Obituary: Maude Irene "Cookie" Way

Our beloved Cookie lost her courageous battle with cancer on December 18, 2011, surrounded by her loving family.

Cookie was one of ten children born to Marvin and Mary DeWitt on July 12, 1943 in Gretna, Nebraska.

She moved to Nevada in 1974 to work in the casino industry. She has worked the last 8 years as a restaurant supervisor at Slot World, where her customers and co-workers became her second family.

Cookie was preceded in death by her father, Marvin; mother, Mary; in-laws, Don and Virginia Way; and brother-in-law, Richard Way. She is survived by her beloved husband and soulmate of 34 years, Jim. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Tony DeLise; niece Tiffany Kleine (Roger); great nephews, Tyler, Jacob and Nick. She had a very special bond with Nick and he could always make her laugh. Nephew Mike Downs (Kristy); great nieces Jasmine, Devonie, Sierra; nephews, Chris and Jason Way; and great nephew, Jayce. She is also survived by her sisters, Cate Murphy, Margaret Rasmussen, Virginia Dixon, Mary Jensen, Liz Holloway, Charlene Anderson; and brothers, Richard DeWitt (Marilyn), Marvin (Julia), and George, who all love and adore her.

Cookie made everything beautiful. Always giving, she touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her limitless kindness, compassion, caring and passion has defined every aspect of her rich, creative, joyful and energetic life. She loved and lived life to the fullest and was loved by all. The way she touched us will last forever. Those who knew Cookie adored her. She will be forever in our hearts.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt THANK YOU to Dr. Guy Foster, The Sierra Nevada Cancer Center staff, Dr. Perez, Fred, Angie, and Kane and Vista Care Hospice staff for all their loving care.

The family also wanted to thank Denyse and Kevin for all their love and special friendship.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer, which was Cookie's favorite time of year.