Photo courtesy of Bob Neal & Sons - Brickell Funeral Home - Marvell
Jul 9, 1937 - Dec 22, 2025
We loved Ruth at the Barton Baptist Church food pantry. She volunteered with us for several years until we had to close. She was sweet and kind to everyone she met. We kept in touch even after we closed because she was such a sweetheart. We will certainly miss her but we know she is rejoicing in heaven.
Nita Turner
December 28, 2025 | Lexa, AR | Friend
I have known Ruth for many years. I know that she will be missed by many people.
Ruth Patterson Kirkley
December 27, 2025 | Jonesboro, AR | Friend
Mrs. Ruth was a very nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Katherine Ashcraft
December 26, 2025
I thought so much of Ruth. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I saw her. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Missy Ishmael
December 26, 2025 | AR
I have cherished memories of Ms. Ruth. She was a remarkable, talented and faithful woman. My condolences to her family.
Evelyn Crisp
December 26, 2025 | Belton, TX | Friend
I enjoyed working and knowing Mrs. Ruth. She was an encyclopedia of information about a little bit of everything; from cooking, canning, sewing, Marvell history. She will be greatly missed.
Jackie Sanders
December 26, 2025 | Helena, AR | Friend
Mary Ruth Thomas, aged 88, of Poplar Grove, AR, passed away on December 22, 2025. Born on July 9, 1937, in Marvell, AR, she was a cherished member of the community and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Mary graduated from Marvell High School in 1955 and dedicated much of her career to the local community. She worked at Bobbe Brooks sewing factory for 5 years, was a steadfast employee at Discount Ag Center for 41 years, and contributed to Poplar Grove Gin for 6 years. Mary was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Marvell, where she was deeply involved, serving as Church Training Union Secretary, Business Meeting Secretary, and Sunday School teacher for 5th and 6th grade children.
Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, and canning, skills that earned her numerous blue ribbons at the Tri County Fair, NEA District Fair, and Arkansas State Fair. An avid outdoorswoman, she loved fishing on the White River levee and camping. Above all, Mary cherished the time spent with her family.
Mary is survived by her son, Charles Thomas and Alvin Byrd of Eureka Springs; daughter, Reta (Mark) Batts of Haynes; grandchildren, Jessica Laino, Jennifer Nash, Eric Thomas, and Kyle Thomas; and one great-grandchild, Nathan Peterson. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas; parents, William and Lucille Russell; son, Timothy Thomas; brother, Walter "Buddy" Russell; and sister, Lottie Otts.
Mary’s life was marked by her dedication to her family, her work, and her community, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Her family would like to thank all those who helped to care for their mother. She had many friends who loved her, and she loved them. They also want to thank Gentiva Hospice, especially nurse Velashia Craig, for her loving and compassionate care.
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