Mary Ruth Cope, 91, of Dalton, Ga., died Wednesday, June 20, 2012 following an extended struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Mrs. Cope was born in Etowah, Tn. and was married to J.C. Cope, September 21, 1945. Mr. Cope managed stores for McCroys/McClellans and the couple moved to Dalton in 1954. Mary Ruth served as a devoted homemaker and mother and was a success in undertaking her own business. Dipper Dan Ice Cream Shop opened in 1970, where by many from the Dalton community will remember her. After retiring in 1981, Mrs. Cope served as a teacher-aide at Roan Street School, and later helped her sons Larry and Bucky operate Cope Brothers Construction Company. Mary Ruth was an active member of First Baptist Church of Dalton, and at the core of her love of family was her strong Christian faith. She enjoyed cooking and planning events for her family and took great pride in gardening and raising flowers. She also enjoyed watching for her favorite bird, The Cardinal, which is synonymous with her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carson (J.C.) Cope; brothers, Hoyt Mitchell and Clarence Mitchell; and sister, Thelma Mitchell.
She is survived by her sons, Don Cope and wife Rebecca, Larry Cope and wife Cheryl Hobbs, Bucky Cope and wife Renee, all of Dalton; daughter, Kaye Cope Smith of Dalton; sister-in-law, Carolyn Butler of San Antonio, Tx.; daughter-in-law, Cathie Cope of Dalton; grandsons, John (J.C.) Cope and wife Angie of Jacksonville, Fla. and Mitchell Cope of Chattanooga; granddaughters, Katie Hasty and husband Elden, of Dalton, Hollie Cope, Torey Cope and Taylor Cope, all of Dalton and Tiffany Gipson and husband Nick of Asheville, N.C.; and great-grandchildren, Kirk Martin Cope, Katie Cope, Patti Cope, Hunter Hasty and Remi Hasty.
The Family would like to express great thanks to the staff of Regency Park for many years of care throughout her illness. A special appreciation is also extended to Ms. Ann Hall, who was in service and care to both Mr. and Mrs. Cope during their later years.
Services to honor Mary Ruth Cope will be held at noon on Monday, June 25, at the First Baptist Church of Dalton.
The Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. in the Atrium, followed by the Funeral in the Main Sanctuary.
Love Funeral home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arran