The Lord our Savior has called his faithful servant, Thelma Ruth Ward, to her eternal home on February 29, 2016. Our loss will forever be Heaven's gain. Ruth leaves behind a legacy of caring, compassion, service and above all else –Love.

She was born, July 13, 1938, in Indiana to the late Winifred and Nellie Dunham.  There were 10 siblings in the Dunham family who made their home in Walcott, AR.  She loved to travel and lived many places in her adult life, most notably, Tampa, FL, where she raised her children, Kevin and Donna, Cutoff, LA, and eventually resettling in Paragould, AR in 2004.

Her accomplishments are too numerous to list, but her devotion to her family, church and community are legendary and touched so many.  From her service at Shepard's Fold, teaching cooking to those in need, to her volunteer work in the community and the Church.  She had an energetic and positive attitude and offered comfort and love to everyone she encountered.

Her cooking skills were excellent and Ruth was very generous with her gift.  Whether cooking up a pot of her famous gumbo, baking banana bread, hosting a fish fry with husband, Glen, or donating any dish needed at a Church function, she did it with love. Ruth's kitchen was always open and no one ever left hungry!

Although we will miss our precious MeeMaw, Mom, Wife, Sister and Friend there is comfort in knowing that Heaven has gained an angel and that our separation from her is only temporary.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving parents; and her siblings, Charles, Donald, Judy, Wayne and Junior.

She is survived by her husband, Glen Ward, and his family; her son, Kevin Woodson, of Andalusia, AL, her daughter,  Donna Davis, of Tampa, FL; her grandchildren, Carly Stevens and Brooke Dent, of Clarksville, TN, Rachel Conrad, of Enterprise, AL , Kevin Woodson, of Gilroy, CA , Tezrah Leah, of Hawaii, and their husbands and wives.  Ruth is also survived by her sisters, Vera, of Paragould, Anna, of Illinois, Wilma, of West Memphis, Loeta, of Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, and 5 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 4, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with Mark Ollenberger officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.