Ruth L. Howell

Ruth L Howell, of Grants Pass, Oregon, peacefully passed away with family members at her side, on March 27, 2025.

Ruth was born in Mena, Arkansas on March 12, 1925, to James A May and Cora Hazel McKee May. She had an older brother, James Darrell May. Tragically, when Ruth was just 5 years of age, her mother passed away. She and her brother were adopted by her aunt and uncle, Fern and Cecil Parr. The Parr family lived in West Hollywood, California, eventually settling in the San Fernando Valley.

When Ruth was 10 years old, the neighborhood paperboy, invited her and her siblings to Sunday School. She noticed that this boy was especially kind to her and her neighbors. His name was Ralph Howell, but everyone just called him “Bud”. They continued their friendship throughout their school years, with Ruth graduating from Van Nuys High School in 1943.

Ralph joined the Navy during World War II, and married Ruth on March 24, 1944. They welcomed daughter Linda in 1945, son Ralph in 1947, daughter Bonnie in 1948, son Donald in 1955 and daughter Carol in 1958. Ralph and his father built a house for their growing family in 1947 in Van Nuys, California.

Ruth loved family life and was quite content being a wife and mother. She devoted her time to her home and family. She enjoyed sewing, writing letters to her friends and family, and camping. Her laugh was infectious, which always brought a smile to those around her.

After Ralph’s retirement, the couple traveled around the United States visiting family and friends along the way. They then settled in Selma, Oregon in 1977. Shortly after moving to Selma, they joined Selma Baptist Church, where Ruth was an active member.

In 2011, Ralph and Ruth celebrated their 67th anniversary. Later that same year, Ralph lost his battle with cancer and Ruth moved to Grants Pass to be closer to family.

Ruth was able to celebrate her 100th birthday just last month surrounded by loved ones from near and far.

Ruth was preceded in death by her brother James Darrell Parr and her beloved husband Ralph. She is survived by all of her children; 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 2-4pm, Friday, April 4th, 2025 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors. A funeral service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at Selma Baptist Church. A committal service will follow at Deer Creek Cemetery.

Please leave a memory of Ruth in her Guestbook~