Mary Virginia Brooks

Mary V. Brooks, nee Ruffner, passed away on April 17th at 7:42PM. She was 89 years old. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Robert D Brooks, as well as her sister Ruth Culis, of Manteca, CA. Mary was the dear mother of Catherine Woodhill, Cynthia Barger, as well as Dean (Bonnie) Brooks. She was a cherished grandmother to her ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was a graduate of Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in 1955, where she later worked as the Operating and Recovery Room Supervisor for 25 years.
Mary served as Guardian of Bethel #32 in the International Order of Job’s Daughters (1977-1981), where she received the title “Mom Brooks”. To many of her ‘girls’ she remains Mom Brooks.
Mary volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in STL for 21 years (1999-2020). She enjoyed helping new families get settled and continued to check on them throughout their stay. She received the Brandon Scott Award to acknowledge her outstanding work in their tab top program. When the 3rd STL Ronald McDonald House was opened at Mercy Hospital, she helped train the new volunteers.
Her favorite flowers were yellow roses, and she often wore nail polish of a gentle lilac color. The people who knew her were lucky, as she carried kindness and generosity within her, and shared it with everyone without discrimination. There was a special place in her heart for family, as well as a powerful love that will still be felt through those that she leaves behind. We will miss her, but know she is at peace in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Ronald McDonald House at 3450 Park Ave, St Louis, MO 63104 or to Arlington United Methodist Church at 3770 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton MO 63044.
Visitation will take place Saturday, April 27, from 1-3PM, with a memorial service to follow at 3PM at Arlington United Methodist Church, 3770 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044.