A 1942 graduate of Midvale High School, Wanda married her high school sweetheart, Richard Lee Cookson on August 17 of that same year, shortly before he was deployed to the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Wanda, like many women of her time, became a “Rosie The Riveter” going to work as an aircraft assembly inspector in Detroit, Michigan. Following the war, she and Richard returned to the Tuscarawas Valley where they set up housekeeping in Dover. Wanda retired from the Sears & Roebuck Co. where she had worked for 18 years.
Survivors include her son and two daughters; Richard (wife, Janice) Cookson of Sacramento, CA, Lisa (husband, Greg) Willis of Strasburg, and Julie (husband, Richard) Slone of Etna, O.
She’ll be sadly missed by her three surviving grandchildren, Zachary Cookson of Sacramento, CA, Matthew Cookson of Bangkok, Thailand, and Emily Willis of Strasburg.
A great-granddaughter, Mila Cookson of San Francisco, CA, and a sister, Margie Jank of Grosse Ile, MI, completes the family.
In addition to her parents, Wanda is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Richard Cookson, who passed away November 17, 1994. A grandson; Kevin Willis, two sisters; Elise Mardyla and Verna Nash, and two brothers; Oscar Rosenberry and Norman Page, are also deceased.
Private family viewing and services are planned. Wanda will be laid to rest alongside her husband in New Philadelphia’s Evergreen Burial Park.
To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit Wanda’s permanent memorial on the funeral home’s website.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home
(330) 343-5506
www.geibcares.com
(330) 343-5506
www.geibcares.com
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