L. Ruth Cox

Lillie “Ruth” Cox, passed away on September 27, 2024, just eight days shy of her 86th birthday. She departed this life peacefully at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth began her life’s journey on October 5, 1938, in Seneca, South Carolina, born to Winfred Lee and Clara Genelia Dooley. She was soon joined by her brother, Carroll Lee, and later by her sister, Linda Gail.

She was married to William Gordon Cox, Sr. (retired US Army) in Easley, South Carolina, on December 25, 1954, until his death on January 24, 1978, and together they had 10 children. As a military wife for 20+years, she traveled the world, living in many places to include Italy and Germany. Ruth met Ronald Kenneth Jacobs in 1985 and shared her life with him until his death on October 30, 2009. Prior to moving to Missouri in June 2022, she had called Oxford, Alabama her home for over 50 years.

Ruth is survived by eight children, Shirley Watts, Mike Cox (and Sharon) of McMinnville, Tennesse, Sandra Lula (and Jim) of Lone Jack, Missouri, Dale Cox (and Vickie) of Saks, Alabama, Ken Cox (and Terri) of Gainesville, Florida, Karen Williams (and Travis) of Lexington, Kentucky, Sharon Blakeley (and Mike) of Lone Jack, Missouri, and Steven Cox (and Margaret) of Shelby, Alabama. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Gloria Ligon of Fairhope, Alabama, sister Gail Putman of Gastonia, North Carolina, nephews and nieces Tony Dooley, Lamar Putman, Krista Anderson, and Kimberly Nguyen and 11 great nieces/nephews to include Chelsea Wade, Brooke Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Courtney Putman, Brittany Putman, Lindsey Putman, Kaylee Nolen, Karmen Nguyen, Blake Summerville, Hattie Putman, and Asher Slinger. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husbands, and two of her sons, Gordon Cox and Robert Cox. 

Ruth was lovingly known as “Granny” to her many grandchildren to include Chris Watts (and Lindsay); Brad Cox (and Emily), Cortney Walls (and Nick); Arika Marvel, Paige Cox-Jones (and Seth); Chris Lula (and Shelly), Katie Studt (and Jeremy); Kelli Lloyd, Katy Turner (and Joseph); Jessica Goodson (and Adam), Ashley Strickland (and Matt), Sarah Cox, Kenny Cox II (and Ashley), Jared Cox (and Paige), Zach Cox; Jeremy Howard and Shannon Howard; and Chloe Cox (and Scott).

Her great grandchildren include Christian (and Katie), Peyton, Justin, Joey, and Jake; Jacob and Dani; Harper and Riley; Max and Ella; Hazel, Claire, and Keegan; Annabelle and Arlo; Aiden, Adeline and Amelia Jo; Dylan and Kayln; Karaline and Ellie Kate; Zoe and Javon; and two great-great grandchildren, Josiah and Lawson. 

She enjoyed traveling and visited many places over the years, often returning to the mountains of North Georgia where she had spent many childhood summers with her grandparents and other relatives. Years later, her family continued to visit those mountains as they celebrated her birthdays and other occasions. She also enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, reading and bird watching. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. 

She had many lifelong friends, some of whom preceded her in death. The family would like to especially acknowledge and thank Debbie Tarver and family, Cindy Armstrong, Joan Woodard, Deborah Shaneyfelt, Nancy Haynes, and Hilda Hoover for their love and friendship.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Kansas City Hospice House staff for their loving care of Ruth as she took the final steps of her journey on this earth. We will be forever grateful for both the home health care and the facility staff. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Ruth’s honor to the Kansas City Hospice House. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and her ashes will be scattered.

 On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.Stanley-Edenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550.