Ruth A. Cooper

Ruth A. Cooper, 86, of Jefferson City, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at Heisinger Bluffs Care Center. She was born on July 28, 1928, in the community of Grogan, Missouri the daughter of Fred and Mary Gribas Grogan, both of whom preceded her in death. She was married on July 28, 1950, in Salem, Arkansas to Herbert "Kak" Cooper Jr. who preceded her in death on February 12, 2012. She graduated from Houston High School in Houston, Missouri, and received a Teacher's Certificate from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and taught in a one room schoolhouse for a period of time. She felt that her mission in life was to be devoted to her family, and fulfilled that mission by helping to farm, care for animals, milking, canning and gardening. She also worked for Willow Springs Electric Company. Ruth was a member of Willow Springs First Baptist Church. She loved crocheting, was a good seamstress, wonderful baker, and great cook. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 60 years. She is survived by two daughters: Carolyn Fortner and husband Roger of Knob Noster, Missouri, and Becky Anderson and husband Rodney of California, Missouri; one grandson: Kyle Anderson and wife Jana of Holts Summit; one great-grandson, William James Anderson; three sisters: Ruby Surby of Liberty, Missouri, Helen Snyder of Chico, California, and Anna Kitchens of Houston, Texas; and two brothers: Thomas Grogan and wife Erna of Apple Valley, California, and Donald Grogan and wife Melba of Farmington, Missouri. She was also preceded in death by: one brother, Arthur Grogan; two grandchildren: Aaron Kak Fortner on March 7, 1979 and Abby Lea Fortner on February 15, 1981; and one great- grandson, Cooper Richard Anderson on January 3, 2013. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Heisinger Bluffs Chapel, 1002 West Main Street, Jefferson City. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Heisinger Bluffs Chapel. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015, in Willow Springs City Cemetery, Willow Springs, Missouri. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com