It is with greatest sadness and deepest regret that we announce the passing of Kay Cook, 75. She left this world peacefully on Saturday morning, April 12th, 2025, at home.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

She was born Marcella Kay Murdick-Kay, December 22, 1949, in Albuquerque, NM. to Vivian Francis Mullinax Murdick and Joseph Raymond Murdick-Daddy Ray. She was preceded in death by her husband of 17 years, James Rogers Cook (Lt Col. Army National Guard ret.), married March 25, 1975, in Texico, New Mexico. Kay is survived by her only child, Amanda Kay Cook, 44, of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Kay had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Graduating Sandia High School, in Albuquerque, NM, May 31, 1967. Continuing her education, she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts (with acting emphasis) from the University of Albuquerque in 1971. She then completed her Master of Arts degree in Theatre and Communication (with directing emphasis) from Eastern New Mexico University, in Portales, NM, in 1973. Becoming a college professor at the age of 23.

In 1971, Kay was head wardrobe mistress for the Cinegai film "Tough Guy" with Robert Blake, in Rome, Italy. In 1987 and 1988 she wrote and Directed two plays for the Waggoner Ranch's Texas Ranch Roundup talent show entry, winning first place both years, a treasured experience.

In her youth, Kay, could be found wearing her red boots on the family farm, in Grady, NM, visiting Grandma Nelly and helping with all manner of critter or chore. As a champion square dancer, she wore turquoise costumes with silver stars, made by her very proud mother, Vivian-Mrs. Murdick. Always willing to lend her professional craft, Vivian would help make costumes for several of Kay's theatre productions. Kay first fell in love with theatre at the age of four when she saw her first production of Peter Pan on stage. Shortly thereafter a Peter Pan costume was requested and beautifully made.

"Second star to the right and straight on till morning."

~Peter Pan

Time with Daddy Ray was special to Kay, he passed when she was only 18. He, a minor leaguer for a time, combined with her ability, turned her into a catcher in baseball. She enjoyed playing many sports, archery, dancing and basketball, even with her short arms. Family trips with her parents fishing, camping and horseback riding in the mountains were some of her favorite times.

James and Kay would make trips and travels a priority, in their own family, when they welcomed their daughter, Amanda, in February of 1981. They delighted in introducing and sharing the world with their daughter, everything a learning experience. Amanda was the twinkle of her father's eye. Kay was as steadfast and caring a mother as she was in all aspects of her life, with such pride in her child. Amanda was a great source of joy for them both. Kay was a second mother to many of her students, taking them under her wing and helping them find confidence in themselves and a loving and supportive community in the theatre. Her support as a teacher helped her students build lasting friendships and many found careers in the arts or followed in her footsteps and became teachers themselves.

James and Kay were an incredible team, working side by side, creating magic. March 29, 1980, both were awarded Meritorious Service Awards from the Army National Guard of Texas Btey C, 2D BN, 131st Arty, 49th Arms Div. for their actions following the 1979 tornado that struck Vernon, TX. Kay was awarded many other honors including induction into the Marquee Who's Who Publications Board, receiving Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Who's Who in the World, and Who's Who in Arts & Entertainment in 1997/1998, Who's Who in America in 1998, Who's Who of American Women in 1999/2000, and a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquee Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, an honor reserved for Marquis Biographies who have achieved career longevity and demonstrated unwavering excellence in their chosen fields.

"But yield who will to their separation,

My object in living is to unite

My avocation and my vocation

As my two eyes make one in sight.

Only where love and need are one,

And the work is play for mortal stakes,

Is the deed ever really done

For heaven and the future's sakes."

~Robert Frost

After Kay and Amanda lost James to cancer in August of 1991, they turned to the theatre, finding friendship, community, and an art form through which to process grief and loss. A place to spread cathartic laughter and tears, exploring the deeper questions of what it means to be human, to be different, to be real—

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."

~Pericles

Traveling remained a great joy throughout her life with trips to New York to experience Broadway, The Metropolitan Museum and New Years Eve in Time Square, England and Stonehenge, Paris and the Moulin Rouge, among others. Kay loved seeing the world, experiencing it, tasting it. One of her greatest pleasures was food, cooking at home or going out to eat. Taking students to celebrate a performance or birthday, introducing them to food they had never had. Kay would feed your body and remind you that from time to time you must feed your soul. She loved people, history, art, literature, with an artistic hand for drawing, sewing, costuming, painting, stage makeup. She was a brilliant orator and actor, occasionally joining her students on stage. Borrowing her daughter's 3rd grade class and casting them in "Oliver" because she "needed orphans and pickpockets", which required her to teach approximately 30 3rd graders to pick pockets, sing, and dance. They loved it! The best teachers not only impart knowledge but also inspire joy and a passion for exploration, ultimately fostering a lifelong love of learning.

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge,"

~Albert Einstein

We will remember her infectious energy, overwhelming laughter and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. Whenever surrounded by company you could be sure she would seize the opportunity to tell/share a story. She had a rare gift for making others see the beauty and strength in themselves, leaving a lasting impact on all those who crossed her path. Whether she was offering you a scholarship, a room or a shoulder, her dedication to her students was unwavering. Her only desire was to pay forward all the love, knowledge, acceptance, patience and guidance that was shared with her. Asking nothing for herself in return but faithfully hoping that you would continue to pay it forward throughout your life. Never scared to take on a new opportunity, she did everything with honesty and integrity. Kay spent her 30+ year career combining her calling as a teacher and love of the theatre with all her other works. She kept her joy, sense of humor, unconditional love for and pride in her students until the last.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

~Thomas Campbell

The family is eternally grateful for the loving care and unwavering support provided by Angels Care Hospice. Their kindness, expertise, and generosity made a difficult time more manageable. The entire team provided Kay and her loved ones with great compassion, understanding and strength.

Special thanks to:

Scott Reed -Site Director

Cari Johnson RN-PLM

Victoria Zaloski RN

Christy Brown RN

Joseph Vaught LVN

Elizabeth Reynolds LVN

Karissa Wilson LVN

Nanette Duncan CNA

Stephanie Stockton NP

Dr. Kenneth Warnock

Jackie Polk -Social Worker

Mel Martinez -Chaplain (she sang 525,600 Minutes to Kay in the ER)

Romeo Montez III -Chaplain

Russell Nix -Chaplain

We ask that you remember Kay for the way she lived her life and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her soul is at peace, dancing with James across the heavens. Ever our silver star, shining her love and light upon us all, and building relationships and memories that stand the test of time. We wish Kay safe travels on her eternal journey.

"May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

~William Shakespeare

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

"Break a Leg"

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home and Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Sullivan Funeral Home from 10:00 am until graveside services begin.

Flowers can be sent to Sullivan Funeral Home, or in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Vernon College Theatre Ensemble Scholarship Fund Vernon College, 4400 College Drive, Vernon, TX 76384 and Angels Care Hospice.