Olive Lee (Gilchrist) Cook, 92, of Seiling, passed into the arms of her Lord on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. This summary of her life was written upon her induction in to the Dewey County Historical Society Hall of Fame:
Olive Lee Gilchrist was born on January 14, 1923, in the C.H. Gilchrist home in Seiling, next door to her present home, to Neva and Jim Gilchrist. Their home was North of Seiling on land grandpa C.H. Gilchrist had gotten in the Oklahoma Land Run. Growing up she enjoyed playing with her brothers Jack and Don, tap dancing, riding with her dad in the Seiling Roundup Club, racing dogs in "Little Louisville", and sewing making most of her clothes and later her daughters clothes our of flour/feed sacks. She attended Seiling School all twelve years. Later, they moved Southeast of Seiling and lived there until she married her neighbor Ray Cook, son of Port and Stella Cook, in 1946. They moved into town into Grover Kimball's house. They owned the "Sweet Shop" on Main Street for several years and after they sold it, Ray worked for the County on heavy equipment and they farmed. Olive Lee worked three seasons at the Dairy Queen owned by the McDaniels. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, which was held in the now Catholic Church, and later bought the army barracks and moved to the present building. She held several offices. Olive also belonged to the Jolly Club. Ray became Sheriff of Dewey County and when they bought a new radio for the office, the old one was moved to their house where she served as dispatcher for over 30 years. Many people would think the noise, etc., was a nuisance, but she enjoyed helping people. Many days and nights were spent helping the Police, Firemen, Ambulance and storm watchers, people calling to check the road conditions, and did not receive any salary until about 10 years before she retired. She recalled a bad storm coming through and was about to use the radio when lightning struck her house, burning out all the electrical items, and might have electrocuted her had she touched the microphone. She would see that the family was in the cellar safe, but would continue to stand by the radio to help. She has said that one never knows what our Police, Firemen, Storm Watchers, and Ambulance Drivers go through until you are involved, and she is proud of them all. Ray became the Game Ranger of Dewey County and later a District Chief which kept her busy having a Check Station for hunters to check their game in, in all kinds of weather and late at night, also with no pay. They enjoyed attending ballgames, music programs, FFA & 4H shows, and camping with their three daughters: Connie, May, and Tina. She enjoyed many years helping with the Seiling Alumni and the Follies. She was a member of the First Christian Church and VFW Auxiliary. Olive Lee loves her family: Connie and her husband Mike Travis of Thomas, May and her husband Bill Warren of Sand Springs, and Tina and her husband Brook Stong of Oklahoma City; her grandchildren, Robin Cope, Rodney and wife Julie Cope, Denton Stong, and Shelby Stong; great grandchildren Kenzie Borelli, Rylan, Keeli, Jassidy and Rayner Cope and a four legged one, Sophie. She also had her cats Pirate and Max that gave her much enjoyment. Also surviving is sister-in-law Veta Gilchrist and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray, parents J.O. and Neva Gilchrist, and brothers Jack and Don Gilchrist.
Our mom is a very loving, caring and devoted mom. She enjoyed helping with showers, church meals, our school functions, never missing a game, program, FFA activity, etc. When a new highway patrolman moved to Dewey County, they would stay with us until they were settled. We did not have an extra bed, but she made one available for them. It has hard getting dates to come to the house. She never tired and always had our home and table open to friends and relatives. She has the upmost respect for her brothers Jack and Don. She always enjoyed the family times with her sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins too. She cared for our dad so many years when he was ill without complaining. She felt she had not contributed that much to Dewey County like Dad, but we say, behind a good man, is a good woman, and that was our Mom.
A private graveside service for the relatives will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Brumfield Cemetery with Pastor Orville White and Pastor Dennis Adair presiding. Connie, May, Tina, and the family of Olive Lee Cook have entrusted her care, services, and burial to Luke Faires, Bart Watkins, and the caring staff at Redinger Funeral.

Memorials may be made to the Brumfield Cemetery Association.

Visitation Hours:
Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.