Ruth Ellen Cole

Ruth Ellen Cole, 65, of Leachville passed peacefully from this life, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Daughter of the late Vassar Edward and Mattie Glenn Coleman Nance, she was born and raised in Leachville and was a lifelong area resident. She attended Leachville High School and obtained her GED, later attending the former Mississippi County Community College. Ruth was employed by several area shoe factories throughout her life and was a member of First Baptist Church of Leachville. She loved coloring on her phone, wrestling around with her grandson, going to the lake and camping. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Billy Cole.

Survivors include two daughters, Misty Shirley (Bobby Shirley Jr.) and Destiny Honnoll, both of Leachville; one brother, James David Nance (Gladys) of Smithsburg, Md.; one sister, Martha Lou Smith (William Roe Smith) of Floral; three grandchildren, Keith Shirley, Hannah Shirley and Jacob Shirley; one great-grandchild, Lennex Rangel. Ruth also leaves her lifelong friend, Lyda Kelly.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with pastor David Price officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Patrick Shepard, Walter Shepard, Dolph Smith, Tyler Yarbro, Bobby Shirley and Izik Rangel. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Scottie Johnson. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 p.m. until service time. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.