Ruth Orr 1921-2020

Sophia Ruth Keener Orr, 98, was born on Oct. 30, 1921 in Ben Lomond, Ark. to Nancy Vandora Gold and Robert Lee Needham and died on Aug. 23, 2020 in Tyler. She married Ellis Keener of Ashdown, Ark. and they had two sons, Robert Ellis Keener and Gary Dale Keener. Ellis died shortly after Gary’s first birthday and she married Rudolph Orr six years later, moving the family to Mineola where she lived the remainder of her life. Ruth, or Mamaw as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a familiar and welcoming face at Miller’s Menswear, Culp’s Menswear and Jim’s Pharmacy for many years. She loved her Lord Jesus, her family, her church, her church family and sports. She was active in Mineola Church of Christ, Eastern Star and Ladies Auxiliary of the UTU. She also played basketball for the Arkansas Travelers women’s basketball team.

In addition to her parents, husbands and sons, she was predeceased by her brothers, Denver Needham, Hal Needham, Coolidge Needham; sister, Majel Spigner; her beloved granddaughter, Anna Ruth Keener Bates; and great-great-grandson, Zander Bates. She is survived by grandchildren, Kaye Keener Smith (Frank), Lee Keener, Mary Keener Hawkins and Patricia Matlock (Alan); stepson, Terry Orr (Patricia); step-grandchildren, Sean Orr, Shannon Orr Chichester and Beth Orr; daughter-in-law, Diane Keener; many great-grands and great-great-grands; and three nephews.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28 at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola, and services will be Friday, Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. at Beaty’s chapel. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.