Laura Ruth Worrell Cooper, born July 24, 1916, left this earth and joined the heavenly host on September 18, 2006. She was the daughter of Blanche Larrowe Worrell and W. Flernoy Worrell.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 40 years, Dwight Franklin Cooper and two daughters, Jane McKee and son-in-law Douglas McKee of Huntington, West Virginia; and Shirley Melton and son-in-law Ray Melton of Woodlawn, Virginia; in addition to many other relatives.

She also leaves two daughters-in-law, Paula Cooper of Lexington, Virginia, and Lynda Cooper of Wilson, North Carolina. Preceding her in death were two sons, Jerry Cooper and Lowell Cooper. Also preceding her in death was her very best friend, Laura Elizabeth Lemons.

She leaves her dear grandchildren, Nelson Chipman (Karin) of Brooklyn, New York; Jill Thompson (Lee) of Woodlawn, Virginia; Craig Melton (Sandy) of Staunton, Virginia; and Eliza Cooper, Beth Cooper Futrello, and Amy Cooper. She leaves two great-grandchildren, Jack and Oskar Chipman.

She leaves many special friends including Jelene Patton of Galax, Virginia, and a special "adopted" daughter, Patricia Hanekamp of Lorton, Virginia.

Ruth was a devoted and dedicated teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Grayson County. She loved her students and wanted the best of educational opportunities for them. She was a true citizen of Galax and engaged in many projects to improve the area including the Galax Clean City Committee.

She also loved her church, First Christian Church of Galax, and worked tirelessly to further the church and its mission of winning people to Jesus. She served as president of the Christian Women's Fellowship, taught the Comrades Sunday School Class, and served in many capacities in church service. She helped create the Heritage Room at First Christian Church where documents, pictures, and other artifacts regarding the church are housed. Ruth was selected as Elder Emeritus of First Christian Church in the 90's.

The family is grateful for the kindness of so many at Beverly Healthcare/Blue Ridge and the nurses of Hospice.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, September 21, at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church. The family will greet friends at First Christian Church on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high" (Ps. 92:1).