Ruth Florence Cook

Ruth Florence Cook, age 91, of Coon Rapids, IA, passed away November 29, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids with Fr. Patrick Behm as Celebrant.  Music for the Mass will be by the Annunciation choir with Diane Slater as Organist.  Lector for the Mass will be Sam Obert.  Mass servers will be Andrew McAlister and Lucas Obert.  Gift bearers will be Alex Golay, Brandi Golay, Ruth Golay, Lennon Golay, and Grey Golay. Honorary pall bearers will be Ruth’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Burial will be in the Coon Rapids Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids from 5 – 7 P.M. on Thursday where there will be a Christian Wake Service held at 7 P.M. Visitation will resume at Annunciation Catholic Church from 9:30 – 10:15 A.M. on Friday prior to the Mass.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Born on April 14, 1933, at the family home in rural Willey, IA, Ruth was the daughter of John W. and Philomena (Balk) Hofbauer. She grew up on the family farm with her 12 siblings and attended Viola Center School.

On August 8, 1950, Ruth was united in marriage to Dugan James Cook. Together, they built a loving home in Coon Rapids, IA and were blessed with two children: Gayle and Jerry.

From her two children, Ruth’s family tree blossomed into a remarkable legacy: 6 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of her family, a devoted matriarch whose selfless love and unwavering care nurtured generations. The family often lovingly referred to Ruth as the ‘Queen of Spades,’ the most valuable card in the game of 500 Rummy, a fitting symbol of her cherished and irreplaceable role in the family. Ruth was immensely proud of the loving, thriving families her children and grandchildren built, and she found profound joy in watching each generation grow and create their own lasting legacies while always offering her care and support to help them flourish. Her home was a haven of comfort, with her door always open and a warm meal always ready—a place where everyone felt truly at home.

Ruth's nurturing spirit extended beyond her family to her devoted profession. For over 50 years, she dedicated herself to serving the Garst Family in various roles, many of which reflected her gift for hospitality. Whether cooking hearty meals, keeping spaces warm and welcoming, or ensuring guests felt at home in the historic Garst bed and breakfast, Ruth’s care and attention to detail left a lasting impression on everyone she helped serve. Ruth was also an honorary member of the St. Patrick’s Ladies Auxiliary where she exemplified her commitment to the community and the Catholic faith.

In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed getting 'gussied up' for an evening on the town, often dancing the night away. She found joy in gardening, canning her prized tomato juice, mushroom hunting, playing cards, and trying her luck at the casino. Above all, Ruth cherished the time spent with her family. No family gathering was complete without her signature pasta salad and lively games of Pass the Ace, 500 Rummy, or Pepper. Ever the gracious host, Ruth was always in the kitchen, cooking for her guests and family—even if they insisted they weren’t hungry. She took great pride in teaching her family how to make her mother’s beloved German Sour Chicken Soup, ensuring the recipe and its cherished traditions would be passed down and savored by generations to come.

Ruth is survived by her 2 children: Gayle (Howard) Herron and Jerry (Denise) Cook; 4 brothers: Dale (Darlene) Hofbauer, Roy Hofbauer, Stanley Hofbauer, Stephen (Laura) Hofbauer; 2 sisters: Sharon Hofbauer and Connie Johnson; 6 grandchildren: Angela (Doug) Golay, Jesse (Sandi) Cook, Jamie (Andy) McAlister, Joy (Nick) Cook, Brandon (Billie) Byerly, and Jacob (Candice) Cook; 18 great-grandchildren: Kyle (Emily) Golay, Alex (Brandi) Golay, Hailey (Cory) Cook, Sam (Sierra) Obert, Ben Obert, Gabe Obert, Lucas Obert, Andrew McAlister, Matthew McAlister, James McAlister, Landon Cook, Lauren Cook, Lance Cook, Tyson (Gracie) Byerly, Brody Byerly, Skye Byerly, Whitney Byerly, and Sierra Byerly; 8 great-great grandchildren: Weston Williams, Axel Golay, Boone Golay, Ruth Golay, Lennon Golay, Grey Golay, Augustine Obert, and Mary Obert.

Preceding Ruth in death are her parents: John W. and Philomena Hofbauer; Dugan Cook; 5 sisters: Verniel Siercks, Verla Becker, Shirley Hofbauer, Marjorie Gunderson, Imogene Trimble; 1 brother: Donald Hofbauer.

Ruth was a strong woman who endured all without any complaints. She would always lend a helping hand without any need of explanation. Her selfless love will forever be remembered by the ones who knew her.