Staunton Woman Lisa G. Cook Dies at 67 After ALS Battle

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Lisa Gaye (Johnson) Cook, 67, of Staunton, Illinois, passed away on March 15 following a two-year battle with ALS. Cook was an entrepreneur who co-founded a cellular phone business and later became a real estate agent. She was known for her warm spirit, kindness, and love of family, friends, and the outdoors. Cook donated her brain and spinal cord to Washington University to further ALS research.

Why it matters

Cook's passing is a loss for the Staunton community, where she was a well-known and beloved figure. Her story highlights the devastating impact of ALS and the importance of research into the disease. Cook's generous donation of her brain and spinal cord will help advance scientific understanding of ALS.

The details

Cook co-founded Communication Concepts, the first cellular phone store in Edwardsville, Illinois, in the early 1990s. She later became a real estate agent and managing broker. Cook was passionate about the outdoors and spent much of her time at the family's lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks, where she entertained family and friends. In retirement, Cook and her husband embarked on "The Great Loop" boating adventure. Cook is survived by her husband, four children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

• Lisa Gaye (Johnson) Cook passed away on March 15, 2026.
• Services were held for Cook on March 21, 2026.
• Cook will be laid to rest in a private family service at a later date.