Molly (or Mary as she was usually called later in life) was born near Azen, Scotland County, Missouri on July 16, 1878 to Henry Keck Rugh and Caroline Victoria (nee Terrell) of that place.

On July 22, 1903, in Scotland County, she married Jim (James Jay) Cook, a farmer. They were without children.

Mary (Molly) died on June 26, 1970 in Kirksville, Adair County, Missouri. Jim passed away in 1974 in Kirksville. They both lie side by side at the Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.