Ellen Moretz Cooke

Ellen Moretz Cooke, 81, of Hickory, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Trinity Ridge after a period of declining health. She was born August 17, 1943 in Catawba County to the late Ronder McCoy Moretz and Mabel Elizabeth Sigman Moretz. She was also preceded in death by two siblings, Rachel Moretz Jones and Clyde McCoy Moretz, as well as a son-in-law, Lt. Col. Wendell Lee Collins.

Ellen graduated from Hickory High School and went on to obtain a secretarial degree at Lenoir Rhyne College. She worked for various organizations over the years and finished out her career working for Hickory Public Schools as the Secretary for the Hickory Alternate School and Longview Elementary School.

In December 1960, Ellen married Jack Cooke of Rutherford College. They had two daughters Rebecca Ellen and Jacqueline Suzanne.

Surviving family members include her husband of 64 years Jack Cooke, daughter Becky Cooke and husband Tom Brittain, daughter Jacqueline Collins and husband Steve Miller, granddaughter Marguerite Collins and husband Matthew Landini, grandsons Samuel Collins and Mykola Zhurbikov, brother William Moretz and wife Pat, sister-in-law Mary Moretz, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Ellen was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

Memorial services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church ELCA in Hickory on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 3:00 pm with the Pastor David Drysdale. The family will receive friends from 2pm –3pm prior to the service. Entombment will be in the church columbarium following the service.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Cooke family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Cooke family.