Ruth Marie Faulkner Cox

Ruth Marie Cox (formerly Faulkner) went to be with the Lord, Sunday, April 20, 2014. She was born September 2, 1919 in the Coffman Community, southeast of Paragould, to the late Charles Herbert and Vera Monteith (Barger). In 1941 Ruth married Bruce Macon Faulkner, and on October 21, 1942, their only child, Robert (Bob), was born. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Vera Monteith, a grandson, Michael Faulkner, a nephew, Dr. George Collier and brothers in law, Wayne Buck and George Collier, Sr. She is survived by her son, Robert Faulkner and his wife, Alta, of Paragould; a granddaughter, Dr. Lisa Hendrix and her husband, Dr. Barry Hendrix, and their four children, Lexie, Sallie, Slade and Isaac; a sister, Mary Buck, and her children, Peggy Jackson and husband Bob; and Dr. Jon Collier and wife Ranae, all of Paragould. Ruth also has left a dear friend and companion in, Mr. Fred Principi, also of Paragould. Ruth was a member of Westview Baptist Church and was an active Christian all through her life. She sang in church choirs and taught Sunday School classes over many years. Her constant life obsession was to witness in the name of Jesus to everyone with whom she became acquainted. She never met anyone without talking with them about becoming a Christian and living for the Lord. She was a prime example of living faith and carrying the gospel to everyone she touched. She has surely arrived in heaven and received a “soul winner’s crown” for her efforts in winning souls for the Lord Jesus. One of her life long goals was to further her education later in life. She attended Arkansas State and Western Kentucky Universities, making the Dean’s Lists throughout the school’s curriculum, finishing graduations with honors at both schools. Ruth was a former school teacher in the Paragould Public School system for 19 years, retiring in 1987. She taught Biology, Science and Art at Paragould High School and mentored many students there while teaching. She would pray with any student who needed prayer and talk with every student she taught to make sure they knew they were loved. Ruth will be missed by her family, friends and former students, but we know she is with Jesus now and we are comforted in knowing that we will join her to be with Jesus in the near future. Ruth’s family will receive visitors at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould, Tuesday, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Her life will be celebrated, Wednesday, at 10:00 AM, in the Heath Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Marc Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at the Coffman Community Cemetery southeast of Paragould. Active Pallbearers will be George Collier III, Steve Kueter, Ronnie Pigue, David Pigue, Bob Jackson and Dr. Barry Hendrix. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in her name to Westview Baptist Church of Paragould, Path2Restoration Ministries of Paragould or Samaritan’s Purse of Boone, North Carolina. Sign online guestbook at www.heathfuneralhome.com.