Ruth Ann Norris

Ruth Ann Norris, 76, of Waldron, Arkansas, left this earth on January 1, 2026, to go to her forever home in Heaven. She was born on October 15, 1949, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Robert and Lillian (Bare) Johnson.
Ruth moved to Boles, Arkansas in 1979 from Wilmington, Delaware, where she worked as a beautician. In Waldron, she began working at Tyson, on August 30, 1982. She was employed there for 43 years, 4 months, and 4 days. She was general production manager for the last 20 years, 3 months, and 9 days she was there. Ruth took great pride in her job and did her work with prestige. She was a dedicated employee through the company's many stages, starting when it was ValMac, to Tasty Bird, and the now Tyson Foods Inc. Her work was an important part of her life, but even more important was her family, both at home, and her work family. Ruth loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and took great care to ensure that her family knew Jesus and His love for them. She was a godly woman, and everyone knew her faith. She enjoyed mission work and served on a trip to Honduras. Ruth was a big believer in paying tithes and made sure to pay hers. Faith, love, and hard work were the hallmarks of her life.
Ruth enjoyed many hobbies. She loved to read, especially her Bible, build puzzles, cook, shop, watch movies, and play games. She had a green thumb and loved working in the garden, especially with fruit trees and flowers. Ruth also enjoyed being with her animals, and breeding dogs.
She was a gentle woman full of kindness with a love for all that she knew, always willing to help, never wanting acknowledgement or praise for her good deeds.
Ruth is survived by her children; Jody Houston, Jeffery Norris Jr., Nathaniel and wife Vanessa Norris, Joshua Norris, Elizabeth and husband Brandon Jones, and Lillian Villines, all of Waldron, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Nicholas Varando of Pennsylvania, Toni Varando of Oregon, Kallie and Katie Houston, Bree and Steven Culpvolkmar, Bryce Norris, Jace and Montana Norris, Ashtyn and Brayden Houston, Bryson Gemma, and Taren Jones of Waldron, Arkansas, Rylen Norris, Kylee and Levin Norris of Waldron, Arkansas, Colton and Jarett Mayberry of Waldron, and numerous great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lillian Johnson, her husband, Jeffery Norris, three brothers, Gary, Pedro, and Lemuel Johnson, and one daughter, Nichelle (Nicky) Menchaca.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. A service for Ruth will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Wally Beckman officiating. Interment will follow at Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas.
Pallbearers include Rylen Norris, Jeff Norris, Nathaniel Norris, Josh Norris, Brandon Jones, Bryce Norris, Gary Stafford, Brayden Houston, and Nicholas Varnado. Honorary pallbearers include the employees of Tyson.
Donations can be made at the Chambers Bank in Ruth's name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Waldron.