Obituary

Eleanor Ruth Cook, “Ruth Cook” was born June 5, 1927 in Darlington Township to Fred and Mildred Hocanson McGeorge. She passed away peacefully June 14, 2024 in Providence Health Care Center, Beaver Falls, PA, nine days after her 97th birthday. When reminded she was 97, she laughed and said, “Must you remind me? That’s pretty old!” Her keen wit, sense of humor, and beautiful smile were with her until she passed. She was married for 57 years to L. Wayne Cook, who died March 22, 2004.

Ruth was an only child. She was raised on a small farm in Darlington Township and went to a one room school. She learned hard work early in her life tending to the animals and garden where they lived. And, she worked at her mother’s restaurant. She graduated from Darlington High School where she met her future husband Wayne. She was voted most beautiful in her graduating class. With her best friends, Peggy Rimoldi and Dot Burns, the threesome graduated from Beauty School in Canton Ohio where they became beauticians. They remained close lifelong friends. It was easy to be friends with Ruth. Her kindness, her thoughtfulness and love of others as well as her sense of humor drew others to her. She treasured her friendships. She read two newspapers daily and was conversant about the news and current events. She was a passionate fan of the Steelers and Penguins. And, she was captured by soap operas and music especially Englebert Humperdinck.

Ruth’s children and grandchildren and then great grandchildren were her life and her heart was always into everything her family did. She went to every activity, game, and event. Every holiday was celebrated in the best ways always to please the family. Her love knew no bounds and she showed her love in every way, every day. Her wisdom and the values she lived and instilled are cherished gifts she leaves to her family.

Ruth taught Sunday and Bible Schools at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Darlington, PA, however, after she and Wayne moved to Chippewa, they joined Chippewa United Methodist Church. Ruth had been active in Eastern Star (Enon Valley Chapter), on the Advisory Board of Rainbow Girls; was an officer of the PTA; enjoyed her card club; was an advisory board member of the Beaver County Children and Youth Services. She delivered meals on wheels for many years; she was recognized as one of the longest serving volunteers. No matter how bad the weather, she drove through the countryside to serve meals to folks. She volunteered for other organizations over her years. She loved to plant flowers; listen to her husband playing the organ; sit on the porch with visitors; feed the birds and chipmunks; go shopping; entertain often and cook her so delicious meals for family and friends. She so enjoyed dining out. She found a water aerobics class at the YMCA after Wayne died, adding a new event to look forward to and adding new friends to her life. She quietly contributed to causes she was passionate for; in particular, her favorite charity was the Beaver County Humane Society; at Christmas time she brought toys and treats to the shelter. For those who wish to celebrate her memory, please donate to the Humane Society or animal shelter of your choice.

Ruth is survived by eldest daughter Lynn and her husband Thom Betz, and daughter Pam Resch (Ron); and Pam’s family: grandchildren Ryan Clerici and Nicole Pittavino, great grandchildren, Kiro Blythe and Emery Pittavino.

At Ruth’s request, she chose not to have a funeral. As was her way, she made her own arrangements so not to burden family at her passing. She will be buried alongside her husband in Grandview Cemetery in Beaver Falls.

The family wants to thank Dr. Carl Sestito and the staff at Providence Health Care Center and nurse Jen Simchak for the excellent care they gave Ruth and for the caring they displayed to her family as well.

In Ruth’s later years, she enjoyed reading and writing poetry. In her notebook of poems she wrote is this one:

When I open my eyes to another day.

I thank God for that as I pray.

To have another day with family and friends.

Is something I wish would never end.

So just let me be worthy of this life.

And, I’ll be forever grateful for what you have chosen to send.

Rest in peace, dear and so special Ruth. She leaves a legacy of love in a long and well-lived life. Her life of kindness and service and the wonderful memories she inspired will always be part of the hearts of all those she touched.