Ruby Frances Cook

March 15, 1924 – February 9, 2026

Ruby Frances Cook passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2026, surrounded by family.

Ruby was a life-long resident of Indiana, born March 15, 1924, in Bloomington to Fred F. Shipley and W. Ellen Hayes. She later relocated to Hamilton County where she married John A. Cook.

Ruby received her RN degree from Indianapolis City Hospital School of Nursing class of 1947. She proceeded to practice her nursing skills in various capacities: as a surgical nurse at Indianapolis General Hospital, as the school nurse for the Hamilton Heights School District, and as a home health nurse for local families. During this time, she was a devoted wife and mother to five daughters.

Upon retirement, Ruby and her husband moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., where they personally constructed their retirement home, a log home located in the woods surrounded by nature and wildlife. Ruby was an avid reader, passionate gardener, collector of all things primitive and antique, and admirer of all God’s creatures large and small.

Ruby is survived by four daughters, Caren McKinney, Rebecca Allen, Deborah Goode, and Judith LeBlanc, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding her is her husband of 70 years, John A. Cook; daughter, Sandra Mundy; and brother, F. Eugene “Buck” Shipley.

Ruby is laid to rest alongside her husband at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery.