Yvonne “Rusty” Lee Cook, 74, of Middletown, passed away peacefully at her home at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband, son, and daughter.

She was born October 1, 1951, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, to Charles E. and Delores Tennant LaPoe. She married the love of her life, Waldon “Buddy” J. Cook, Jr., on December 26, 1969, and he survives.

Also surviving are her daughter, Christina Lynn Cook-Webb of Williamsville; her son, Waldon (Amanda) Cook of Springfield; two brothers, Allen (Linda) LaPoe of Painesville, Ohio, and Ben LaPoe of Core, West Virginia; four grandchildren, Chase Webb, Caleb Webb, Carly Webb, and Lydia Bly; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Mark LaPoe.

Yvonne was a faithful member of Lakeside Church of Christ and lived her life guided by her love for the Lord. Her faith was the foundation of who she was and was reflected through her compassion, kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart. She loved studying God’s Word and trusted in His promises throughout every season of her life.

Nursing was more than a profession for Rusty—it was her calling. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in a private physician’s office before serving at Hope School in Springfield. She later worked on the Orthopedic Unit at St. John’s Hospital. After earning her Registered Nurse degree from Lincoln Land Community College in 1988, she returned to St. John’s Hospital, where she spent the majority of her career in the Intensive Care Unit. For more than 30 years, Rusty cared for countless patients and families with exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication. She was truly meant to be a nurse and lived out her calling by providing comfort, strength, and hope to others during some of their most difficult moments.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially being “Nana.” Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was their greatest supporter and biggest fan. She rarely missed their school activities, sporting events, concerts, and performances, including softball, golf, cheerleading, choir, band, and other music-related activities. She celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams, and loved Chase, Caleb, Carly, and Lydia with a fierce and unconditional love that they will carry with them forever.

Rusty enjoyed spending time with her beloved dog, Sophie; gardening; reading; studying God’s Word; baking; cooking for her family; shopping; camping; boating; playing bingo with friends; remodeling houses; and completing do-it-yourself projects. She had a lifelong love of horses, owning and caring for them during her childhood and young adult years. She treasured hosting holiday gatherings, spending time with family, and vacationing in Florida, especially trips with her grandchildren where they enjoyed shopping, making memories, and relaxing at the beach.

Rusty’s life was a beautiful example of faith, love, and service. She touched countless lives through her work as a nurse, her devotion as a wife and mother, her joy as a Nana, and her unwavering faith in God. Although her family grieves her absence deeply, they rejoice in the assurance that she is now healed, at peace, and forever in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a nurse, wife, mother, Nana, sister, and faithful servant of God.

Memorial Gathering: 4:00–6:00 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, where a Nurses Honor Guard Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Service: 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, with Pastor Joe Slater officiating.

Private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or Shriners Children’s Hospital.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

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