Irene M. Cook

Irene M. Cook, loving wife, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. She was 92 years old. Irene was born on Feb. 6, 1928, in Billings, to Jacob Eckhardt and Katherine Heimbichner.

Irene met the love of her life, Conrad "Coney" Cook in early 1946 and married on Oct. 11 of that year. They remained in love and best friends until his death in 2005. Besides Conrad, Irene is preceded in death by her infant son, David and siblings Helen Williams, Richard Eckhardt, Freda Fode, Clara Hensley, Leo Eckhardt, Robert Eckhardt, Betty Strecker, Arthur Eckhardt, Theodore Eckhardt, Delores Luff and Agnes Eckhardt.

Irene is survived by her two sisters, Mae Sartorie and Alice Stene. She also has many nieces and nephews.

Irene worked for many years at Pierce Packing in Billings as a meat cutter. She and Coney enjoyed fishing and camping, and could be found most weekends at Martinsdale Reservoir, their favorite fishing hole. They also enjoyed traveling, playing cards and gardening. She and Coney also enjoyed helping their nephew Mike Sartorie on the farm at Sartorie Farms.

Irene was a sincere and loving, caring person who always had time to help anyone in need. She was loved by all.

The family would like to express special gratitude to Stillwater Hospice, everyone at the Legacy Assisted Living, and all those who gave so much to help Irene in the final phase of her life.

In lieu of flowers, we would invite everyone to donate to the healthcare foundation of their choosing.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 409 S. 36th St., with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be made at www.michelottisaywers.com.