Fannie Ruthalee Grooms

Fannie Ruthalee Grooms, fondly known as "Momma Ruthie" or simply "Ruth," passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on August 31, 1935, in Stanford, Ruth filled her life with love, hard work, and joy, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew her.

Ruth graduated from Stanford High School in 1953 and dedicated over 25 years of her life to Waterloo Industries as a factory worker. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a woman of many talents, known for her love of sewing and her fondness for gambling. Many of her happiest moments were spent at her sewing machine, creating beautiful items, and taking trips to Tunica to try her luck at the slot machines.

Her green thumb was legendary; it was said that she could grow a beautiful garden in the middle of a gravel road. Her love for gardening was matched only by her passion for watching Razorback basketball, where she could always be counted to "Call the Hogs" with the passion of a true fan.

Above all, Ruth adored her family. She married her dearest love, Robert "Bud" Grooms, on November 18, 1953. Together they built a family rooted deep in love and values until his passing on November 18, 1975, their 22nd anniversary. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy includes 28 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts.

Ruth is survived by her beloved children, Ann Grooms of Paragould, Doug (Cheryl) Grooms of Paragould, Ralph (Reba) Grooms of Hoxie, Keith (Lois) Grooms of Corning, J.W. (Pam) Grooms of Lake City, Rickey Joe (Lisa) Grooms of Blytheville, Lavada (Buddy) Pitcher of Rector, and Paulette Walley of Corning. She is also survived by her brother, JR (Mary) Breckenridge of Paragould, special niece, Kay Howard, and the numerous grandchildren mentioned earlier, all of whom will miss her deeply. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, William and Martha Owens Breckenridge; husband, Bud Grooms; sons, Gary Wayne and Jerry Stephen Grooms; grandson, Joey Stevens; granddaughter, Tiffany Barrow; brother, Eugene Breckenridge; sisters, Wanda Rhoads, Lucille Adams, and Louise Roberts; and sons-in-law, Allen Walley and Danny Hickson.

In honor of her life, a visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Ruth's service will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM, also at Heath Funeral Home, with Phillip Keeling officiating. She will be laid to rest in Shiloh Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Drew Rainwater, Jody Pitcher, Cody Pitcher, Anthony Grooms, Brandon Bailey, Jadon Gassaway, and Zane Hurt.

Fannie Ruthalee Grooms will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her nurturing heart, and the endless love she bestowed upon her family. Her legacy of kindness and joy will endure in the hearts of many. May she rest in peace.