Mary Ruth Vanhook, 55 of Howe, passed away July 9 in Fort Smith, Ark. She was born Oct. 23, 1950 in Heavener to Charley and Velma (Ridenour) Petty. She was a lifelong resident of the area.

She and her husband, Jerry, owned and operated the Vanhook Sanitation Services until his death at which time she continued working with her sons. She was of the Pentecostal Faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and a son, Gary Don Vanhook. She is survived by one daughter Angel Shupert of Howe; four sons, Johnny Fredrick of Talihina, Robert Vanhook of Heavener, and Jerry Frederick and Russell Vanhook, both of Howe; one niece, Sondra Hice; two sisters, Deborah Choat of Missouri and Becky Cloninger of Perry, Ark.; two brothers, Charles Petty of Florida and Mike Petty of Heavener; and 20 grandchildren.

Graveside services were conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at Howe Cemetery. Dowden Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.