Ruby Thompson Hooper was educated at Saluda High School (1941), Mars Hill College (1943), and Woman's College, now UNC-G (1945). Having studied home economics, she pursued a career in food and dietary services at various large state institutions in North Carolina. Following unsuccessful campaigns for election as a Republican member of the House of Representatives from Burke County in 1982, and for nomination as her party's gubernatorial candidate in 1984, Mrs. Hooper was appointed deputy secretary of the Department of Human Resources by Gov. Martin when he took office in 1985. She resigned this position at the end of June 1991 to seek once more nomination as the Republican gubernatorial candidate, in opposition to Lt. Gov. James C. Gardner's campaign for the same nomination.

The 1991/92 primary campaigns were dominated by former governor James B. Hunt (Democrat) and Lt. Gov. Gardner (Republican), both of whom had state- wide name recognition, large and full campaign treasuries, and considerable experience in election strategy. By contrast, Mrs. Hooper was but little known outside a small area in the western part of the state, had no money to speak of, and was never able to raise the popular support on which she counted. Her campaign was completely overshadowed. Gardner, her rival, won 90%, of the Republican primary vote and became the party's gubernatorial candidate.