Ruth "Ellen" (Cooper) Cook

Ruth "Ellen" Cook, 82, of Watsontown, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at Heritage Springs in Lewisburg.

Born May 31, 1944, in Xenia, Ohio, Ellen was the daughter of the late Robert Douglas Cooper and Doris Evelyn (Halfaker) Cooper. She grew up with her sister, Carolyn, surrounded by a large family where farming, horses and Shetland ponies were early influences. As Ellen told her sons later, she was more likely to spend a Friday night in the barn caring for her horse than out at a dance. Every Memorial Day, the extended family from Indiana and beyond gathered to camp around a large bonfire on the family farm; a tradition treasured by all.

After graduating from Xenia High School in 1962, Ellen trained as a beautician, then set off with her best friend on a classic convertible road trip to California, where she settled in and worked at Sears, Roebuck and Co. Back in Xenia, she was introduced to Tom Cook by his cousin's wife; their first date was a University of Dayton football game. Married nearly 58 years, Ellen and Tom were constant companions — camping, kayaking, hiking, and traveling side by side, never far from the people they loved.

Ellen led a life of service to others. She devoted more than 35 years to the Warrior Run School District, first as a full-time aid to a student with special needs, and later teaching supplemental reading and math at the elementary and middle schools. As a dedicated local volunteer and civic leader, she gave her community that same steady care. In 1973, she helped found the Warrior Run Woman's Club and served as its first president; at the club's 50th Anniversary in 2023, she was honored as a lifetime member. As a member of the Watsontown Guild, she helped lead the project to design and install the welcome signs now found at the north and south entrances to town. A faithful member of First Lutheran Church, she shared her time and talents freely and is cherished as a loyal and dear friend by many.

One of her greatest joys was her sons. She and Tom were fixtures in the bleachers for Tim's basketball games or John’s concerts. Wherever the boys' pursuits took them, Ellen and Tom were in the audience. To her seven grandchildren, she was "Bumma," their devoted fan at every game, performance, or milestone and baker of fantastic lemon cake!

Caring for her community and the people she loved was the constant of Ellen's life, and it was the last thing to leave her. Even in her final days, when she needed constant care, she found ways to express it to others, making sure, to the end, that Tom knew she loved him.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Thomas Cook; her sister, Carolyn (Cooper) Randall; her sons, John Cook and his fiancée, Pia Houseal, of Jenkintown, PA, and Tim Cook and his wife, Angela, of Bristow, VA; and her seven grandchildren, Elly, Margaret, Robert, Caroline, Garrett, Alex, and Carson.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 400 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow, and a fellowship meal will be held in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, the Warrior Run Woman's Club, or the Warrior Run Area Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown.  To share a memory or condolence for the family please visit www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com

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