Vera Joyce Cook, age 86, of North Platte, died August 12, 2016 at Great Plains Health. She was born on January 13, 1930 in Colome, South Dakota to Fred and Bessie (Jackson) Gagan. Joyce was raised on their homestead 5 ½ miles southwest of Colome. She graduated with the class of 1948 from Colome High School. Shortly after graduation, Joyce married Melvin D. Cook in Gregory, South Dakota on December 23, 1948. To this union, one daughter Melva Jean "Jeanne" Cook was born.
The family moved to Nebraska where Joyce got into buying, selling, and renting real estate, while Melvin was in communications for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Survivors include her husband Melvin of North Platte; a daughter Melva Jean "Jeanne" Cook of South Bend, Indiana; a niece, Trudy Tonkel; and a nephew Rick Harrod.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and 2 sisters, Velma Ellis and Verna Harrod.
A memorial has been established to the North Platte Senior Center, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday August 17, 2016 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.