Thelma Jean Shannon Ruddell

Mrs. Thelma Jean (Shannon) Ruddell of Newport, Ark., departed this life on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at her home at the age of 86. She was born Nov. 23, 1925, in Newport, the only daughter of James Wesley and Faye (Lindsey) Shannon. Miss Thelma Jean Shannon graduated from Newport High School in 1943. She then attended college at Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo. for two years after which she transferred to the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. Mr. Billy Vern Ruddell and Miss Thelma Jean Shannon were married on Sept. 17, 1954, at her parent's home in Newport, Ark. After their marriage they made their home in Newport where they raised their family together for the next 26 years. Mrs. Ruddell began her teaching career at the Walnut Street School where she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Later she moved to Gibbs Albright Elementary School where she taught 6th grade Reading. Mrs. Ruddell devoted over 28 years to teaching. Her retirement did not dampen her love of children or of teaching. She remembered her students fondly and always made a great effort to recognize anyone who had ever been in her classroom. Mrs. Ruddell was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Newport and devoted much of her life to the church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and served on various committees over the years. Mrs. Ruddell enjoyed many things in her 86 years, however, her greatest joy and love was her family. She was truly their strongest supporter and biggest fan, never missing a sporting event of any of her five children or 10 grandchildren until her health made it impossible for her to attend. Mrs. Ruddell, known by those who loved her best as Nana, was a lady of strong faith and character who was greatly admired and will be truly missed. Mrs. Ruddell was preceded in death by: her husband, Billy Vern Ruddell; and her parents. She is survived by: her children, Thelma Welch of Newport, Shannon Loftis of Dunwoody, Ga., Elizabeth Erwin and husband John of Suwannee, Ga., John Ruddell and wife Deanna of Little Rock and Joe Ruddell and wife Holly of Fayetteville; ten grandchildren, Lindsay Welch, Ashley Welch and wife Laura, Johnathon Welch, Jean E. Loftis, Rebecca Erwin, Reed Erwin, Rachel Ruddell, Jack Ruddell, Katie Ruddell, and Reese Ruddell; cousins, Jimmy Cox and Johnny Cox and families; nieces, Lanelle Mott and Lavon Cardwell and families; her lifelong friends, Betty Richolson and family and Margie Dawson and family; caregivers, Susan Burns and Judy Crews; and her constant companion and beloved pet, Gretta. Friends may visit at the funeral home Sunday evening, 5-7 p.m. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Brad Elrod and Rev. Hershel McClurkin officiating. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are her sons and grandsons, John Ruddell, Joe Ruddell, Ashley Welch, Johnathon Welch, Reed Erwin, John Erwin, Reese Ruddell, Jack Ruddell. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 217 Laurel Street, Newport, Ark. 72112. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence, or sign our guestbook, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com.