Minnie "Ruth" Townsend

Minnie "Ruth" Townsend, 76, of Rogers, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 17, 2016 in Bentonville. She was born March 25, 1940 in Garfield, Ark., the daughter of William Floyd and Bernice Lucille Weimer Woodcock. She spent her early years in Colorado before moving back to Rogers and graduating from Rogers High School. Ruth worked over 25 years as an Avon Representative where she was a member of the Presidents Club; she retired from Bentonville School System as a cook. Ruth enjoyed crafting, sewing, reading, cooking and taking care of others. She especially enjoyed card night with her family. Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rogers; she formerly played the piano for the 3 & 4 year olds in Sunday School. Ruth moved to Jamestown Nursing and Rehab to overcome a serious leg injury, and while there, she was elected 2015 Beauty Queen. Her niece, Pat shared many thoughtful memories of her aunt Ruth such as when she and her husband moved into her father-in-law's home to take care of him. She always wanted to make sure to provide a warm loving home to her family and friends. She spent countless hours canning fruits and vegetables, making Barbie doll clothes. For each new baby in the family, she sewed them Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. She is preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Townsend; her parents; sister, Fay Leach; and grandson, Christopher Eric Townsend. She is survived by her daughters: Ellen Townsend of Pineville, Mo., Joanne Cummings of Centerton, Cheryl Wright and husband, Wilbur of Decatur, and Shelly Townsend of Rogers; her brother, Bobby Woodcock and wife, Ann of Bentonville; her sisters, Thelma Benbrook and husband, Royce and Wilma Cunningham and husband, Jim, all of Bentonville; three grandchildren: Danny Anderson, Rachael Linville and husband, Cody, Calvin Cummings and wife, Christina and one great-granddaughter, Eden Cummings. She is also survived by many friends, family and by all of the staff at Jamestown who loved her so much. Funeral services: 2 p.m., Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Interment will follow in the Pace Cemetery, Garfield. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice or Jamestown Health and Rehab. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.