Donna Gale Cook

Donna Gale Cook, 83, of Poseyville, Ind., passed away on June 18, 2026, after suffering a sudden stroke. Born on October 22, 1942, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, Ind., Donna lived a life that was full, bold, and deeply rooted in love, both for the people around her and for God, whom she served with her whole heart.

Donna was the daughter of Dallas Wayne Merritt and Ruth James Merritt, and she grew up on the West Side of Evansville alongside her sister, Terry Young, and her brother, Larry Merritt. She graduated from F. J. Reitz High School and enrolled in Deaconess Nursing School, where she began studying for her RN.

It was during that chapter of her life that everything changed, because she stopped at Dart Service Station on the West Side of Evansville for gas and met the love of her life, Arthur Charles “Butch” Cook who was driving a brand new, bright red Ford 409. He chased her down and asked for a date. From that moment on, the two were inseparable. They married just a few months later June 26, 1963. On October 1, 1965, they welcomed their daughter, Beth Ann Cook, into the world. When Beth Ann was three they took a huge financial risk and bought property to build their dream home. Art was a master carpenter and they built the house with their own hands, the help of good friends, and so much love. They lived there together for 57 years.

Donna was a caring mother - supporting Beth Ann in everything she did. She also adopted a number of “spiritual children” along the way including James Cox, Annette McDonald, and Amy Gerth.

Anyone who knew Donna knew she was incredibly intelligent, fiercely courageous, filled with integrity, and capable of just about anything she set her mind to. Her professional life was a testament to that. Her nursing career spanned multiple settings and roles. She worked at Deaconess Hospital, served with Vanderburgh County Public Health as a visiting nurse, and spent time at Dr. Denzer’s office. At Pine Haven Nursing Home, she and a friend pioneered the concept of “job sharing” as co-directors of nursing so they could spend time with for their small children while continuing to lead professionally. It was a bold, ahead-of-its-time idea. She said it gave her the best of both worlds while Beth was little. She finished her nursing career in nursing administration at Welborn Hospital. Along the way, she inspired multiple family members to enter the nursing profession; she was incredibly proud of two great-nieces who followed in her footsteps.

But Donna was never one to stay in a single lane. She and Art took another daring leap and started their own business, CCC of Evansville, Inc. The company initially processed Lexan plastic for airplane windows as a subcontractor for General Electric. It became a construction company specializing in industrial, bridge, and highway work. Donna was President and ran the business side while Art oversaw estimating and operations. Donna became a respected leader in the construction industry, serving on the Board of the Indiana Contractors Association, the Board for the Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program, and as a member of the Association of General Contractors. She earned the respect of everyone she worked alongside, even crusty old contractors, not because she demanded it, but because of her integrity, hard work and professionalism. She broke the glass ceiling in many ways. She and Art are remembered for being incredibly fair to employees and treating them like family.

Outside of work, Donna’s hands were rarely still. She was an avid rose gardener who at one time maintained over 100 rose bushes. Her pets were an important part of her life. She convinced Art to take dance lessons at the height of the disco era; crowds circled up to watch them when they danced at Funky’s. Beth Ann laughed at them when they practiced in the kitchen. They held wonderful parties. Donna’s other hobbies included decorating for the holidays, macrame, sewing, crochet, making jewelry, and crafting teddy bears. She poured creativity into just about every project she touched.

She had a wonderful sense of humor, a generous spirit, and a warmth that drew people to her naturally. Donna was one of the first members of The Turning Pointe Church in Evansville, where she served on the board and led the intercessory prayer ministry. When her daughter, Beth Ann, moved back to the they transferred their membership to the church she led - Poseyville St. Paul’s.

Donna was deeply involved in Walk to Emmaus (where she was known as the “button lady”, Bible studies, small groups, and prayer ministry wherever she went. Over the years, she became a “spiritual Mom” to many, offering wisdom, encouragement, and the kind of fierce, faithful prayer that could move mountains.

Donna’s greatest heartbreak came on August 8, 2026, when her beloved Art went home to Jesus. They had been each other’s everything for over sixty-three years. After Art’s passing, Donna moved to Poseyville, where she was embraced by the congregation and community. She loved sitting on the front porch, watching wildlife, and neighborhood kids.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Dallas Wayne Merritt and Ruth James Merritt; her husband, Arthur Charles “Butch” Cook; and her sister, Terry Young. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Ann Cook and many “spiritual children”; her brother, Larry Merritt (Julie); nieces Jamie Young (Pat Madigan), Amiee Smith, Jodie Drone, and Jeanie Young (Andy Ferguson); nephews Stephen Helmbock, Joe Kolezar, Rob Kolezar, and Jim Kolezar, She loved them all deeply, and she was loved deeply in return.

Donna was a mighty prayer warrior, not only for her daughter but for every person she knew and loved. She carried them before God with a gratitude and persistence that never wavered. She was especially devoted to praying for family members to come to know Jesus, and that faithful intercession was one of the greatest gifts she gave to everyone in her life.

Visitation will be held at Pierre Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2026, from 4:30 until 7 p.m., and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 25, 2026. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. on June 25 at Pierre Funeral Home. She will be interned next to Art at Memorial Park. A Funeral dinner in her honor will follow at St. Paul’s Global Methodist Church in Poseyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Global Methodist Church, 46 South Cale Street, Poseyville, IN 47633.