June 10, 1933 - January 24, 2026
Mamie 'Ruth' Guthrie Johnson, 92, of Jonesboro passed away January 24, 2026. She was born on June 10, 1933 in Marvell, Arkansas, to the late John Cleveland Guthrie and Mamie Ridge Guthrie.
Ruth worked in retail in Helena West Helena until she retired in 2008 and moved to Jonesboro to be with her family. She loved being Grand Ruth and RuRu to her grandchildren and great grandchildren -- they were so precious to her.
She was saved at the age of 15 and baptized in Big Creek in Trenton, Arkansas. She was a longtime member of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in West Helena. She lived out her faith with a practical awareness of people's needs and an eager willingness to care for others.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Freeland Johnson; Earl Mullally (father of her children); her brothers Herbert, Frank, William, Howard and Kenneth; and sisters Mildred, Alma, Faye and Jean.
Ruth is survived by her son, Michael (Vickey) Mullally of Jonesboro; daughter, Glenda (Jerry) Young; grandchildren, Zachary Young, Sara (Brian) Broussard, Leigh Anne (James) Fortner, Lauren (Bryan) Hall; and great grandchildren, Harper Grace Fortner, Jackson Young, Catherine Hall, Ira Fortner, Ella Young, Grace Hall, Louis Broussard and Estelle Broussard.
Pallbearers will be Dan Johnson, Dan Dubach, Andy Bogue and Wally Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena on January 31, 2026 at 11:00. Rick Miles will officiate.
The family appreciates the staff at Craighead County Nursing Home for their compassionate care. She loved her caretakers.
In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones are asked to consider sharing an act of kindness with someone in need. This was one of Ruth's final requests.
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8 Condolence(s)
Eugenia Jones Newsom
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Glenda & family.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Your Mom was such a sweet lady and I know she will be missed.
My thoughts & prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time.
Kristi Bise
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Keith and I are so sorry for your loss but we are thankful that there is no doubt that she knew where her home is and was prepared to go home. I will be praying for peace and comfort for your family during this difficult. 🙏🏻♥️
Sherry Stone
Monday, January 26, 2026
Glenda, Mike, and entire family,
I am so sorry about your loss of such a loved member of your sweet family.
Prayers for a sense of comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Glenda and Mike, I did not know your mother, but it is obvious that she raised a great daughter and son.
Sending prayers during your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Sherry Stone
Frankie Chadwick
Monday, January 26, 2026
I’ve never known a kinder person than Ruth. She was a sweet and loving person, caring and protective of everyone she met. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Christa Davis Penaflor
Monday, January 26, 2026
I’m so sorry for your loss of Aunt Ruth. Prayers for your family. 🙏 Christa, Joey and Dylan Penaflor
William Johnston
Sunday, January 25, 2026
So sorry for your loss…Ruth was one of my Mother’s best friends. May GOD BLESS
Rick and Paula Miles
Sunday, January 25, 2026
We loved her so much. Praying for peace for everyone in the family.
Sharon Lawson
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Glenda, Michael, and family, may you be comforted with his Holy Spirit during this time of grieving your dear, sweet mother. Sending love and prayers—Sharon Holland Lawson