Elsie Cookson

Elsie Jean Cookson was born on December 3, 1933, the daughter Floyd and Irma (Feddersen) Hansen in Brush, Colorado. In 1934, her family relocated to Hasting, Nebraska where she graduated from high school with the class of 1951. She furthered her education at Hastings College where she studied elementary education.

On February 20, 1954, she married John Cookson in Hastings, Nebraska, and together they were blessed with two children, Lynette and Brad. At the time of their marriage, John was serving in the U.S. Army, and the couple lived in Norfolk, Virginia, where she taught at a country school. After John was honorably discharged, they returned to Hastings, Nebraska, where they both pursued careers in education. Over the years, they traveled between Colorado and Nebraska, and she dedicated more than 30 years to teaching elementary school students. In 1993, they retired and moved to Denison to be closer to their daughter, Lynette, and their grandchildren. She continued to share her love for teaching by working as a substitute teacher in Denison for a few years.

Elsie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Denison, PEO and other community clubs for women throughout her years. She enjoyed playing Bridge and completing crossword puzzles. Above all, she loved seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elsie passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital at the age of 91 years, four months and four days. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brad Cookson; daughter, Lynette Ludwig; and twin sister, Alice Marvel; siblings: Donald Hansen, Margaret Scanlan, Betty Maroney and Robert Hansen.

Elsie is survived by her husband, John Cookson of Denison; son-in-law, Robert Ludwig of Vail; grandchildren: Matt (Jamie) Ludwig of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Zach Ludwig of Breda and Seth (Jessica) Ludwig of Westside; great-grandchildren: Zoey, Wyatt, Alexa, Greylin and Walter; and other family members and friends.

Her memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. all on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Denison. Inurnment will be held privately with the family in the King Cemetery near Vail. Memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to be made in her name.