Ruth A. Cooper, age 83, of Flora, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
She was born in Annapolis, Maryland on August 14, 1940, to Arnold and Bessie (Baker) Miller. She and Richard A. Cooper, Jr married on July 11, 1959, and they spent 60 years together before his death on April 2, 2019.
Ruth is survived by two children, Richard A. Cooper, III and wife Deann of Iuka, and Regina A. Bunning and husband Jerry of Decatur, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, her sister Betty Lou Anderson and brother Richard Lee Miller, and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Tommy Miller, James Miller, Arnold Miller, and one sister, Beatrice Mae Wright.
For many years, she and Richard moved around for his work, even spending a year in China. They ended up putting down roots on a farm in Flora where they spent their final years. She took pride in taking the time to make the houses her family lived in feel like home. Ruth had a love for German Shepards and there was rarely a time in her life that she did not have her faithful companion by her side.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and accumulated a vast knowledge of many things by lots of reading and trial and error. She shared that knowledge with her friends and family, always willing to help. Ruth enjoyed tending to her large flower and vegetable garden, working outside, and sewing. She used to say she didn’t like to cook but she was an excellent cook and made wonderful homemade pies, especially Richard’s favorite, Lemon Meringue.
A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Animal Rescue & Shelter (CCARS) or Alzheimer’s Association, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
