to express her passionate feelings about life with its challenges and blessings. Her grandchildren loved being with her, roller skating with her, climbing her apple and walnut trees, exploring her garden, eating her homemade bread, and cooking in the kitchen with her. All who entered her home felt welcome.

Gerry had a love of the Savior and served in many callings at the Petaluma Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was set aside as a temple worker for the Oakland temple on November 6, 2003 and served for about 7 years. She enthusiastically helped her brothers and sisters. Bishop Kirk, who presides over her congregation, recalls her riding her bike to visit the elderly, sick, and afflicted when she served as the local Relief Society president. “She will be missed; she always had a smile on her face.”

She will be buried next to her sweetheart in Hyde Park, Utah on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Due to covid, private graveside services will be by invitation only. Graveside services will be live streamed and may be viewed via the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82019013102?pwd=ZlQ4UDArQWFOM0RYWXpFeGFIMDlDdz09
Password: Cook

Gerry gracefully managed Parkinson’s disease for 16 years. Remembrances may be made via donations to Parkinson’s research, such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or to any Petaluma Hospice in her name. We extend our deep gratitude to Heartland Hospice who offered caring support during her final days.