Nora Ruth Bryant Thomas Cooley, 91, died on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Ruth was born on Feb. 19, 1927 in Tonica, LaSalle, IL, to Nelson and Belle (Satterfield) Bryant, but grew up in Norris City, IL.
She married W. Kenneth Thomas on July 13, 1946, in Morgansfield, KY. To this marriage two daughters were born: Linda Lee Thomas and Shirley Ann Thomas. They traveled the United States and Europe with Ken’s work.
In 1961 they moved to Phoenix, AZ where Ruth and the girls stayed. She and Ken were divorced in 1965. Ruth worked at Motorola in Phoenix for 13 years.
Ruth married Richard Eugene Cooley on May 9, 1970. Ruth and Rich joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Phoenix. Ruth held many callings with the church.
Upon Rich’s retirement, they left Phoenix and moved “home” to Southern Illinois. They continued with their church service at the Eldorado, IL branch. Ruth leaves behind her two daughters, Linda (Buddy) Morrison and Shirley (Keith) Kenney; three granddaughters, Michelle (Michael) Welch, Brenda Parker, and Kristi (Dustin) Schaub; eight great grandchildren, Hailey, Drew and Jaimee Welch, Tyler, Dylan and McKynzie Parker, and Jace and Kailyn Schaub.
Ruth is also survived by a sister, Avis Gwaltney, a brother, Ray (Delores) Bryant; one sister-in-law, Phyllis Wilson Bryant; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, Ruth is survived by a step-daughter, Cathie (Mike) Bradley and step-son-in-law, Bob Eckert; five step-grandchildren, Andrew Eckert, Jamie Peacock, Danielle Wu, David G. Edwards, and Sarah Edwards; and eight step-great grandchildren, Isabella and Ethan Eckert, Tyler and Austin Musser, Zoey Peacock, Taylor and David (III) Edwards, and Lily Grace Edwards. She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, her parents, two sisters, Reba Lucille Bryant and Ruby Louise Bryant Winter, one brother, Herdis Bryant, two brothers-in-law, Ned Gwaltney and Ralph Winter, one infant granddaughter Parry, one step-daughter, Deborah Eckert, and one step-granddaughter, Skye Edwards.
Ruth was full of life and love. She was the hub and heart of her family. She cherished her role as grandmother and loved each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly.
She taught her family responsibility, a strong work ethic, the importance of family, and achievement through example and through her support of their accomplishments. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Visitation will be at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City, IL on Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 9:30 – 11:00 am, and the funeral service immediately following, with David R. Johnson officiating.
Interment will be at Powell Cemetery, Norris City, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959-5058 and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home. favorite_border Donations Pledges Donations may be made to: Hospice of Southern Illinois 204 Halfway Rd.
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