Amy Smith-Cook

INDIANAPOLIS -- Amy Smith-Cook, 77, of Indianapolis and formerly of Jackson, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.

She was born Oct. 6, 1945, in Oconee, Illinois, the daughter of Melvin and Lois Jean Diefenthaler McCaleb. She married Carl L. Smith on Dec. 26, 1971. Carl passed away Dec. 14, 1994. Amy and Odell Ruthford "Dick" Cook were married June 27, 1999, and he passed away Nov. 14, 2013.

Amy was a graduate of Evergreen Park High School in Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and a master's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University. She worked as a teacher at Cape Girardeau Central High School.

She was a member at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. Amy was a world traveler, an avid reader and a movie enthusiast.

Loving survivors include three children, David (Lisa) Smith of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Michael (Heather) Smith of Indianapolis and Julie (Tim) Bowden of Springfield, Missouri; brother, Phillip (Wendy) McCaleb of Valparaiso, Indiana; stepson, Mark Cook of Cape Girardeau; and several grandchildren and stepgrandchildren in Missouri, Indiana and Mississippi.

In addition to her husbands, Amy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Debby Johnson; and stepson, John Cook.

A viewing for friends will be from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 3, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, followed by a private family graveside service conducted by the Rev. Jimmie Corbin at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Amy's obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.