Patsy Ruth Pillard

Patsy Ruth Hanson Pillard, of Heber Springs, Arkansas (formerly of Arkadelphia, Arkansas), passed from this life on June 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wade & Terra Hanson, her husband Gene Pillard of Arkadelphia and her first husband, Leroy Southerland of Brinkley, Arkansas. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Southerland Gross of Quitman, Arkansas, four grandchildren, Christy Walls and her husband Steve of Quitman, Jay Little and his wife Negia of Savannah, Georgia, Kyle Hall of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Jeremy Gross of Caraway, Arkansas, 7 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, and a sister, Mary Williams of Kirkland, Washington along with several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Pillard taught school for 28 years as a home economics and elementary teacher, librarian and elementary principal. She was active in missions including Sunbeams, GA's, and organizing the Lottie Moon Christmas offering at her church. She and her husband went on 3 mission trips and also served on the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief Team. She also delivered meals on wheels for several years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Billy Graham Evangelical Association or Lottie Moon Christmas offering at the International Mission Board. A family memorial will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs, Arkansas at 11:00am on Saturday, June 28, 2025