Jan M. Cook

Jan Marie Cook, 71 of Gaylord passed away peacefully October 18, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband, Dean Cook; children, Brandi (Ralph M) Hillman and Natasha (David) Rupple, Dean T. Cook and Chad (Angie) Cook; grandchildren, Kala, Paige, Brandon, Heidi, Alex H, Wesley, Emily, Ian, Morgan, Adrianna, Mikayla and Austin; great-grandchildren, Allie, Bryson, Marshall and Aria; and her sister, Ruthann VanDyke.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Benson; father, Edwin Hillman; stepfather, Jack Benson; and 3 brothers, Danny (Ham) Hillman, Edwin Hillman Jr, and Johnny Hillman.

Jan was born on November 7,1953 in Alma, Michigan. From the very beginning she was full of life, love and a bit of sass. She had a big personality and even a bigger heart. She was known for saying what she meant and meaning what she said. Jan loved her family. She was a caregiver for her brother, Johnny Hillman for many years with compassion and dedication.

Jan lived loud, bold and sparkly. She had a fashion for bling and not just a little. From her jewelry, clothes, home décor and even down to her toilet paper holder, proving she could make anything glamorous. She enjoyed baking from graduation or wedding cakes, sugar cookies to her cinnamon rolls, that everyone fought over. She was a gifted baker, too. Her cakes were as fancy as she was.

Jan enjoyed her pool and sun time, flowers, fishing, going to the casino.

She will be missed by her family and friends who will remember her sparkle, her strength and her love.

A memorial gathering will take place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Gaylord Eagles Hall.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.