Herrin- Ruth M. Copher, age 97, of Herrin, passed away at 5:35pm on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Helia Nursing Home of Energy.

Ruth was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on November 6, 1918, the daughter of Henry and Lucy Belle (Slaughter) Laird. She married Isaac Copher in Elsberry, Missouri in 1971. He preceded her in death in 1979.

Mrs. Copher was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Elsberry, Missouri and also attended Freeman Chapel. Before her retirement, Ruth had worked as a seamstress.

Survivors include her grandson- Robert Hale of Troy, MO

Four Great Grandchildren- Diana Gibbs of Peoria

Monica Gibbs of Herrin

Kimberley Gibbs of Herrin

Phillip Gibbs of Herrin

Eight Great Great Grandchildren

One sister- Betty and Jack Freland of Cottage Hills, MO

Two brothers- Robert and Maria Laird of Elsberry, MO

Henry Lee Laird of Donafan, MO

Several Nieces and Nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter- Dorothy Ogden, daughter- Virginia Hale, four brothers, and two sister.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Pastor Bob McKnight officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-2pm on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Graveside services and burial will take place at Elsberry City Cemetery in Elsberry, MO at 1pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2016.