Sally Larsen

Sally Verlea, daughter of Eldon and Gladys (McClintock) Cook was born February 15, 1933 in Monmouth, Illinois. Sally joined a family of one sister and four brothers. Her father died when she was in Monmouth High School. She enlisted in the Waves on February 16, 1953. On October 16, 1954 Sally was united in marriage with Charles Larsen. At that time in history, a married Wave could request a separation from the service. In December of 1954 she was separated but continued to work in federal civil service. Sally and Charles were the parents of one son, Chris Eric Larsen. Charles served in the Air Force for twenty years and they lived all over the United States on various bases When he was assigned to remote bases like Alaska, Sally lived with her mother in Monmouth and later when Charles served in Vietnam, in Sac City, Iowa with their eight year old son. Sally enjoyed being a homemaker and mother to their son. She was an accomplished seamstress and made most of her clothing. She created and embroidered a baptismal gown for their son. After retiring from the Air Force, Sally and Charles lived in Williamsburg Subdivision, Orlando, FL for 27 years. When they could no longer live alone, they moved to Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee, FL. Sally died December 28, 2012. Preceding her in death are her parents; siblings James Cook, Patricia (Robert) Benning and Thomas (Norma) Cook. She is survived by her husband Charles Larsen of Good Samaritan Village, Kissimmee, FL; son Chris Larsen of Orlando, FL; two brothers Roger (Martha) Cook and Richard (Emma) Cook both of Monmouth, IL; other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life was held on January 4, 2013 at Good Samaritan Chapel.