The Texas Rangers organization is mourning the passing of Rangers superfan Shirley Kost, who died early Thursday morning in Arlington at the age of 82. Kost was battling COVID-19 and its aftereffects.

She tested positive for the virus in December and was hospitalized shortly thereafter.

Shirley and her husband Cal -- who has been an usher at both Globe Life Field and Globe Life Park for 25 years -- were frequent visitors to Rangers Spring Training, originally in Florida and most recently in Arizona, for the last 30 years. They always came with a tub of cookies as well, to be shared with fans, broadcasters and the entire clubhouse. Shirley earned the nickname “The Cookie Lady.”

The organization released a statement on Shirley’s passing:

“The Texas Rangers mourn the passing of a longtime loyal and very passionate fan today. Shirley Kost has been a part of the Rangers’ family for over 30 years. Shirley was affectionately known as the 'Cookie Lady' as she tirelessly baked and brought thousands of cookies to Rangers players, staff, and broadcasters over the years.

“Shirley and her husband Cal, who has worked for many years as a ballpark seasonal employee, have been annual visitors to Rangers Spring Training camps in Florida and Arizona. It has always been a welcome sight for players and coaches to see the Kosts each year on the back fields in Spring Training, and it was just not the same without them being there in 2021.

“We won’t soon forget Shirley’s unwavering support and enthusiasm for the team and its players and coaches over so many seasons. This is a very sad day.

“The Rangers send their thoughts and prayers to Cal and the entire Kost family at this very difficult time.”

The Rangers will observe a moment of silence in Shirley’s memory prior to Monday night’s game against the Yankees at Globe Life Field.