Virginia Short Rook

Virginia Short Rook passed away Thursday morning, September 17, 2015, at the age of 93. She was born August 29, 1922 in Conway Arkansas to parents Burl Amos and Ona Carter Short. She attended Conway Public Schools and was graduated in 1939. Salutorian of her class. She graduated from Hendrix College in 1943 with a major in music and awarded the first organ scholarship. She taught school in Brinkley High School 1943-44. Head of the Music Department for the School of the Blind 1944-1947. She married Orville Rook in 1947. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary May 30, 2002. Served as organist for Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, La., Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, First United Methodist Church in Conway and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wis. She taught private piano lessons in Conway for 25 years. Was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, a former member of Conway Orpheus Club, Junior Civic League, Faculty Wives Club of the University of Central Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband Orville Rook and great grand child Wiley Phifer. Survivors are son, Dr. Robert B. Rook and wife Lynnette; daughter Nancy Thacker and husband Steve all of Conway. Grandchildren, Sam Phifer and wife Amy Beth, Julie Bedow and husband Daniel, Katie Hahn, Carter Rook, Annie Rook and fiancé Jeremy Deramus, Matthew Brown and wife Katie, Taylor Brown, Ashley Phiferm, Robert Thacker and wife Andrea, Marcie Caldwell and husband Michael. Great-grandchildren are Ellie Phifer, Dawson Brown, Miles Caldwell, Maddie Caldwell, Savannah Bedow and Sarah Thackers. The family would like to express thanks to special friends Mary Henderson, Geraldine Perkins, Sharon Perrigo, and Reba Owens. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation is scheduled 1 hour prior to service at First United Methodist Church. In lieu flowers she requested that donations be made to the Orville and Virginia Rook Scholarship Fund at Hendrix College 1600 Washington Avenue Conway, Arkansas and Cheerful Givers. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.