Ruth Delores Hooper "Nanny"'s Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}Kentucky BornRuth was born on November 1, 1924, in Pikeville, Kentucky. She was one of 12 children born to McKinley and Melissie Akers. Ruth was raised with her siblings in Robinson Creek, Kentucky, where she attended school until the eighth grade. Carnival LoveAt 21, Ruth attended a traveling carnival with her sister, who spent the evenings flirting with the operator of a ferris wheel. Elzie Hooper, the ferris wheel owner and operator, had his eye on Ruth and not her sister. Before the evening ended, Elzie put her on the ride and sent her to the top, then stopping it. Elzie climbed up the outside of the ferris wheel and proposed, telling Ruth that he would not let her down from the ride until she agreed to marry him. She did. The two were married and traveled with the carnival operating the ferris wheel that they owned and a concession stand. Elzie also rode a motorcycle in the Wall of Death. They continued with the carnival until 1949, and shared a loving relationship, producing eight beautiful children. Elzie sadly passed at the early age of 59. Nashville FamilyIn 1949, following the birth of their second child, Ruth and Elzie settled in Nashville, Tennessee. Here Ruth worked full time as a homemaker and mother of eight. Her children recall how Ruth would sing to them, often citing “Baby Bunting” and “Amazing Grace” as childhood favorites. She made them laugh with several humorous expressions, the most popular being, “I told you 40-11 times not to do that!” What she did tell her children was to always be honest and open-minded with others; “Never judge a person before you really get to know them.” Her children, as they got older called her “Nanny,” and this was the title she offered to all she met. Nanny took great joy in her children. Work and Hobbies Beyond caring for the large family, Ruth ventured out to work in 1963, working in a factory that manufactured storm doors and windows. Her time was also spent on needlepoint and enjoying bowling and fishing. She collected many items including angels, owls, country and gospel records as well as Nascar items. Most prominent was her collection of coffee cups, obtaining one from every place she or her family visited. One of Nanny’s greatest passions was the Atlanta Braves. She had Braves clothing, and watched all of their games. On her 85th birthday, she was saddened by the fact that no one had called her by mid-day, only to discover that a surprise party was planned in her honor, complete with a cake decorated like a Braves Cap. Nanny’s NoteworthyFamily gatherings were always great occasions, and at times, family alone would outnumber 100. Christmas time was especially memorable for such gatherings. At these events, Nanny, her tiny 5’ 1” frame adorned in her favorite purple dress with white polka-dots, would enjoy her sweet tea, fried green tomatoes, and her granddaughter Debbie’s fried chicken. Nanny didn’t tolerate lying or bad language. On the contrary, she used her strength of character to instill in others the importance of family and keeping your word. She was a Baptist open to her faith, but family is what she held sacred. A Family LegacyRuth’s memory lives on in the hearts of over one hundred offspring. As one son noted, “She was the strongest person I ever met.” Ruth passed away on May 29, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, 6 siblings, and her husband Elzie Hooper. She is survived by daughters, Sandy (Philip) Dunn, Donna (Joe) Morgan, Sue (Thomas) Edsel, Teresa (Louis) Nevin, Cheryl (Danny) Kelly and one step-daughter Beverly (James) Garrett; sons, Michael (Virginia) Hooper, Jimmy Hooper and Randy (Judy) Hooper; 25 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?