Florence Elizabeth (Luerman) Cook, 86 of Bunker Hill died Monday, February 23, 2009 at the Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson, Kansas.  Florence was born June 16, 1922 on the family farm north of Dubuque, Kansas.  She grew up in the Dubuque area and graduated from Bunker Hill High School.  She graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Florence taught at rural country schools, Bunker Hill and Dorrance schools for over 30 years.  She also was a devoted farmer’s wife and loving mother.

Florence was united in marriage to Earl Edwin Cook on November 27, 1941 at the Lutheran church in Dubuque.  This union was blessed with four children; Rodney, Crystal, Lana and Ryan.  Earl preceded her in death on October 28, 1994.

Florence was a member of St. John Lutheran Church; Alter Guild and the Priscilla Group.  She also belonged to the National Education Association.  She enjoyed oil painting, golf, reading, sewing, and her flower garden.  Her true passion in life was her family.

Her surviving family include four children; Rodney Cook of Lucas, Kansas, Ryan Cook and wife Kathy, Lana Green and Crystal Dana all of Bunker Hill, Kansas; three sisters, Vergie Heffel of Luray, KS, Blanche Hilgenberg of Ellis, KS and Gloria Waymaster of Bunker Hill, KS; 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Clayton Luerman and Clarence Luerman; sister, Violet Bennett; and daughter-in-law, ElNora Cook.

Celebration of Florence’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  Interment will follow at Bunker Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Memorials have been established with the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church or the Bunker Hill Lions Club.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.