Mary Crook

Mary Ruth Ann (Atherton-Doan) Crook

Mother of six, known as mom to many more, and as Mary or Aunt Mary to many others, left this world Saturday February 13 ^th , 2021.  Born on September 24 ^th , 1937 to parents Hollis (Buck) and Nellie Atherton of Beaverton, Mary was 83 years old.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husband Victor Herbert Crook, brothers Raymond and Henry, little sister Martha, sons Thomas and Dennis and daughter Mary Ann.  She is survived by brother Jim Atherton of Tennessee, daughter Cindy Peacock and son John Doan of Beaverton, son Bill Doan of West Branch as well as her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and countless nieces, nephew’s and friends.

There was always an underlying sadness at the loss of her daughter Mary Ann (5), and son’s Tommy (16) and Denny (58), yet she always made everyone around her feel unconditional warmth and love.  She was not wealthy in terms of money or possessions but was rich in empathy and caring for all those she knew.  She always remembered the stuff that others forget such as your name and the names of your children and children’s children along with birthdays and special occasions.  Birthday cards were always late, which we think was her way of making the day after, her special day alone with you without the distraction of others.  She had a very keen sense of humor which could only be matched by Grampa Buck and sister Martha which would always catch you off guard coming from such a sweet, somewhat shy lady.  Her quiet kindness and ability to forgive without judgement were a fault that will be truly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her kind and gentle soul.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Mary’s honor to the Shelterhouse of Gladwin/Midland.  Donations may be made by visiting their web page at Shelterhouse of Midland and Gladwin Counties (shelterhousemidland.org) and clicking on the “Giving” link at the top of the page and then selecting the drop down “ Give to the General Fund” (add in the note section that the donation is in memory of Mary Crook). You may also mail checks to Shelterhouse, 2500 Waldo Ave, Midland MI 48642. There will be no services at this time but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The best compliment we can think of is to say that Mary was simply a good, kind and caring human being who always put others before herself.  She will be looking down kindly on all of you who go out of your way to help someone in need either by acts of kindness or in donating to a good cause such as the Shelterhouse.

Arrangements are in the hands of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home-Gladwin.