Mary Virginia Hockaday

Mary Virginia Hockaday, 65, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on March 15, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. She was born on August 28, 1960, in Fort Riley, Kansas, to Levi Cook Jr. and Mary Frances French Cook, both of whom preceded her in death.

On May 3, 2023, in Sedalia, she married Thomas Hockaday, who survives at the family home. Mary found deep joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing Yahtzee, Rummy, and Bingo, and spent many quiet hours enjoying Candy Crush on her tablet. She cherished being outdoors in the warmer months and took special delight in watching her grandchildren play in the yard. Above all, she loved her family and treasured every birthday, holiday, and gathering spent with them.

Christmas held a special place in her heart. She delighted in decorating, choosing gifts, and creating warm memories for her family and grandchildren. With a generous spirit, Mary found far more happiness in giving than in receiving, and her love for her family remained the center of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; two children, Robert Cook and his wife Samantha of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Sheila Chastain and her husband Kevin of Sedalia; eighteen grandchildren, Timothy, Shawna, Bobby, Heather, Adam, Adrian, Jax, Brendon, Troy, Montana, Parker, Ryder, Riley, Bella, Falicity, Sequoia, Jeremiah, and Autumn; four great-grandchildren; two nephews; and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by a son, James Cook, and a brother, Kenneth Cook.