Obituaries

Ruth Powell Rawls Lawson

Photo of Ruth Powell Rawls Lawson
Ruth Powell Rawls Lawson, 95, passed from this life to the arms of her heavenly father, November 18, 2019, in Fayetteville, Ark. She was born on October 31, 1924, in Crossett, Ark., to James Alfred Powell, Sr. and Annie Chloris Stevenson Powell. Ruth spent most of her younger years in Crossett, Ark., surrounded by family and friends. This is where she began her 37-year work history with Sherwin Williams Paint company, working in the management of stores and moving to corporate executive management of the company both in Dallas, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio. At one point, she directed over two hundred and fifty interior designers in the stores. Her work ethic was exemplary. She was a lifelong member of the first United Methodist Church, first in Crossett where she shared her beautiful soprano voice for the choir. Later, at Saint James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, and finally at first United Methodist in Springdale, Ark. She has enjoyed her retirement years by dining, playing bridge and other card games with wonderful friends at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Ark. She loved her neighbors, her friends and her lovely family. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Billy G. Rawls and Jimmy Lawson; sister, Maxine Perritt and brother, James Powell, Jr., both of Crossett, Ark. Ruth is survived by daughter, Glenda Newman and husband Dwain of Fayetteville, Ark.; daughter, Barbara Pugh of Foley, Ala.; stepson, Jeff Newman of Wesley, Ark.; stepdaughter, Kristy Newman of Grandview, Texas; grandchildren: Bob Newell, III of Lake Village, Ark., Amy Newell of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Brent Hanby of Springdale, Ark., Blake Hanby and wife Beth of Rogers, Ark.; step-granddaughter, Shelby Newman of Little Rock, Ark.; and step-grandson, Jay Newman of Fayetteville, Ark. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Payton Hanby of Little Rock, Ar., Chase Hanby of Fayetteville, Ark., Jake Hanby of Rogers, Ark., and Hallie Hanby of Fayetteville, Ark.; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Hanby, Blake Hanby, Bob Newell, III, Jake Hanby, Chase Hanby, Jeff Newman and Jay Newman. Services will be held Monday, November 25, at 2 p.m. at the first united Methodist church chapel of Springdale, Ark., with pastors Andrew Thompson and Jen Ryerson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials May be made to the 1st United Methodist Church foundation at 206 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, Ark. 72764. Online condolences can be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

Published November 23, 2019

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