Ruth A. Brooks

Ruth Ann Brooks, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend, passed away peacefully in Pueblo, Colorado, on October 10, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Ruth was ready to go Home and was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven.  Born on July 12, 1936, in Sandwich, Illinois, Ruth spent the majority of her life in Pueblo.

Ruth was married young to Malcolm Willey and moved to California where they had two daughters, Diana and Cheryl.  After divorce and a return to Colorado, Ruth met and married Robert E. Meek and they had a son, Robert A. Meek.  Later in life, Ruth met Jerry Brooks while working at Fort Riley and they married in 2002.  Ruth and Jerry settled in Pueblo West and enjoyed traveling together, especially to visit family.

Ruth was a proud graduate of Central High (class of 1973!), having gone back to school while raising her family.  Ruth held many varied jobs through her working life.  She ultimately retired from her Civil Service job after working at the Pueblo Army Depot and at Fort Riley in Junction City, KS.

She enjoyed crafting – ceramics, cake decorating, floral arrangement, macrame – just to name a few.  She was willing to try to make anything with her crafting skills.  She loved to bake and was especially good at decorating cakes, providing many happy couples with their wedding cake.  Ruthie’s peanut brittle, Johnnie Hoosier cake, pizzelles, and potica were all family favorites.  As was her pork and green chile!

Ruth’s favorite times were spent with family and friends.  She was always up for a game of cards or dominoes.  Many nights and laughs were shared around the table while playing games.  The coffee pot was always fresh and her boxed wine was ready to pour and share.

Family was most important to Ruth.  She will be deeply missed by Jerry, her husband of 22 years; and her beloved children: Diana Smith (CJ), Cheryl Willey (Christian Hernandez), and Robert Meek (Melinda).  She is also survived by four grandchildren – Brandon Shafer (Jennifer), Max Willey, Rachel Meek, and Hannah Meek – and two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Shafer and Emily Shafer.

When Ruth and Jerry married later in life, she was readily and lovingly accepted into the family by Jerry’s children.  She is survived by David Brooks (Caroline), Daniel Brooks (Karen), Duane Brooks (Melanie), and Darin Brooks (Francis).  She loved the entire Brooks family and enjoyed spending time with them through the years.  Ruth was sure to remember and celebrate the life events of the many Brooks grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was ready to play games whenever they were together.

Ruth will be dearly missed by her surviving siblings: Mary Etta Werring (Kenneth); Charles Johnson (Rita); and Lois Liebich (Dennis).  She had many loving nieces and nephews who, along with their children, will miss Aunt Ruth and remember her fondly.  There are many dear friends to remember her, including her backgammon and baking partner of six decades, Thelma Branham.

She was predeceased by her parents, Charlotte and Arthur Johnson; sister, Joan Thomas; sweet baby granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Olson; and close friend, Karen Marshall.

The family would like to thank the many special caregivers that supported Ruth during her time in the memory care unit at Bonaventure Senior Living as well as the team from Gentiva Hospice.  Special thanks to family friend, Stacy, who was tireless in her support of Ruth these past 18 months.

A memorial service will be held on November 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at  Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (275 W. John Powell Blvd, Pueblo West, CO 81007), followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to PAWS for Life (800 N. Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO  81003 or www.pawspueblo.org) or a charity you feel passionate about.  Ruth loved her pets and especially missed Scooter after he passed. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com