Chief Ethel Cook's Obituary
Chief Ethel Cook, beloved chief of the Ottawa Tribe passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at her home at the age of 72. As a direct descendant of Chief Joseph Badger King, Ethel was born and raised in Miami, Ottawa County, OK. She married her high school sweetheart, Sam W Cook III, 53 years ago, who served in the Air Force and one year in Vietnam. They welcomed three daughters, Tonya Cook, Samantha Cook, and Sherrise Starkey, with husband Andrew. She also has three grandchildren – Levi, Sam, and Casidee who light up their world.
She became actively involved in the Ottawa Tribe by being on the Election Committee, and in 2003, she and Sam moved back to Miami to spend time and be closer to aging parents. Their relocation allowed Ethel to become even more involved with the Tribe by becoming the Election Committee Chairperson. In addition, she continued to serve the Tribe on the Gaming Commission for High Winds Casino. Ethel also used this time to attend classes in the Ottawa Tribal Language while learning more about the history of the Tribe and its people. She ran for Second Chief in 2007 and was elected for a term of 3 years to become the first female Second Chief in Ottawa Tribe's history. Shortly after becoming Second Chief, the late Chief Charles Todd became ill, and Ethel was able to fulfill his duties as Chief. In May 2011, she was elected Chief and became the first female to hold the position of Chief in Tribal history. Cook has been Chief for the past 12 years (4 Terms).
During this time, Chief has assisted and watched the Tribe build a successful High Winds Casino, Otter Stop Convenience Store, Adawe Travel Plaza, and the most recent addition Otter Cove Diner. In addition, our tribal businesses have continued to progress in their public awareness to promote each business better and become known locally and nationally.
She was awarded, in 2019, the Modern-Day Warrior award by the Oklahoma NIGC for her tireless efforts to support the Tribal Gaming Government, and the NEO A&M American Indian Center awarded her the Distinguished Leader Award for service to their organization.
In 2021, the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Chief with the Impact Award,
then, in 2022, she received the #LoveLocal Award, she continued to serve on the Claremore Indian Hospital Executive Board, was nominated and elected Inter-Tribal Council (ITC) President by the other nine local Chiefs for four years and Chairperson of the Miami Chamber Board as well as the Miami Area Economic Development Services Board (MAEDS). Chief also served on the EPA Region 6 Tribal Operations Committee as Tribal Co-Chair.
The family will begin receiving friends at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Ottawa-Peoria Cultural Center on Eight Tribes Trail. Chief will be laying in state until 4:00 PM on Friday for friends and Community members to visit.
Graveside services will then be on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Ottawa Indian Cemetery. Services have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Chief Cook's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Ethel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ethel?
Share a story where Ethel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ethel you’ll never forget.
How did Ethel make you smile?
