V. Ellen Cook

Funeral Services Postponed until Decemeber 3, 2025

Virginia "Ellen" Cook, a beloved and cherished family matriarch, peacefully passed away on November 25, 2025, in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 77. Born on August 4, 1948, Ellen’s life was defined by her profound love for her family and her vibrant spirit that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Ellen’s journey began in Kansas City, where she was welcomed into the world as Virginia Welch, the daughter of William and Virginia (Furse) Welch. Throughout her life, she embodied sweetness and warmth, leaving a lasting impression on everyone around her. Her personality was marked by her loyalty, organization, and an unwavering commitment to cultivating family ties.

On February 10, 1969, Ellen married the love of her life, Steven J. Cook. Their marriage was the kind of partnership built on deep respect, steady devotion, and a quiet, enduring tenderness. Steven was not only her husband but her closest friend, her confidant, and the person who could make her laugh on even the heaviest days. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, compassion, and the simple joy of being side by side. Their home was a place where love was felt in every corner — in shared meals, in gentle conversations, and in the countless small moments that became the foundation of their nearly lifetime together.

She was especially proud of the time she spent traveling with her family. During her husband’s military service, she journeyed with him to Japan—an experience they both cherished and spoke of often. In the 1990s, she also traveled to England with her dearest friend, who was like family to her. These adventures brought her great joy, deepened lifelong bonds, and remained some of her most treasured memories.

Ellen was especially proud of her role as a mother to her daughter, Jennifer Ramsey, and her son-in-law, Gary Ramsey. She cherished her three grandchildren: Samantha Kuenzler and her husband, David Kunenzler; Joshua Ramsey and his wife, Lauren Ramsey; and Steven Ramsey. She delighted in the joys of being a grandmother, embracing every moment spent with her family, whom she held dear to her heart. The joy of new beginnings was further celebrated with the arrival of her great-grandson, Aidan Kuenzler.

Ellen’s love for her family was matched only by her deep connections with friends, whom she regarded as family. Close friends Cheryl and Charles Farris, alongside Diana and John Thornberg, were integral to Ellen’s life, sharing countless memories together and strengthening the bonds of friendship that enriched her existence. Her brother-in-law, Greg Cook, and his wife, Martha, along with her niece, Heather and her husband Dean, and nephews James and John, also hold a special place in her heart, each representing a thread in the tapestry of her life.

With a passion for reading, a love of classic films from the golden age of the 1940s and 1950s, and an enthusiasm for studying her family genealogy, Ellen possessed an inquisitive mind that made her truly multi-dimensional. She relished the simplicity of life’s pleasures, and her love for trivia often brought friends and family together in spirited gatherings. Ellen’s adventurous spirit shone brightly during trips to Disney World with her children and grandchildren, creating treasured traditions that will echo through the generations.

Her zest for life extended to enjoying plays and dinner theater with her husband, Steven, forging cherished memories filled with laughter and culture. Ellen's outgoing nature and ability to form connections added to her legacy, leaving behind countless stories and warm recollections among those who loved her.

Ellen’s visitation will take place on December 3, 2025, at Longview Funeral Home in Kansas City from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. A burial service will follow at Mount Saint Mary's Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM.

In memory of Ellen Cook, we honor a woman whose spirit was as radiant as the love she shared. She will forever remain in our hearts, an everlasting beacon of affection and devotion to family and friends alike.