Ballwin Area School Bus Driver Retires

Kids may not be able to recall all of their bus drivers, but Mary Cook should be one to remember.

After spending 47 years working as a bus driver, Cook will be spending her retirement with family and friends. On Wednesday, Cook was honored by friends and co-workers at a surprise retirement party.

Even in retirement, however, Cook still should be visible to kids near one of her local routes.

“Mary’s house is along one of our bus routes and we fully expect to see her outside, enjoying her yard,” said Marilyn Brock, a long-time friend and manager at First Student, Inc., a school bus transit company.

While driving school children along pickup routes in Ballwin, Cook displayed a professional sense of care and maintained an exceptional work record, Brock said.

“Mary has been the perfect employee," she said. "Not only has she exhibited outstanding work ethic, but she has displayed genuine care and concern for her students.”