Ruth Stoops

July 25, 1930 – January 21, 2025

Ruth Stoops, 94, Noblesville, passed away peacefully in her home on January 21, 2025.

Ruth was born on July 25, 1930, to Arza and Orpha Guilkey and was one of nine children. Growing up in rural Noblesville, she and five of her siblings attended Klepher school, a one-room schoolhouse heated with a pot-bellied stove. She remembered that she was the only person in her fifth-grade class, and when her family moved into town the school closed.

During her high school years, Ruth was employed at Franklin Ice Cream, the Diana movie theatre, Murphy’s Dime store and Forest Park Inn. After high school she worked at Public Service.

Ruth married Bill Stoops in 1953 and she left work to raise their four children. As the kids grew, Ruth returned to work and was employed at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles with her sister-in-law, Marjorie Guilkey, and later at McMahon’s/Kraft where she worked until 1974.

Nearing retirement, Ruth and Bill moved to Bill’s family farm in rural Noblesville. Life on the farm was appreciated for its peace and quiet and lazy days sitting in the sun. Quilting and crocheting as well as gardening and canning her amazing zucchini relish were a few of the activities that Ruth enjoyed; she did not, however, enjoy helping to raise Bill’s chickens.

Staying active in community activities, Ruth cherished time spent with friends in her Red Hats group and loved joining classes at the Senior center, especially line dance with her teachers and friends. Volunteering at the Noblesville food pantry and St. Vincent DePaul and looking after Bill kept Ruth busy. After Bill’s passing, Ruth moved into town to be closer to her sisters.

Ruth was unusually lucky to have her four sisters nearby for over 90 years. Their love, support, kindness, friendship, and laughter were among the biggest blessings of her life.

Ruth is survived by her children, Susan (Denis) Scott, Sandra Poor, and Sara (Roy) Hammond; her grandchildren, Heath (Candice) Scott, Julie Scott (Jesse) St. Cyr, Katherine Poor (Ben Salk), Amanda Ruth (Joseph) Crosland, Christine (Bill) Raper, Megan Hammond, and Samuel L. Stoops; her great-grandchildren, Mekanna (Arthur) Johne, Bridger Scott, Brittlan Scott, Bear Scott, Ella Scott, Claire St. Cyr, Andrew St. Cyr, James St. Cyr, Allison St. Cyr, Natalie St. Cyr, Emma Ruth St. Cyr, Caroline St. Cyr, August Crosland, Zula Crosland, Acadia Salk, Margot Salk, and Billy Raper; and great-great-grandson, Oliver Scott. She is also survived by sisters, Harriet (Guilkey) Wise, Patricia (Guilkey) Paskins, and Barbara (Guilkey) Lawson.

Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, Orpha (Garverick) Guilkey, and father, Arza Guilkey; husband, Billy Lee Stoops; son, Samuel Mark Stoops; Sandy’s partner, James Gibbons; granddaughter, Kelly Sue Scott; brothers, Carrol, Roland, Dallas, and Max Guilkey; and sister, Phyllis Mendenhall.

Ruth was able to stay in the comfort of her home because of the wonderful caregivers from Suburban Health, especially Tracey McCreary. Tracey’s loving care and friendship during our mom’s final years was immeasurable and we will never be able to thank her enough. Paradigm Hospice provided comfort and care in the final days, and we wish to recognize and thank them.

Visitation and celebration of life will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Randall and Roberts, 1150 Logan St., Noblesville. The funeral will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her church family at Victory Chapel Community Church, 13350 E. 216th St., Noblesville IN 46060 (victorychapel.me/visit-us).

Condolences: randallroberts.com