Vyonne "Vonnie" Inez Cook

October 8, 1936 - September 23, 2020

Vyonne Inez Cook passed away in Billings, MT on September 23, 2020. Vyonne (Vonnie) was born on October 8, 1936 in Beach, ND to Roy and Edelia Oech. She attended Beach High School, graduating in 1954. She then attended Dickinson State University, obtaining her two-year teaching certificate. Shortly after she married Donald Kettner, and they had four children. They lived and worked in Outlook, MT, New England, ND then Glendive, MT. After their divorce Vonnie moved to Beach, ND before taking her family to Missoula, MT so she could continue her education. While in Missoula she married Craig Cook and they moved to Billings, where she was employed in the business office for Associated Engineers. She then returned to school and obtained a B.S. in Business Administration, then earned a Certified Public Administration (CPA) license on her first attempt. Vonnie worked for several years as an accountant and office manager, eventually opening her own CPA business where she remained actively engaged until 2019. Vonnie was a genteel woman who seemed comfortable in a wide array of situations; she was also always a professional who carried herself with grace and style. During her later years people often commented on her beautiful smile, her quick wit and her increasingly sweet nature. She enjoyed her independence as well as travelling (especially to Missoula and Red Lodge), watching her beloved UM Grizzlies play football, planting flowers, and whipping up delectable delights in the kitchen for her family. We will surely miss her ribs, potato salad, stuffing, and Waldorf stew! She was also a certified cat lady, offering a loving home to a multitude of Himalayan and Siamese felines. Vonnie was a member of Faith Chapel, the American Society of Women Accountants and was an Outstanding MSU-B nominee. Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Edelia. She is survived by her brother Darrel (Gwen) Oech; her children Audrey Nowlin, Lesley (Rod) Gibbs, Mike (Stacie) Kettner, and Pat (Sherri) Kettner; six grandchildren (Kelsey, Ryan, Beau, Callie, Dalton, and Savannah); five great-grandchildren (R’Delle, Coraline, Kaden, Kash, and Sylvia); and her long-time feline companion Thumper. Per her wishes no funeral services will be held, however a private family burial will take place in Beach, ND at a later date.