Elma Catherine Adams Cook, 95, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Borden, Indiana, where she had lived for the past nine years, with her daughter-in-law Melissa serving as her caregiver.

Elma was born on October 27, 1930, in her parents' home in Speed, Indiana. Growing up on the family farm, she milked cows before and after school each day and helped with many other farm chores. She later moved to Sellersburg, Indiana, when she married and remained there until moving to Borden with her son's family.

Elma gave her life to Jesus Christ, being baptized and taking Him as her Lord and Savior on August 27, 1943. She was a lifelong member of Sellersburg Church of Christ. When her children were young, she helped with children's Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School at the church. In her final years she attended Northside Christian Church with her son and daughter-in-law.

Following her graduation from Silver Creek High School, Elma went to work for Belknap, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was employed for five years. Later, she worked for a number of years at M.C. Sales, Inc. in Sellersburg, a business founded by her husband, Scotty.

For Elma, the most important roles in her life were being a homemaker and caring for her family. She lovingly cared for both her daughter and her husband during their battles with cancer. When she was still able, she enjoyed helping prepare funeral meals at church and loved sending cards to church members, family, and friends.

Elma enjoyed cooking, yard work, coloring, working word books, and putting together puzzles in her beloved rocking chair.

She truly loved every kind of flower, birds - especially hummingbirds - rainbows, fireworks, riding around to see Christmas decorations, and visiting the ocean. She especially liked chocolates.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer S. and Elma E. (Schmidt) Adams; her daughter, Gwendolyn Kay; her siblings, Homer R. (Jean Richey) Adams and Maggie Carlisle; her sister-in-law, Faith Cook Grimes; and her husband of 43 years, Douglas Scott "Scotty" Cook.

Elma is survived by her children, Cathy Burgin of Sellersburg and Alan (Melissa) Cook of Borden; her grandchildren, Michael (Lisa) Burgin, Barrett Cook, Evan Cook, Emily Cook, Heather (Neil) Gugenheim, and Allie Broaddus; and her great-grandchildren, Tucker Cook, Sophia Cook, Emma Burgin, Scarlet Cook, Charleigh Cook, Zoey Cook, Ellie Cook, Rowan Gugenheim, River Gugenheim, Kailyn Topel, and Austin Emelio.

She will also be deeply missed by a number of dear nephews and nieces, especially her niece Elizabeth Miller who visited with her often. The family extends its deepest gratitude to the girls from Southern Caregivers along with chaplain Shannon Queenan. Their kindness, comfort, and constant presence whenever needed are appreciated more than words can express.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311 Sellersburg, IN 47172) with George Ross and David Johnson officiating. Elma will be laid to rest at Sellersburg Cemetery following the service. Visitation for Elma will be held at Garr Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.