Debby Cook "Mugga" was born November 27, 1957 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Charles K. Provance, Sr. and Patricia L. Provance and she peacefully departed this world on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, surrounded by her husband and three children.

Debby grew up in Clarkton, Missouri with her brother, Chuck, and sister, Beth. Throughout her childhood in Clarkton, she developed many life-long friendships. Forty-five years ago an amazing love story began when Debby met the love of her life, Steve Cook. They were married in Malden, Missouri on June 29, 1974. Their love for one another created three children, Kevin, Whitney and Colton. Their love story served as an example to countless people. She was a devoted and treasured daughter, granddaughter, sister, wife, mother, Mugga, niece, aunt, and cousin to all of her family. She especially loved spending time with her six grandchildren: Audrey Cook, Sammy Smith, Lorelai Smith, Harvey Cook, Hazel Cook and Murphy Cook. She fiercely loved her family and her friends, whom she considered family. She wanted the best for them and wanted them all to be the best they could possibly be.

Debby Cook "Mugga" was a one of a kind person who touched the lives of many people. She shared her smile, laugh, wisdom, opinions and most of all her love with anyone who needed them. She wanted everyone to feel like they mattered and that who God made them to be was exactly who they should be. She made anyone who interacted with her feel like they were the most important person in that moment. She had a heart that overflowed for people and found energy and her calling through serving others. She used her many gifts to lift others up and to serve God. This took many forms during her lifetime, sometimes as a librarian, clothing store salesperson, artist, crafter, set designer, church leader, choir member, worship planner and cemetery board member.

In addition to loving her family and friends, Debby loved music, especially of the 60s, 70s and early 80s. She loved to paint and craft with her mother and other special friends. She loved decorating her house and the church. She was a committed member of the Nashakola Club and loved hosting their annual craft fair. She loved worship, fellowship and the people at First General Baptist Church in Malden. She was a genuinely intellectually curious person who was a voracious reader. She loved horses and horse racing. She loved dogs and cats. She loved lakes for the calm they gave her and the memories they elicited. She loved bright colors, glitter and interesting jewelry. She was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching games both in person and on TV. She loved popcorn with orange juice and pizza with chocolate milk. Most of all she loved all the unique, interesting and colorful people who were a part of her life's journey.

Debby is survived by her husband, Steve Cook; her son, Kevin Cook and wife Laurie of Manhattan, Kansas, daughter, Whitney Smith and husband, Jon of Malden, Missouri, and son Colton Cook and wife, Alex of Clarkton, Missouri; her mother, Patricia L. Provance of Clarkton, Missouri, brother, Chuck Provance and wife Pat of Clarkton, Missouri and sister, Beth Love and husband Shawn of Springfield, Missouri.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: grandaughter, Audrey Cook, grandson, Sammy Smith, granddaughter, Lorelai Smith, granddaughter, Harvey Cook, granddaughter, Hazel Cook and granddaughter, Murphy Cook. Also, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, special nieces and nephews, countless cousins and devoted friends.

She was proceeded in death by her father, Charles K. Provance, Sr.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 6-9 P.M. at the Landess Funeral Home in Malden. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Landess Funeral Home in Malden with Reverend Stewart-Allen Clark officiating.

Interment will be in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Clarkton.

Landess Funeral Home of Malden in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials to: Alzheimer's Association, First General Baptist Church in Malden or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.