of Alexander, AR
February 19, 1943 - November 10, 2021
Ruth Noel-Hopkins passed away peacefully on November 10, 2021 with her husband and family by her side. She was born February 19, 1943 in Paragould Arkansas to Ray and Imodell Noel.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ronald. She is also survived by: two sons; Wade (Sharon), and Brent; two grandchildren, Natalie Jobe (Kaleb), and Nick Hopkins (Madison); two great-grandchildren, Henry and Easton Jobe; her brother Ray Allen Noel, and sister Jeanie Noel; Lucy Holsten who was her cousin but more like a sister; A host of cousins; brothers and sisters in-law; many nieces and nephews and a great number of friends-all of whom she loved very much, and she was greatly loved in return. She was also looking forward to the arrival of a third great grandchild, Blakley Jobe, due to arrive in early December.
She was a nurse and an educator by calling. Her interest in nursing began in high school when she was a candy striper. She enrolled in the three-year nursing program at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis after high school. In those years, nursing students at Baptist Memorial were not allowed to be married during the course of their studies. It is certain that Ruth and Ron would have been married 60 years rather than 57 years were it not for the school's policy on marriage.
While in grade school, one of her favorite teachers told her that she too might be a teacher someday and she never forgot that. She did become a teacher, working at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, educating many future nurses during a career that lasted 41 years. She was a mentor to many and truly cared for all of her students. It was not uncommon for former students to see her years after graduation, and they would tell her what an impact she had made on their lives.
Ruth earned a BSN from Henderson State University and a Master of Nursing Science from
UAMS. At the time of her retirement, she was Assistant Director for Administrative Affairs for Baptist Health Schools of Nursing. After her retirement, Ruth and Ron enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
She loved her family and her Lord above all else, and our lives have been enriched by her presence. Thank you for all the prayers, cards and well wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ruth Noel-Hopkins Scholarship Fund for Nursing at Baptist Health Foundation 9601 Baptist Health Dr. Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
We will gather at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church to celebrate her life and entrust her to God's care on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:30 A.M. followed by the service at noon. All are welcome.
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24 Condolence(s)
Doris Cox
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Ron and family, am always saddened to hear of some one so special going home. She will always be missed but we were all blessed to have known her. Praying for each of you for Gods nearness to overflow with love and surround you .
Less Booker
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
I remember Ruth as a loving mom, devoted wife, and a woman with a mission to serve others. She was a blessing to all who knew her. Peace be with you all in this season.
Ann Pritchard Salmon
Monday, November 15, 2021
On behalf of the Baptist Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing, Memphis, Tennessee class of 1964, I send our condolences to Ruth’s precious family. Ruth is being remembered for her sweet quiet spirit. Even more precious is her walk with her Lord thoughout her life. Our lives are richer just by knowing her. â¤ï¸
Nancy Collins Pettit
Monday, November 15, 2021
I remember Ruth from Nursing School in Memphis. She was a sweet classmate and good Christian. I believe she and I were two of three Baptist Hosp. graduates, who graduated in Memphis but chose to take State Boards in Little Rock. I will miss seeing Ruth at reunions and get-togethers at various places and times over the past 50+ years. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with her family. I know where she is today and that I will see her again.
Cliff Stalnaker
Monday, November 15, 2021
Ron, so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family. We pray that God will put his loving arms around you and comfort you as only he can do, take care.
Andy Hopkins
Monday, November 15, 2021
Ronnie, Wade and Brent,
Thinking of you at this most difficult time as you have my deepest condolences. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart aches for your loss.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.†Psalm 34:18
Andy
Ray Schieber
Monday, November 15, 2021
Ron, Wade, Brent and families,
It was with a sad heart that we learned of Ruth’s passing. I’ve been a neighbor for 36 years and not a time went by that she saw us and did not smile, wave, and say hello. Our visits were always inspired by her inviting way of making us feel at home around her. It is comforting to know that she is without suffering and in a place that welcomed her home.
Let your strong faith guide you and know that she will always be with you, in your heart and all of your precious memories of your times together.
God bless,
Ray Schieber and family
Charles Noel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Ruth was beautiful person through and through,She was Godly Person a great wife , Mother, Grand. Most of all Ruth was loved by All.
Ray Allen noel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Ronnie, Brent, Wade, Sharon, Natalie, Caleb, Nick, Madison,
I am so sorry y’all are having to go through this time. I am praying hard for God to lead you each step of the way.
I have an incredibly big hole in my heart, and I know you have one bigger and deeper than mine.
I could recount so many things about Ruth, but all I will say is that all the kind words on this tribute page tell the story.
