Ione Cooksey

Ione Cooksey, 78, of Argyle, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at her home.

Ione Theresa Ostby was born on May 26, 1936 in Holt, MN, the daughter of Ivar and Emelie (Qualey) Ostby. She was raised in Big Falls, MN where she attended school. She also resided in International Falls, MN. She married Herb Counter on August 7, 1954. They made their home in Avon, MN until relocating to Richmond, MN. They had nine children together. Ione eventually moved to Argyle with her family. Herb passed away on September 1, 1997.

She worked as a waitress and at an auto parts store in her early years. She also sold crafts out of her home and always enjoyed creating something new. She loved crocheting afghans and sewing anything from doll clothes to quilts for her grandchildren and family which will be cherished keepsakes. Ione also enjoyed gardening, decorating, cooking for her family and baking any kind of sweet treats. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and being with family as that is what she lived for and dedicated her life to.

Left to mourn her passing are nine children, Barb (Les) Rose of South Haven, MN, Jeff (Linda) Counter of Van Horne, IA, Lori (Jon) Deschene of Argyle, MN, Brenda (David) Safranski of Argyle, MN, Karen Olson (Ron Kmecik) of Warren, MN, Shari (Ray) Safranski of Thief River Falls, MN, Stacie (David) Nelson of Warren, MN, Amy (Philip) Klopp of Argyle, MN and Pammy (Kelly) Durand of Argyle, MN; twenty-six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Ellen Ericson of Iowa and brother, Ted (Linda) Ostby of Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; the father of her children, Herb and granddaughter, Katie Lynn Counter.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Our Savior's Free Lutheran Church in Argyle, MN.

VISITATION: After 5:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Tuesday at Our Savior's Free Lutheran Church in Argyle and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

INTERMENT: Alma Baptist Cemetery, rural Argyle, MN

 Service Information