Frederick W. Crook was born on February 15, 1940 in Fallon, Nevada, to Royal Don and Willmuth C. Crook. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as a missionary in Taiwan in the early 1960s. After his return he studied Chinese at Brigham Young University (BYU), as well as at Columbia University and Harvard University. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from BYU in 1964, and then continued his education at Tufts University where he ultimately earned a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1970.

Crook began his career as an economist as a lecturer at Wellesley College from 1966 to 1967, but soon moved to government service. He worked for the departments of Commerce, Treasury, and Agriculture, focusing on economic issues in China. He also worked at research institutes, and served from 1977 to 1980 as a mission president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taiwan. Crook was also involved in the Boy Scout organization, and enjoyed sailing and camping.

Elizabeth Fletcher Crook was an employee of the United States Senior Analytic Service, an author, a university professor, and treasurer of the China Rural Education Foundation.

Elizabeth Fletcher Crook married Frederick W. Crook on June 5, 1964. They had six children. Elizbaeth received her PhD from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy. She was an employee of the United States Senior Analytic Service for 18 years and a professor at Lingnan University and Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She was also treasurer of the China Rural Education Foundation.