Ruth Ann "Cookie" Hartranft, 78, a lifelong resident of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Forest Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Weatherly.

Cookie’s life was defined by two enduring passions: a relentless pursuit of education and a deep, quiet devotion to her faith. A 1965 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, she spent her career caring for others as a Registered Nurse at the former Coaldale State Hospital. Her love for learning was lifelong; after earning her B.S. from Bloomsburg University, she later returned to the classroom to master business and computer sciences—a testament to her belief that one is never too old to grow.

At Bethany E.C.C. Church, Cookie found a special calling within the Secret Sister Ministry. She took great joy in being a "silent prayer partner," finding purpose in sending anonymous notes of encouragement and thoughtful tokens to her "sisters." While the ministry kept her identity a secret for a time, her warmth, dedication, and heart for uplifting others were known to everyone who had the privilege of calling her a friend.

Cookie was the daughter of the late William Joseph and Laura Mary (Jones) Hartranft. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Jane Hartranft and Laura Faye Ziolko, and her longtime companion, Dale C. Miller.

Cookie is survived by; her beloved nephew, John William Ziolko.

Pending arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com