Cookie Besta

Leona I. "Cookie" Besta, 70, passed away Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Rossville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Rossville. She was born May 29, 1946 in Topeka, the daughter of James Harold "Vern" and Georgia Mae Shields Spiker. Cookie graduated from Highland Park High School. She graduated from cosmetology school in Topeka and was a beautician for many years. Cookie later worked for the Kansas Department of Revenue until her retirement. Cookie was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James Curtis "J.C." Spiker. She was united in marriage to Bennie Besta; they later divorced but remained close friends. Survivors include her son, Richie Besta, Topeka; three daughters, Cindy (Karl) Kelley, Rossville, Patti and Stacy Besta both of Topeka; four sisters, Carol (Ted) Montgomery, Berryton, Cindy Spiker, Ottawa, Pat Spiker and Misty Snyder both of Topeka; grandchildren, Haley and Dalton Kelley, Rossville; several nieces and nephews. Cookie was cremated. A memorial visitation will be Friday, November 4, 2016 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Inurnment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association and sent in care of the funeral home.