Mary Alice (Cook) Munger

Mary Alice (Cook) Munger, loving wife of John A. Munger, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. She was 97 years old. Mary Alice was born May 14, 1928, in Denver, Colorado, the youngest of three children of Judge Joseph E. Cook and Alice Spencer Cook. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she met John, the love of her life. They were both active in fraternal and other organizations, and Mary Alice belonged to Pi Beta Phi. After John returned from service in the Navy, they graduated and were later married in April 1951. Mary Alice initially worked at the phone company but then migrated to public service.She was appointed by the governor to serve on the State Board of Health, where she was elected the first female president, and advocated for environmental issues. She also served on the United Way Board of Trustees and was the state vice-chairman of the Republican Party.
Mary Alice and John moved to Arizona in 1998, settling near the city of Surprise. They continued their extensive travels, including frequent trips to favorite spots like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. After John passed away in 2004, Mary Alice moved to The Colonnade where she made many friends and lived there until the end of her life. Friends and family who knew her were often treated to the limericks and poems she loved to write. She also enjoyed puzzles and game shows, even appearing (and winning!) on Wheel of Fortune. She had a fantastic memory, and family/friends came to expect a call from her every year on holidays and birthdays.
Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband John, sister Grace, brother Joe, and her beloved nephew Bob Cook. She is survived by six nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. A private remembrance will be held on a future date.