Ingrid T. Cooksey, 77, of Washington, IL died at 1:10 pm Saturday, December 11, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

She was born on September 23, 1944 in Vienna, Austria, but grew up in Germany where she worked on several farms.  She was an orphan, but lived with several families as she grew up.

In 1962, her brothers, Erwin and Willi brought her to America. On June 22, 1963 she married her soulmate and the love of her life, Larry, who survives.  She proudly became an American citizen in 1967.

Also surviving are 3 sons, Anthony (Brooke) Cooksey of Metamora, IL, Mark (Jerri) Cooksey of East Peoria, IL, and Andrew (Sara Dill) Cooksey of Winter Garden, FL, 1 brother, Heinrich Doerr of Missouri, 6 grandchildren, Maxwell and Madelyn Cooksey, Katherine and Karmen Cooksey, Steve Ruffalo, and Jill Cornelius, and 3 great-grandchildren. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Ingrid was always eager to help regardless of the task.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers, Erwin, Willi, and Bernie.

Ingrid worked at Illinois Central College for 15 years as a baker.  She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially Christmas cookies with her granddaughters. She loved flower gardening and was considered by many to be a master at this craft.  She also enjoyed being a member of the Town and Country Gardeners in Washington for many years.

She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her but now enjoys peace with her Lord and her mother that she never knew.

A funeral mass will be at 10 am Monday, December 20, 2021 at her church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Washington.  Father John Steffen will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-5:45 pm on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where a prayer service will be at 5:45 pm.  Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

The family would like to thank the OSF ICU doctors, nurses, and staff for excellent care they provided to Ingrid.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Ingrid's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to her family.