WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., is expected to miss votes this week after the death of his mother.

Spokesman Jonah Shumate said Ruth Crawford died of complications from a pneumonia-like infection. The congressman returned to Arkansas on Tuesday morning after learning of her death, Shumate said.

Ruth Crawford lived in Kennett, Mo., about 50 miles northeast of Jonesboro, where the Republican congressman lives.

Shumate on Tuesday evening did not know her age or have details about services. He said the congressman likely wouldn't return to Washington before Thursday at the earliest.

Metro on 05/07/2014