Ruth Ann McCoy Crews

RUTH ANN MCCOY CREWS died on June 9, 2018 in Little Rock, Ark. She was born July 21, 1929, in Durant, Okla., the youngest child of Isaac ("Ike") and Nina McCoy. Ruth graduated from Durant High School in 1947. She then married the love of her life, Major Paul O. Crews on Sept. 6, 1947. Together, they made a sparkling and vivacious couple who livened up the many places they lived together. Ruth and Paul had two daughters, Paula and Lesli, who they raised on Air Force base communities all over the world. The family lived in California, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Missouri, the Okinawa Island of Japan and Great Britain. After leaving England, the Crews family moved to Blytheville, Ark., then on to Little Rock. While raising her family, Ruth was a Girl Scout Leader, President of the PTA and President of the Officer's Wives Club. During WWII, Paul had flown with the legendary Tex Hill in the famous Flying Tigers and Ruth and Paul stayed active in the Flying Tiger's Retirement Club. Paul died in 1993 and Ruth never stopped missing him. In Little Rock, Ruth worked for Baptist Hospital for ten years before going to work for the Arkansas School for the Deaf, from which she retired in 1994. She was tremendously proud of her association with the school and was an ardent supporter of the importance of making education available to all. Ruth was a terrific storyteller, with a vibrant sense of humor. For much of the extended McCoy family, the beginning of Christmas season was commenced by the arrival of a mailed package of Ruthie's famous peanut brittle. She made the very best enchiladas, all while ensuring that everyone laughed while she shared them. Ruth was also a talented seamstress and handmade all the dresses her daughters wore to school, including making cheerleading uniforms and prom dresses. She even created and sewed the wedding dress her daughter Paula wore. Ruth is preceded in death by her daughter, Lesli Susan Crews; her parents; and her brother, Ike Cheney McCoy Jr. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Paula (James) Callaway of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Colby (Julie) Callaway of San Antonio; Carter Callaway, of Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and Casey (Rick) Callaway Rhodes, also of San Antonio. Ruth leaves five great grandchildren: Kylie, Kate and Caden Callaway and Maverick and Scarlett ("Scout") Rhodes. Additionally, she leaves behind two surviving nieces, Alice McCoy of Little Rock and Nina Kay McCoy Flynn of Dallas. Ruth's other niece, Georgia McCoy Sells, and her husband Bob, were among Ruth's closest friends and they preceded her in death. Ruth's numerous great nieces and nephews all thought she was the origin of adding the word "Great" before Aunt. The family wishes to thank Tanya Seymour for the loving care and friendship she gave Ruth in her later years. Ruth will be interred next to her husband Paul in the Little Rock National Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. A private service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation of Kendalia, Texas or Last Chance Arkansas or a charity of their choice. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.