Bertha Cook

Bertha Jane Cook, 82 and a long time resident of Port Orchard, died at her home in Eatonville, Washington on February 4, 2000.  She was born July 8, 1917 in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to George & Kate (Barto) Harris. Bertha married Earnest E. Cook.  He preceded her in death in 1966. Bertha retired as a Cook for the Olalla Guest Lodge in 1989.  She owned and operated the Ferry Dock Concession in Bremerton, Washington and the Time Oil Gas Station in Gorst, Washington.  She also worked as a cook at the Retsil Washington Veterans Home.Surviving are son David H. Cook of Eatonville; daughter Peggy Oliva of Poulsbo, Washington; brother Evan Harris of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; sister Till Stine of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her son Evan L. Cook, 2 sisters, and 7 brothers.A Graveside Service will be Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Lane Cemetery in Port Orchard.  Memorial donations may be made to Eatonville Manor Activity Fund, P. O. Box 1180, Eatonville, WA 98328.'IF'If this were my last day I'm almost sure I'd spend it working in my garden.  I would dig about my little plants, and try to make them happy, so they would endure long after me.  Then I would hide secure where my green arbor shades me from the sky, and watch how bird and bee and butterfly came hovering to every flowery lure.  Then, as I rested, perhaps a friend or two, lovers of flowers would come, and we would walk about my little garden paths and talk of peaceful times when all the world seemed true.  This may be my last day, for all I know; What a temptation just to spend it so!