Ruth Merle Hook

Ruth Merle (Hamilton) Hook, 83, of Little Rock, AR, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025. She had only been in her memory care apartment a couple of weeks but called her daughter after the first week and said, “I love it here; I am home”. Now she is really Home…

Ruth married her one and only love, Bobby Joe Hook, on April 9, 1959, at the age of 17. In November of 1959, she joined Bob in the Philippines where the US Navy had transferred him shortly after their marriage. Ruth began her high school years at Plainview High School in Wichita, Kansas but completed her senior year at John Paul Jones School in the Philippines in 1961. Ruth and Bob celebrated 51 years of marriage. They spent the first several years moving to various states as a result of Bob’s career with the Navy before retiring in Arkansas in 1976.

Ruth will be most remembered for her love and compassion. She had a big heart and everyone who met her loved her. She had the unique gift of making people feel special and loved. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth always made time for her family and friends and loved having coffee with the church ladies. She was a faithful member of the Nazarene Church, serving in various roles over the years. She spent her last years as a member of Greenbrier Nazarene Church prior to her move to Little Rock in October of 2022, where she attended Calvary Church of the Nazarene.

Ruth loved to plan both the Hook and Hamilton family reunions, which she did for many years until she was no longer able. She and Bob were known to prepare their infamous brisket with all the fixings. They had big, extended families, and provided a wonderful setting for family members to gather, share stories, and stay connected.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Karen Barnett (spouse, Darren) of Little Rock, AR, her daughter-in-law, Lauren Hook of McKinney, TX, four grandchildren, Taylor Fredriksson (spouse, Collins) of Alexander, AR, Sydney Barnett of Dunedin, FL, Emily Hook of McKinney, TX, Wyatt Hook of Wilmington, NC, and her two great grandsons, Fletcher and Beau Fredriksson of Alexander, AR. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and her church family members and friends.

Ruth was born on April 4, 1942, in Little Rock, AR to the late William Franklin Hamilton and Ethel Merle (Long) Hamilton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Hook and her son, Bobby Joe Hook, Jr.

A graveside service will be held at West Mount Zion Cemetery in Hartman, AR on October 11, 2025, at 1:00pm with a visitation at the cemetery from 12:00pm-1:00pm.