Everything that has been said is so true, and I had the great blessing of getting to see her live these traits and qualities for all seventy-four years of my life. She has always been that kind, compassionate, committed person everyone describes.
That is just who Ruth always was.
Dear, sweet sister I’ve been so blessed to have you and Jeanie for my sisters.
I loved and admired you as a boy growing up. That hasn’t changed in all these years, and won’t in the future.
Receive your many rewards, and enjoy your rest with Jesus. We know that because of what he did on the cross, we will join you someday.
Your loving brother
Jeannie Huff & family
Saturday, November 13, 2021
To Ronnie, Wade, Brent and family: Ruth was such a special person loved by all. It was such an honor to be her friend. It was such a blessing to be your friends and go to church together. I cherish all the great times we all had. Prayers and love sent to you. Ruth will always be a special friend in my heart forever. â¤ï¸ Jeannie Huff
Sheila Parsley Young
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Ronnie and family. I first became acquainted with the Hopkins family at ASU. Ruth’s sister, Jeannie, and I were friends. Jeannie loved showing off the family with great pride. I then got to meet Ruth when we worked together at Baptist’s LPN school. Since July of 1981 I fully understood why Jeannie was so proud.
Ruth is now with not only our Lord and Savior, but her sweet parents and loved ones. I know she is putting in a good word for all of us.
Be blessed in knowing she will be waiting
CHARLES D. WHITE
Saturday, November 13, 2021
TO Ron and family. My prayers are with you during this time in your lives.
May GOD be with you and sustain you through the days ahead.
DARRELL & CAROL
Kriston Milligan
Saturday, November 13, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with y’all. I have many memories of Ruth through my life and she always had a sweet and gentle spirit. She will be missed. Love y’all.
DARREN CUMMINGS
Friday, November 12, 2021
Words cannot describe how much love I had for Aunt Ruth. She was one of a kind and meant the world to me, and Cindi. Uncle Ronnie, Wade, and Brent, know we love you deeply and will continue to lift you up in prayer. Darren and Cindi
Christopher L Caruthers
Friday, November 12, 2021
Brent, you know how much I love you. I'm thinking of you now more than ever. It's so hard to lose our mothers. Please know I am praying for you and your family and I'm here for you always. You know I so wish I could be there.
Dennis W. Headrick
Friday, November 12, 2021
I didn't know her well, but I know her son Brent very well and she had to have been a remarkable woman to have raised a son with such compassion, love, and faith. I know she will be missed by so many. Prayers for comfort for all her family and friends.
Karen mccumpsey
Friday, November 12, 2021
Ronnie..Scott and I are so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was my mentor throughout my early years in nursing academia. She has touched so many lives ..her legacy cannot be put into words. Heaven has gained a wonderful noel!!
Cindy Anderson
Friday, November 12, 2021
Ronnie and Wade and Brent, so sorry about the loss of your precious wife and mother. She was a wonderful nurse and educator and friend! She was a dear, godly friend and I am blessed for having known her. I have been praying for her and you all during this difficult time and will continue to pray God will give you His peace and comfort! We will see her again in heaven!! My love to you all!
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Nancy Cobb Riebling
Friday, November 12, 2021
Dear Family,
I have such fond memories of Ruth as we worked/taught/nursed together at Baptist. I remember her faith, compassion, intellect and joy as we prepared future nurses. She could provide a calmness to any situation. I know you will miss her! I am praying for you!
Claudette Murphree
Friday, November 12, 2021
To the entire Hopkins family and all who knew and loved Ruth,
We are so very sorry.
We pray that you are comforted by the outpouring of love at this time, and remember to hold your memories of Ruth with you. She is always with you; Though she has gone home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2
Love,
Claudette Murphree & Jacob Wise
Nita Jobe
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Ronnie, Wade, and Brent, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Ms Ruth was a very special lady. Ed and I are so sorry for the loss of this precious lady. She will always be with us and WE WILL SEE HER AGAIN ONE DAY. May God bring you comfort during this difficult time. We love you allðŸ™ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Cindy Burson
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Mr.Ron, we are so very sorry for your loss. You and Mrs.Ruth are so special to our family. Praying for you and your family during this time. Love, the Bursons
Patsy M Sturch
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Ronnie, Wade, Brent and family
Words cannot express my sincere thoughts and prayers for you. Ruth was such a joy for me to have in my life. She was always such a comfort to me when I needed it most. My condolences to all of you and may you feel God's loving arms around you during this difficult time. Patsy
Joe & Rosanne Ramer
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Ron, Joe and I are so sorry to hear of Ruth's homegoing. We will certainly be in prayer for you and your family.