Shane Bellis Cook, 76, died Friday, June 10, 2011 at Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell, Iowa. Shane was a beloved mother, friend and counselor. She was an intellectually engaged person with strong convictions who was deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Not afraid to tackle the tough issues and indomitable in the face of challenges, she was a life long learner who appreciated the gifts of others. Shane held strong convictions about human rights and was deeply invested in the betterment of the world in which we live. Throughout her life, she held leadership positions with the American Red Cross, the League of Women Voters and the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. A long time supporter and passionate advocate for the issues advocated by the ACLU, in addition to local and state involvement, she served on the ACLU national board for three years. A theater devotee, Shane was a regular contributor as an actress, director and stage manager to local theater productions in Grinnell. She got her start in community theater with the Hartsville (SC) Community Players, debuting with Ron as mother and son in 'The Music Man', playing Mrs. Paroo and Winthrop. She was deeply devoted and dedicated to the ministry of Grinnell's First Presbyterian Church, both locally and in the broader mission of the church. An advocate and teacher for the Christian education programs at the church, she worked with both the children and adults seeking to challenge all to a deeper understanding and life of faith. For most of her years at the church, she was a regular in the choir. She served on session, as a deacon, as well as on the most recent Pastor nominating committee. Shane became a quiet and respected force in the Presbytery, serving notably on the Committee on Ministry, where her focus, tact and grace were brought to bear in challenging situations. She graduated from Lindblom High School in Chicago, Ill. and earned a BA in biology from Grinnell College in 1956. She had a long career in higher education, including 20 years at her alma mater's alumni relations office. She also worked 5 years in senior management at L'eggs hosiery in South Carolina, and before that as registrar at Coker College of Hartsville, SC. Shane is survived by her son Ron Cook and his wife Amy; her mother, Phyllis Bellis; and sister Judy Ayers, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Chuck (1973). Visitation with the family will be hosted Friday evening, June 17th, at The Mayflower in the Montgomery Room, 624 Broad Street, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1025 Fifth Avenue, Grinnell, presided over by their pastor, the Rev. Kirsten Klepfer, with the support of Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. The family suggests that those desiring to make memorial gifts in Shane's memory donate to either the First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell or Grinnell College.