King Solomon in the book of Proverbs asked, "Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is more precious than rubies." A virtuous woman was placed on this earth on October 4, 1949 and given the name Ruth Ann Weems (Arnold). At her home in Swampers, LA on February 22, 2024, she closed her eyes to sleep on this earth surrounded by her loving family and woke up at the throne of Jesus.

Funeral services will be at 3:00pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church officiated by her husband, Reverend Bobby Arnold. Ruth will be laid to rest next to her parents and siblings at Harris Cemetery under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home and officiated by Rev. Michael McIntosh. Visitation will be Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at New Hope Baptist Church.

Ruth (Ruthie) was preceded in death and welcomed at the Heavenly gates by her parents and charter members of New Hope Baptist Church, Alvin Ray Weems and Daisy Agnes Welch Weems. Brothers, Larry Weems and Charles Ray Weems; Son in law, James Hunter and Daughter in law, Amanda Bellon Arnold.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Bobby Joe Arnold Sr and children: daughters, Glenda Lachney (Mike) of Ruston, LA,; Lori Myers (Greg) of Ruston, LA; Emily Kelley (Brandon) of Farmerville, LA; sons, Bobby Joe Arnold Jr of Champaign, IL; and Aaron Paul Arnold of Crowville.

Grandchildren: Kristi Hunter; Mitchell Hunter; Brandon (Emily) Myers; Garrett (Britney) Myers; Joshua Arnold; Abigail (Tyler) Fowler; Makayla (Anthony) Lemoine; John Waylon Arnold (fiance Mattie Grace); Dallas Arnold; Step-Grandchildren Domenic Griiffin and Sapphire Griffin. Great Grandchildren: Lexie Martin; Chloe Martin; Kira Fowler; Barrett Ivy; Remington Arnold; Aria Fowler; Reid Myers; Colter Lemoine.

Siblings: Clyde (Wanda) Weems and Willie Mae (TH) Guimbellot

Special friends Georgia Bankson and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family and neighbors.

Ruth (Ruthie) was a member of Eureka Baptist Church where she served as church pianist for 28 years. She enjoyed reading her Bible, playing the piano, listening to gospel music, sewing, cooking, attending church meetings, and visiting with friends and family. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren, spoiling them and making memories with them. Her life was a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God, and those who knew her recognized that her greatest joys were her deep faith in Jesus Christ and the relationships she had with her family and friends. She loved others sacrificially and wanted those around her to know the redeeming work of her Heavenly Father.

A devoted Christian wife, homemaker and mother, Ruth felt at an early age that she was called to be a preachers wife and she loved serving her Lord by ministering to her church family alongside her husband. Ruth had a heart for missions and sharing the gospel with the lost. She was an adamant supporter of the Southern Baptist Missions Offerings and a long time member of the Womens Missionary Union. Her heart was filled with joy when she was teaching children in Sunday School or through Vacation Bible School. She often babysat nieces, nephews, grandkids and neighborhood children in her home. No one ever left Ruths home feeling hungry or unloved.

Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Armstrong, Wayne Sanders, Donald Myers and Henry Wayne Muirhead.

The family would like to thank all those who called, visited and prayed for and cared for Ruth in the last year and appreciate Kim Graham and Passages Hospice.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own work praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:25,30-31

Online registry/condolences at www.dennardfirstnational.com.

New Hope Baptist Church

New Hope Baptist Church