Kellie Bussard Cook

I have remained in the Olney area a good part of my adult life. Most of my working career was spent in various areas of management at Richland Memorial Hospital most recently as the Director of Organization/Community Development and Volunteer Services. I also worked at Farifield Memorial Hospital for a few years as the Director or Quality Assurance and Medical Staff Coordinator. I have traveled extensively through my work and professional associations and have served on the international board of advisors to the IEHA as well as holding a variety of offices throughout the Tri-State area.
I am now retired living south of Calhoun on a small "ranch". We have raised registered Clydesdale horses for over 30 years and have placed several of our young horses in hitches throughout the U.S. and Canada. We purchased our original breeding stock from Budweiser in St. Louis. Recently some cattle found a place on the farm much to my dismay. (I am not a cow person) I recall being chased by them as a teenager while trying to fish in a farm pond.

I Love spending time with my grandchildren, when possible. I also enjoy traveling.

As of September, 2011 I have officially flunked retirement for the second time and have taken a part-time management position with the Salvation Army. What a great organization! We are always looking for volunteers. On December 28, 2012, I retired for the third and final time. Life has been quite a ride! I really am enjoying retirement this time. I have developed many new hobbies and widened my circle of friends. My family keeps getting larger which is wonderful! All of this keeps me busy. I guess I finally learned it was okay to not get up at the crack of dawn and have to be somewhere at a given time.

I recently had the honor of being asked to serve on the TIger Pride Alumni Association Board of Directors and was elected as the Founding President. Exciting times are ahead!

My husband of 35 years passed away in April 2014. I have recently moved back back to Olney after spending almost 30 years on the farm. I enjoy being back in town.


I would love to hear from all old friends and acquaintences.

I always enjoyed attending dances and sporting events. Lived for the weekend. High school was so much fun and I made many lasting friendships. It was traumatic transferring in during the last part of my freshman year. I played the violin in the school orchestra at my previous school. Gus and Mary taught me to play precussion instruments so I could get my credit for the year in band. Thanks Gus and Mary. I will never forget my high school years. They were some of the best of my life. Many, many fond memories of very special people and friendships.

My bucket list is HUGE. I think a trip to Alaska would probably top the list.....at least today. :) Having traveled to most states in the lower 48, I would still like an extended trip to the Grand Canyon and Yellow Stone. I love the shore and mountains. Most places I have visited I would like to revisit and spend more time.

Born in Superior, Wisconsin. Raised in Bay City, Michigan until age 13 and then moved to Olney as it was my father's home area. During my young adult years, I lived in Rye, Colorado for a brief period of time. Moved back to Olney and the rest is history. :)