A Tribute to Donna Lou Cook

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Donna Lou Cook, passed away on February 28, 2026, at the age of 72. Donna will be taken home to South Sioux City, Nebraska, where visitation and funeral services will be held at Glad Tidings Lighthouse (410 E. 10th St). Funeral services will be at 11:00am Saturday, March 7, 2026. Visitation will be on Friday March 6, 2026, with family present from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm, all at the church.  A celebration of life will also be held at The Well Worship Center in Derby, Kansas, with details to be announced.

Donna will be remembered for the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her energetic smile could light up a room, and her great sense of humor often left those around her laughing. She had a natural ability to connect with people and never met a stranger. Her genuine kindness, outgoing spirit, and vibrant sense of style made her unforgettable to those who knew her. More than anything, Donna loved people deeply and showed that love through her words, her actions, and her unwavering faith.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of everything she did. Donna loved the Lord deeply and served faithfully in her church wherever she lived. Donna was a long-time member of Glad Tidings Lighthouse in South Sioux City, Nebraska and most recently attended The Well Worship Center in Derby, Kansas. She loved singing and shared her voice, skills playing acoustic guitar and bass guitar on the worship team at Glad Tidings Lighthouse and enjoyed singing in the church choir at The Well Worship Center. She also volunteered as a greeter, welcoming people with a warm, bright smile and open heart. Donna believed that faith should be lived out through love and generosity, and she showed that through countless acts of kindness.

Donna was born January 2, 1954, to Merrill “Hoppy” and Mollie L. (Jahnke) Downhour. She grew up in South Sioux City, Nebraska, graduating from South Sioux City High School in 1972. She was very devoted to her family and her sisters. One of Donna’s most cherished memories were playing first base for a little league softball team coached by her dad called Hoppy’s Angels. South Sioux City was home to her for most of her life and where many of her lifelong friendships and memories were made.

Donna was married to Stanley Leroy Cook for 33 years, and together they raised their family. Her children were always the center of her world. She later spent time living with her daughter Molly and her family for several years, sharing everyday life with her grandchildren before getting a place of her own in Derby, Kansas.

Donna worked as a school bus driver and also taught driver’s education. She had a natural ability to connect with people and took pride in caring for those around her. Later in life, when her mother needed care, Donna stepped away from work to devote her time to being there for her. That quiet devotion reflected the love and loyalty that defined her life.

Donna was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Tyson Cook, Bryce Cook, Nathanael Brewer, Jacob Brewer, Emily Brewer, Maynard Vogt, Anastasia Vogt, and Leonardo Vogt. Being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. She loved watching her grandchildren grow, spending time with them, going to their sporting events, cheering for them every step of the way and celebrating their accomplishments.

Donna is survived by her children, Angel Maria Cook; Molly Lou Brewer and her husband Dustin Brewer; and Jesse Shane Cook. She is also survived by her sister, Connie Ford of Omaha, Nebraska, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Merrill and Mollie Downhour, her son Robert (Robbie) Hansen and her sisters Patti Bennett and Carol Campbell.

While our hearts grieve her loss, we also take comfort in the promise of Scripture:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." — 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Her legacy of faith, love, and generosity will continue through the family she cherished and the many lives she touched. We love you and miss you momma/grandma.