Ruth Ann (McCarthy) Cook

Ruth Cook (93) of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday November 8th  surrounded by her loving family and listening to her favorite music. Ruth was born on May 29th, 1932, to Alma (Sheehan) and William McCarthy. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1950. Ruth married Bob Cook on May 26, 1962, in Columbus, Ohio where they built their house and raised their five children.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Bob Cook and brother Bill McCarthy. She is survived by her five children, son Kevin (Kimberly) Cook of Windermere, FL, daughters Kathy Cook of Boston MA, Colleen Cook, of Portsmouth NH, Susan Cook of Columbus, Julie Cook (Greg Pattison) of Powell, two granddaughters Arla (John) Alexander and Ann Marie, and four great grandchildren Evie Grace, Addie Joy, Noah, and Luke. Sister-in-law Debbie McCarthy and best friend Pat Faist.

Ruth will be remembered as an amazing and devoted wife and mother who set the standard for kindness, patience, and devotion. She loved flowers, gardening, shopping, babies (especially her great grandbabies), the Columbus Zoo, laughter, and conversation. Ruth also had a fondness for chocolate milkshakes especially from Graeter’s, cookies, jewelry, and her beloved dogs—Buffy, Holly, and Molly. 

She cherished time spent with family and friends, especially her lifelong friend of more than 90 years, Pat Faist. A devout Catholic, she was a committed member of the St. Andrew community, where she regularly attended Mass with her husband and children whom she often wished were better behaved in church.

Ruth was known for always being “dressed to the nines,” even while gardening. She loved to travel, and she and Bob often retraced parts of their honeymoon through the Blue Ridge Parkway, with favorite stops in Gatlinburg, Louisville, and Oglebay. She also treasured family trips celebrating milestone birthdays, with highlights including Ireland, Charleston, Maine, and Newport, Rhode Island.

The family wants to extend their sincerest gratitude to the amazing group of caregivers who cared for our mother like their own family and allowed us to keep her in her own home. All friends and family are welcome to join in a Celebration of Ruth’s life to be held Thursday November 13, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Julie and Greg’s home 8484 Deep Run, Powell, OH 43065.

A Visitation will also be held from 11:00 – Noon, on Friday November 14 th, at St. Andrew Church (Upper Arlington), 1899 McCoy Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43220. Funeral Mass will be held at Noon on Friday November 14 t , at St. Andrews Church (Upper Arlington), 1899 McCoy Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43220, with Msgr. Stephan Moloney officiating.  Burial service will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 6440 High Street Lockbourne, Ohio 43137.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Ruth be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter or The Central Ohio American Heart Association.