Updated 2/10/20

Marie Elizabeth Cox of Budd Lake, NJ passed away in Tennessee on February 8, 2020 surrounded by her family. She was born in Caldwell, NJ on October 1, 1941 and was 78 years old.

She was a loving wife and mother, and beloved grandmother and great grandmother who cherished spending time with her grandchildren. She was also a surrogate mother to her husband’s siblings, Elaine Walters, Karen Burke, and Roger Cox.  She grew up in Caldwell, NJ and was married to Jackie D. Cox. Marie lived her life as a selfless woman, always putting the needs of others before her own and always opened her home to anyone as a place to gather or find refuge.

She enjoyed crime dramas, puzzles, video games, bird watching, gardening, and a good argument. She also leaves behind two cats whom she adored, Princess Autumn and Winnie-Kai.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later time in New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie D. Cox, parents, John A. and Frieda C. Spelker Ruch, and siblings, Zita Robson, Kathleen Palmieri, and John Ruch.

She is survived by her,

Daughter, Cynthia A. Cox and significant other, Henry Miller of Basking Ridge, NJ

Daughter, Denise E. Lewis and husband Dave of Moyock, NC

Daughter, Theresa L. Ivy and husband Roger of Pulaski, TN

Daughter, Jacqueline D. Cox and husband Bill Ruddy of Newton, NJ

Son, Michael A. Cox and wife Ganeane of Millstone, NJ

10 Grandchildren, Jennifer, Tommy, Rebecca, Alex, Taylor, Belle, Rachel, Billy, Sarah, and Jack

2 Great Grandchildren, Tommy and Wyatt

Brother, Richard Ruch

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Marie Elizabeth Cox.