Mary Ruth Simpson

Mary Ruth Hooten Simpson, age 84, of Lonoke passed away on November 4, 2024. She was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven by her parents, Ervin and Ozella Hooten; her husband, Limuel Simpson; a sister, Juanita Hoover; and a brother, Gene Hooten.

Born on April 16, 1940, Mary Ruth was known for her love for her family, her faith, and her beautiful needlework, quilting, and sewing. She met Limuel, the love of her life for over 60 years, at Lifeline Baptist Church in Little Rock and knew he was a keeper when they had their first child and he brought her an entire cheesecake. After moving from Little Rock to Lonoke in 1978, she and Limuel operated Simpson’s Buy and Sell (formerly Interstate Pawn Shop) for many years. Everywhere she lived, Mary Ruth served the church her family attended, including West Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock and Eastside and Brownsville Baptist Churches in Lonoke. She taught Sunday school and was the woman you always wanted on your team for Bible trivia. Mary Ruth was rarely without a cup of coffee, a Sonic drink, or a book in her hand and loved to be on the go. She enjoyed nothing better than a house full of people to share a meal, as long as she didn’t have to cook. To defeat her in dominoes, spades, or any board game was a real accomplishment since her motto was, “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose…as long as I win.”

She is survived by her children, Stacie Ferguson of Little Rock as well as Leslie (Dennis) Staton, Kevin (Melissa) Simpson, Amy Lackey, and Sean (Amanda) Simpson all of Lonoke; and a sister, Jo Tucker of Lonoke. She was Mamaw to 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, Aunt Mary Ruth to numerous nieces and nephews, and a friend to many.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke. A graveside service will be held Thursday, November 7, at 10 a.m. at Brownsville Cemetery in Lonoke.