Ruth Cook Keller

Ruth Cook Keller, 75, of Old NC 18, Connelly Springs, NC died Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Shaire Center in Lenoir following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on November 3, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Aaron David Cooke and Junie Chapman Cooke. Ruth was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church. She retired from Broughton Hospital in 1986 after 30 years of service. She was an avid gardener and seamstress, loved to cook and was dedicated to her church while she was able to attend.Ruth is survived by her daughter, Hilda Keller York and husband, Johnny Robert York, Jr., of Raleigh, NC; a brother, Robert Cooke of Vale, NC; a sister, Catherine Cook of Valdese, NC; and grandchildren, Abby Marie Mulchi and husband, Matthew, and Javan Johnny Keller York, all of Raleigh.In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Javan Johnny Keller; brother, J.C. Cooke and D.B. Cooke; and a sister, Joann Abee.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2010 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Caldwell County, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645, Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church, 5292 Walker’s Chapel Road, Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Javan Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Elbert Swink, 3115 River Road, Morganton, NC 28655.