Mary Jane Cook, age 92 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016 at Evergreen Terrace Assisted Living. She was born February 7, 1924 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Carl and Bertha (Wilber) Guchess. Mary Jane married Richard "Cookie" Cook on June 29, 1946 in Battle Creek. They moved to Big Rapids in 1952 where together they raised their family and became members of the United Church. Mary Jane pursued education throughout her life; earning several bachelor and master degrees. She and "Cookie" purchased Big Rapids Recreation bowling lanes and later opened Rapid Lanes with Dr. Larry Jensen. She was employed by Big Rapids Public Schools for 13 years before she began her career with Ferris State University, retiring after 29 years in 1995. Mary Jane was actively involved in her community: she was the President of the Big Rapids Womans Bowling Association, a member of Zonta International, President of MARSP, a Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, served two terms on the Big Rapids School Board, a member of the ADK (a retired teachers sorority), and she served on many community service boards and committees in Big Rapids. She also enjoyed going to lunch and playing many card games with her friends. Mary Jane is survived by three children, James (Teresa) Cook of Big Rapids, Carol (Garie) Bemis of Potterville, and Connie Kish of Cape Coral, Florida; eight grandchildren, Daniel (Amanda) Cook, Kerrina (Kyle) Rouech, Maryrose Cook, Jessica (Benson) Kellum, Sean (Krystal) Howard, Erinn Streeter, Ben (Amanda) Streeter, and Matthew Kish; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Inez Cook of Texas; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard Cook on July 10, 1986; two brothers, Wendell and Wilber Guchess, and great-granddaughter Jillian Kellum. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016 at the United Church in Big Rapids with Reverend Jon Fleming . The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 23rd at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. She will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Janes name to the United Church in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Friday, June 24, 2016 11:00 AM United Church of Big Rapids 120 South State Street Big Rapids,MI 49307