Ruby J. Cook

Dodge City - Ruby Joanna Cook, 92, died November 13, 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living in Dodge City. She was born on February 24, 1933 on a farm in Hodgeman County, northwest of Dodge City, the daughter of William (Bill) and Gladys (Trent) Hessman.

Ruby attended grade school at Buckner Valley School in Hodgeman County before coming to Dodge City in the ninth grade. She graduated from Dodge City High School in 1952.

Following graduation, Ruby was united in marriage to William Merle Cook on June 7, 1952 at the Christian Church in Dodge City. The couple made their home on Ft. Dodge Road, east of Dodge City where they raised their four children. Ruby and Merle started the Cook and Sons Construction Company in 1960. The whole family worked in the business and when they retired, their son, Ray, bought it.

Ruby enjoyed her big family. Spending time with her 14 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and 39 great-great grandchildren was always special to her. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, reading, cooking, and gardening. Ruby had a love for helping people.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City, Tri Phi Sunday school class, the United Methodist Executive Board, and UMW Circle. Ruby served as chairman of the Fellowship Committee and chairman of the church bazaar for many years. Community involvement was also important to Ruby. She was active in BH groups, a charter member of the Auxiliary of The Salvation Army, Red Hats (now the Boothill Golden Girls), served on the class reunion committee and helped to plan many family reunions.

Ruby is survived by her four children, William Wayne Cook and wife Lila, Merle Ray Cook and wife Rhonda, Linda Lou Haines all of Dodge City and Karan Kay Stout and husband Gerald of Spearman, Texas; a brother, Frank Hessman of Eugene, Oregon; one sister, Sandy Salmans and husband Arlyn of Cimarron; brother-in-law, C.L. Hooker of Dodge City; 14 grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren; and 39 great-great grandchildren with two more arriving soon. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merle; a son-in-law, Richard Haines; brother, Robert Hessman; sisters, Rose Mary Rinne, Lillian Fitzsimmons, Wilma McCollough, and Darlene Hooker; brothers-in-law, Fred Rinne, Mac McCollough, and Don Fitzsimmons; and sister-in-law, Pat Hessman.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10:30 AM with Rev, Berniece Ludlum presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

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