Ruth Marie Howell, 63, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away March 7, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
She was born on September 23, 1962, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and was the daughter of the late Jack Harrison and Pearl Mae (Edwards) Frederick.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lonnie Frederick and sister, Vanessa Frederick.
Ruth found joy in simple pleasures and especially cherished time spent with those she loved. She enjoyed relaxing with classic television shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Little House on the Prairie. Cooking was one of her love languages, and she delighted in preparing meals that brought family together around the table. She treasured having her family close and created many special memories through annual girl's camping trips, a tradition that brought laughter and lasting bonds.
Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Leslie Ivy and husband Jason of Greenwood, Arkansas and Samantha Beck and husband Christian of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; grandchildren: Carter, Adrianna, Chianna, Adam, Noah, and Amelia; great grandchildren: Marilyn and Tiffany; siblings: Mary Beth Lee and husband George, Ted Frederick and wife Paula, and Ruby Lybolt; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:30 pm at the Cummins Chapel Cemetery in Pollard, Arkansas. Burial is in Cummins Chapel Cemetery in Pollard, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Jason Ivy, Carter Bagwell, Gary Alderson, Tim Howell, Christian Beck, and Koty Dillard. Honorary pallbearers will be James Laxton, George Lee, and Ted Frederick. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation is Friday, March 13 at Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Arkansas from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.