Ripley, Mississippi--- Mrs. Ruth Hines Cook was born on August 21, 1927 to Frank Leslie Hines and Ammie Daniel Hines of the Hopewell Community in northern Benton County, MS.

On August 23, 1953 , she married the love of her life, M.H. (Haywood) Cook. They established their home in Ripley and were the parents of three children, David H. Cook (Linda) of Ripley, Karen Cook Sterchi (Charlie) of Knoxville, TN, and Barry H. Cook of Ripley.

Ruth was genuinely compassionate southern lady who was a devoted long-time member of the Ripley Presbyterian Church. She retired after a 34-year teaching career, with the last 25 years as a third grade teacher in Ripley. Generations of young people are better because she was a part of their lives and education.

She was predeceased by four siblings, H.D. (Dan) Hines, Alva Powell, Earlyne Burton, and identical twin Edith Martin. Additional survivors are her brother: Curtis Wayne Hines; four grandchildren: Jenny Cook Thompson (Justin), Anna Cook Luster (Justin), Emily Sterchi (Vince Price), and Charlie Sterchi IV. Her cherished great-grandchildren are Anderson and Eden Thompson and Ann Hines Luster.

Ruth passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday May 30, 2018 at the age of 90.

Memorials may be made to Ripley Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 556, Ripley, MS 38663; Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2309 Saulsbury Rd, Walnut, MS 38683; Blue Mountain College, P.O. Box 160 Blue Mountain, MS 38610.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Bob Cook, Frank Hines, Justin Luster, Justin Thompson, Dr. Joe H. Martin, Vince Price and Charlie Sterchi IV.