Alice Ruth (Snodgrass) Cooper

Alice “Ruth” Cooper, Seminole resident, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in Seminole, OK, at the age of 82.  Ruth was born on July 24, 1940, in Biggers, AR to James Quincy Snodgrass and Lorrine Maxine (Woodruff) Snodgrass.  She moved to Oklahoma when she was a young child.  Ruth married Thomas Elmer “Terrapin” Cooper (the love of her life) on May 26, 1961 in Ada, Oklahoma.  He preceded her in death on August 5, 2011.

Ruth graduated from St. Louis High School Salutatorian of her high school class.  She continued her education at East Central University where she majored in Home Economics.  During her time at ECU she sang with the college choir.  After four years of college, and having her first child, she decided it was more important for her to be a mom.  She dedicated her life to raising her children along with several other children and she put her whole heart into it.  Ruth volunteered at her daughter’s FHA class and other organizations her children were involved in.  She was a tremendous spiritual guide to many.  Every day started with a cup of tea and her bible.  Ruth was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Christ for the majority of her life which was the most important thing to her.  Ruth loved to sew, cook and care for her family.  She also loved spending time with her grandchildren. In 1976, she was an integral part in getting legislature changed to allow children with disabilities to attend mainstream schools.  She was also an advocate for adults with disabilities and dedicated many hours of her life to this cause.  Ruth served on the board of directors for People First.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Nita Sneed and husband, Larry of Seminole and Lorrie Bailey and husband, Tom of Seminole; sister, Sue Snodgrass of Seminole; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and one great granddaughter due in October 2022; special family friend, Aunt Hope Pickering and many other family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ .

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Cooper; parents, Quincy and Maxine Snodgrass; two sons, Tommy Cooper and Bobby Cooper; step-daughter, Sherri (Cooper) Johnson; three brothers, Jim Snodgrass, Jack Snodgrass and Louis “Shorty” Snodgrass.

Those serving as casket bearers will be Landon Glass, Rhiason Glass, Jake Rudd, Matt Bryant, Wade Snodgrass, and Corky Snodgrass.

Honorary casket bearers will be Bert Johnson, Darin Johnson, and Shane Brooks.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Avonlea Cottage for the special care of Ruth, making her feel at home for the 4 ½ years she was there. Also, thank you to her niece, Terri Snodgrass.  Thank you Susie, for being the best little sister anyone could ever have.

Viewing will be Friday, September 9, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma with Terry Newell and Ray Newell officiating.  Burial will follow at Avoca Cemetery in Asher.  Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.