Deva Faye (Whited) Cox, Shenandoah, IA, was born to Sherman and Erma Whited on January 17, 1934, outside Tarkio, Missouri. She attended New Hampton High School until marrying Ed Cox in 1949.

Deva devoted her life to her husband and sons. She eventually received her GED through Rock Port, MO, High School and went on to work as Ed's secretary at the Christian Church in Rock Port, during his tenure as Dean of Students at Tarkio College, and at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Shenandoah, IA. She also worked with the Soil Conservation Commission and as the high school principal's secretary in Rock Port. Her last work was with Southwest Foot & Ankle Center in Shenandoah. Deva enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking, and, most of all, being with her family. She suffered a debilitating stroke in March of 2003 and spent the rest of her life primarily at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah. Ed was by her side each day and at his passing in January of 2013.


Deva and Ed had three sons, Dan (wife Nancy, deceased) of Omaha, Ben (Joni) of Shenandoah, IA, and Mike (Katherine) of Tarkio, MO. Dan and Nancy have two sons, Clayton (Britnie), and Matthew of Omaha, NE. Clayton and Britnie have two sons, Keller and Connor, and a daughter, Quinn. Ben and Joni have a daughter, Rachel Cox (Adam), of South Bend, IN, and a son, Aaron (Alison), of Des Moines, IA. Rachel and Adam have one son, Will. Deva is also survived by her sister Louise Long of Bethany, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.


Tax deductible memorial contributions to the Tarkio College Alumni Association may be sent to Hackett-Livingston or to TCAA, P. O. Box 111, Tarkio, MO 64491.