Esther Mae Gardner Cook, of Springfield, passed away Saturday, February 12 in The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek with her children by her side. Services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 16, 2011 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Mo. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday in the funeral home. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m., on Wednesday in the Columbia Cemetery, Columbia, Missouri. Esther was born in Woodlandville, Boone County, Missouri on November 17, 1918 to Eulah Pickard Gardner and Carl J. Gardner. Her early years were spent in Woodlandville and she graduated from University High School in Columbia, Missouri. On February 12, 1938, Esther was united in marriage to Charles Floyd Cook. They were blessed with 61 years together and seven children. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include her children, Roger Cook and wife Shirley, Linda Western and and husband Robert L., Charles Cook and wife Judy, of Springfield, Charlotte Prosser and husband Rick, Lawrence, Kansas, Karen Niswander and husband Dan, Port Orange, Florida, Deborah Johnson and husband Jerry, Overland Park, Kansas, Mark Cook and wife Rebecca, Jacksonville, Florida; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Quail Creek especially the Willows Neighborhood for the loving care, respect, friendship and concern shown to Esther each day. In memory of Esther contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Missouri Chapter, Glen Isle Center, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804.