Ethel Thomas

Ethel Elizabeth Rutledge Thomas of North Little Rock went to receive her reward in Heaven May 6, 2012, Age 97 years & six months. Ethel (Granny) was born October 21, 1914 in Meridian, Miss. to Walter Joshua & Mary Elizabeth (McMullen) Rutledge. She left Mississippi and moved to McGehee, Ark. with the love of her life, Ralph Edward Thomas who preceded her in death (1968). She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, three sisters, and a son-in-Law. She is survived by two sisters, Dorothy (Wilbur) Ramsey of Alabama, and Omera Selman of Little Rock, four daughters, Marolyn (Ted) Bearden of Premont, Texas, Caroyln Treece, Elizabeth Ann (Jerry) Sherman, and Martha (David) Fulmer all of North Little Rock, nine grandchildren, Donna, Tommy, Charles, Dwayne, Stephen, Deborah, James, Janice and Ted Jr., 15 great-grandchildren Patricia, Skylar, Andy, Sean, Eric, Emily, Kelsey, Riley, Michael, Holly, Curt, Christopher, Thomas, Nathan and Noah. Granny was a caregiver, 1st by raising her four daughters, then by taking care of Granddaddy Thomas during his illness, then taking care of her mother. After the passing of her husband she sat with the sick for many years at the local hospitals. Granny was a member of the Assembly of God Church since 1949, 1st in McGehee, Ark., then at 1st Assembly of God in North Little Rock and Fellowship Sunday School Class. Granny was a Christian Lady and was always trying to bring her Grandkids to the Lord. She made the best cornbread dressing (and duck & dressing) for Thanksgiving, which she taught me her secret and now I make it for the family. We will miss you Granny but we know that Granddaddy is sitting on a bench waiting on that Woman. We would like to thank her friends Myrtle Pierce who carried her to doctor visits and hair appointments and to Christine and Bill Cash for their endless vegetables and Love. Funeral service 1 p.m., Friday in North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel with Burial in Edgewood Memorial Park, Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com. In lieu of Flower donations may be made to Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, or First Assembly of God, 4501 Burrow, North Little Rock.