TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Donna Jo (Cook) Allen was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and passed on Sept. 22, 2023 at her home in Tybee Island, Ga. She was born on Feb. 18, 1958 in Great Bend to David H. Cook Jr. and Frances Marie Cook. 

She graduated from GBHS in 1976. She earned her PhD in Public Health at Texas Women’s University and Masters in Education from Baylor University. She was an avid cyclist. She was on the Baylor cycling team; in 1983 participated in Olympic Trials; participated in Bike Across Kansas for over 30 years; and Bike across America four times.

Donna was a people person with an infectious laugh and positive personality. She believed happiness was a part of sound health. This passion took her to conferences in Germany, Croatia, South Africa, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica and France where she spoke out about the power of positivity.

She loved her kids and took them internationally to speaking conferences. Her home and her heart were always welcoming. 

She moved to Tybee Island, Ga. in 2017 and married Ben Goggins.

Donna enjoyed life and the beauty of God’s creation.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her children, Cade, Casey and Cale, all of Omaha, Neb.; brother, David Cook of Owasso, Okla.; sister Patsy Johnson of Hutchinson. 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 5, 2023