Ruth Newkirk, age 88, of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on September 15, 2026 while at Southridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Heber Springs. Ruth was born on March 14, 1938 to Frank and Margaret Kirkemier. Ruth was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff. Ruth fought a good fight. Ruth was a farmer’s wife for years before going to work at the DeValls Bluff School District as a bus driver and in the cafeteria for 18 years.
Ruth loved needle point, crossword puzzles, Willies Roadhouse and Real Country on Sirius XM radio, Bluegrass music, watching Hallmark movies, and playing scrabble with her good friend, Opal Flippo.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Houston Newkirk; her brothers, Calvin Minor, Henry Lee Kirkemier, Frank Fred Kirkemier (Sonny); her son in law, Bill Houvener; and great grandson, Zachery Dalton Anderson.
Those left to mourn her passing are her children, Rhonda Houvener, Connie Anderson, Angie (Dean) Newell, and David Newkirk; her grandchildren, Jason (Crystal) Anderson, Lindsey (Chad) Skinner, Darren (Hannah) Newell, Derrek (Jettie) Newell, Haley (Brad) Cathey, Riley Burton, Gage Hankins; her great grandchildren, Chase (Bo) Skinner, Drake and Averi Newell, Tatum Cathey, Hayden and Lacey Rogers, Zoey Anderson; and bonus great grandson, Zakery Skinner; her Great Great Grandchild, Steele Rogers; her brother, Rodger Kirkemier and a host of family and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 16, 2026 beginning at 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, Arkansas. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 17, 2026 beginning at 10:00 A.M. held at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. Interment will be in Peppers Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was like a second momma to me and Bert. I know she is celebrating in heaven with the family and friends ( including my momma) who have gone on before. What a great reunion that has to be. Love hugs and prayers for those of us who are left behind with the memories that we all cherish,