Ruth Cochran, 99, of Waynesville, NC, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born on Howell Mountain on February 13, 1927, to loving parents Richard and Artie (Radford) Guy.

Ruth was raised on Howell Mountain and her life, spanning nearly a century, was marked by a profound commitment to faith, family, and community. On June 28, 1942, Ruth married the love of her life, George Cochran. Their union was blessed with the births of their four children: John, Charles, James, and Deloris. Ruth was a devoted homemaker and employee of Wellco for twenty-two years before retiring in 1985.

Ruth was an avid gardener, loved to craft and paint. She and George were truly soul mates, having shared 68 years of marriage before George sadly passed away in 2010. Some of Ruth’s most cherished memories were those of traveling with George to visit their children in Arkansas and Myrtle Beach. She was a member of Barberville Baptist Church, where she found fellowship and strengthened her faith in the Lord. She will be deeply missed by those she loved, and those who loved her.

May God Bless the Memory of Ruth Cochran.

Left to mourn to her passing, are her children: John (Carlene) Cochran, Charles (Katherine) Cochran, James Cochran; Grandchildren: Mary, Tommy, Grant, Neisha, Jeremey, Amy, Misty, Neisha, Angie, and Amber; 23 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Cochran; her daughter, Deloris Masters; great grandson, Dallas; son-in-law, Jay Masters; daughter-in-law, Linda Cochran; parents, Richard and Artie Guy; siters, Gert Styles, Jackie Frady, Carrie Gibson, and Jane Haney; 2 brothers, Reuben Guy and Rab Guy.

A Graveside Service will be held in honor of Ruth’s life on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Garrett-Hillcrest Cemetery, at 2:00 PM. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 PM at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville.

The care of Ms. Cochran has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.