Ruth Swihart Rose

Ruth Swihart Rose

Ruth Swihart Rose, 97, of Jonesboro, former longtime Leachville resident and widow of Ralph Rose, passed from this life Thursday, June 23, 2016, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born July 11, 1918, in Leachville to resident pioneers, Merrill and Harpie Mable Brown Swihart, she was a 1936 graduate of Leachville High School and was a member of the First Baptist Church. Ruth was also a member of the Leachville Home Extension Club and enjoyed competing in area county fairs where she won many blue ribbons for canning. In 2009 she became a charter member of the former Culpepper Place assisted living facility, which is now known as Morningside of Jonesboro.

In addition to her parents and husband of 62 years, she was preceded in death by a brother, Johnnie Swihart, and two sisters, Lila Croom and Ruby Thurmond.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, David and Tracy Rose of Leachville; three daughters and sons-in-law; June and Wayne Cude of Kearny, Ariz., Patricia and Alan Fortenberry of Springdale, and Terry and Jackie Wallis of Jonesboro. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday June 27, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. David Price officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Monday from noon until service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers include Josh Fortenberry, Mark Fortenberry, Mike Cude, Chris Cude, Dillon Rose, Justin Scott and John Eric Hawkins.

Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.