June 19, 1939 - September 29, 2025
Ruth Bell was born at Hilltop, Arkansas on June 19, 1939, to Roy and Genevra Bell. She was the youngest of seven children, Joe, June, Kirby, Wayne, Dale, Eugenia and Ruth.
Growing up on the mountain at the end of World War II was tough, but a rewarding life. She learned, perhaps too well, to be an independent person with the heart and determination of a lioness. After graduating high school in 1957, she completed nursing school in 1964 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She set out on her own, but not for long, working at Tyson Food in Green Forest, Arkansas. She finished her working years at Emerson Electric in Harrison, Arkansas and along the way, she made numerous friends.
She was ''Ma Bell'' to a bunch of boys who thought they were tough. She was always there for them, to feed them, to give them a place to rest, and to be their defender. She loved every one of them! Throughout her life, she was always there for whoever needed her. Though she never married, she was not alone. She raised her son, Tad Bell, during a time when she certainly did not have to and he was the light (sometimes just a flickering) of her life, until her first grandson, Tyler, came along. With that same lioness attitude, she was there for the next generation of kids who simply called her Granny.
Though her mobility had faded in her last few years, her sassy, sometimes even smart-ass, spirit kept everyone on their toes (and watching for her scooter!). Ruth never lost that fighting spirit; it was with her in her last breath. During her lifetime, she taught everyone around her to "hold your head up high and let them know you are there", an attitude and caring spirit that will pass through generations.
She is survived by her son, Tad Bell and his wife, Jamie; her grandchildren, Tyler Bell and his wife, Lauren, Erin Pianalto and her husband, Clay, and Brody Cooper and his wife, Harley; her great-grandchildren include Lacota, Laken, Kinley, Adelyn and Sawyer, all of Oklahoma. She is also survived by her sister, June Williams of Hill Top, Arkansas.
Services will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:30 PM, at Adair First Baptist Church, 201 South Hall Street, Adair, Oklahoma 74330.
Ma Bell's service can be viewed livestream at www.adairfbc.com
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8 Condolence(s)
Frances ogle
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Clara Ruth was the best friend anyone could have and if you needed anything you would never ask twice. I've known her my whole life and we rode many miles together on the school bus from Hill Top down Terrapin Creek to Harrison. I hated for her to be so crippled up of late but never a grippe about it RIP dear friend. We will miss you.
Frances Ogle
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Charlotte M Dunnigan
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
So sorry for your loss. 'Ma Bell was a good boss. She worked us hard but with a good attitude. Always cutting up with us or telling stories. She left her mark on everyone.
Charlotte M Dunnigan
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
So sorry for your loss. 'Ma Bell was a good boss. She worked us hard but with a good attitude. Always cutting up with us or telling stories. She left her mark on everyone.
Brenda Fuhrman Smalley
Monday, October 6, 2025
So Sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was always at the arena when dad roped calves. Prayers for the family
Brenda Fuhrman Smalley
Debbie Boyd
Monday, October 6, 2025
So sorry for you loss , worked with her for many years at Emersons/ White Rodger’s ,,,Great Lady,
Sandy neighbors
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Awesome awesome lady,strong tuff careing,when I lived at hilltop and worked at Emerson too,I heard she could throw 2 bales of hay 1 in each on top of a hay truck, tougher than the men n boys .she for some reason looked out for me being a very young mom married but was a little tuff too had to be.i was her all around gal she'd tell me at emerson!! I thought i was her favorite there.i didnt wanna proverbial wrong I worked harder and better because of her.HATS OFF TO 1 OF KIND RUTHIE ,FLY HIGH !!! PRAYERS FOR HER FAMILY
LeeAnna Richardson
Friday, October 3, 2025
June I am sorry for your loss. You were so close to mom Leora Qualls Trublood. If she was still with us she would be there for you. We love you.