Betty Mae Wood, age 84, passed away at the Stockton Healthcare and Rehab Center at 10:15 p.m. on January 17, 2015. Fondly known as the "Cookie Lady" (among the other delectable treats she created) by generations of families from Stockton as well as the surrounding area, her chocolate chip yummies were thoroughly enjoyed by children of all ages, many of whom are the grandparents and parents of her current generation of fans. On Halloween, her individually wrapped, specially made cookies were a "must" for all Trick or Treaters, who were aware of these unique "treats".

Betty was born on August 10, 1930, to Petra and Hans Paulson in Volga, South Dakota. She grew up in Volga and on January 8, 1950, married the love of her life, Arnold (Jim) Wood of Brookings, South Dakota, at First Lutheran Church of Volga. They lived in Brookings until Jim completed his degree at SDSU after which they moved to Stockton where they have since resided.

A member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Warren, Betty served as church organist for the past 42 years. She had been active in Girl Scouts, MS Society of NW IL, serving on the board as well as providing assistance to many patients in obtaining necessary items, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Many hours were spent as a member of the Stockton Booster Club, selling snacks at the concession stand to provide funds for the athletic program. Betty has also been a Hospice Volunteer and Board Member, a founding member of Tyler's Justice Center, a Life member of Friends Forever of Freeport, an extension of her great love for animals, especially those without homes, wounded or disabled. Betty was a regular volunteer at the nursing home, providing special treats and always an extra hug or kind word for the residents. She also served as secretary for the Stockton Ambulance Board of Stockton for many years.

An avid knitter, Betty made countless sweaters for new babies and other items for the special children in her life. She made hundreds of pairs of mittens as well, some presented for special causes as well as those which warmed the hands of her family, friends and neighbors. Her afghans were a work of art and treasure by all who were lucky enough to receive them. She had many other varied interests including gardening, her indoor plants, playing bridge and her many feline and canine "children".

Betty is survived by her beloved husband , Jim, daughter Jeanie and her husband Stan Krok of Naperville, IL, and Celebration, FL, two grandchildren Megan Durica of Berwyn, IL and Jason Krok of Celebration, FL, cherished great-granddaughters, MacKenzie Wood and Magnolia Durica, one brother Howard (Lou Ann) Paulson of Sioux Falls SD, two nieces and two nephews Ruth (Stephen) Mendyk, Beth Monson, Michael (Veronica) Paulson and Wayne (Michelle) Paulson. Special Goddaughters, Penny (Rick) Duchow and Ruth Mendyk. And many other friends and neighbors.

Special thanks to Dr. McFadden for all his kind service and to the Stockton Healthcare and Rehab Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one aunt Ida.

Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Warren.

Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Friends Forever Humane Society.