Memorial services for Ruth Coker, Paola, are set for 2 p.m. Friday in the United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Coker, a retired Paola businesswoman, died Monday, Jan. 4, 1993, in the Olathe Medical Center at the age of 84.

The daughter of Charles S. and Lona Smith Lanphere, she was born Aug. 7, 1908, near Osawatomie. She grew up in the Plum Creek community and attended Osawatomie schools, graduating from Osawatomie High School in 1927.

She and John William "Bill" Coker were married Nov. 23, 1927, in the home of her parents. They were lifelong residents of the area with the exception of nine years when they lived in Burlington where they operated Coker Variety Store.

In 1934, they opened the Coker's Store on the Paola Square. In 1936, they moved to Paola to make their home. Their retirement came in 1973 after 46 years of business.

Mrs. Coker was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Paola and its United Methodist Women.

Among those preceding her in death were a daughter, Norma Jean Hiskey, who died in 1953; a grandson, Kary Coker; two brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Bill, of the home; a son, Meryl Dean Coker, Garnett; a brother, Roy Lanphere, St. Louis, Mo.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Private burial of the cremains will be in Osawatomie Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in her name to the church.