Ruth Harvell, affectionately known as “Ruthie,” was born on January 4, 1965, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Cornelia Ross. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and cherished member of her community. Ruth departed this life leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, determination, and countless memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Ruth was a proud graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Class of 1983, where she distinguished herself as an accomplished student-athlete. A gifted and fiercely competitive athlete, Ruth excelled in both volleyball and basketball, earning All-State honors in both sports. Her talent, dedication, and competitive spirit made her a standout athlete and a source of pride for her family and community.

As a member of the Lady Badgers Volleyball team, Ruth helped lead her team to remarkable accomplishments, including: 1982 District 7 3A Champions, 1982 3A State Champions, 1983 District 7 3A Champions, 1983 3A State Runner-Up.

Her love for volleyball continued beyond high school as she attended Henderson State University, where she proudly played collegiate volleyball.

After completing her education, Ruth devoted 35 years of service to Peake Elementary School, where she worked as a custodian. But to call Ruth simply a custodian would never tell the whole story. Peake Elementary was more than a workplace to her, it was a place where she poured her heart into generations of children, teachers, and staff.

Ruth loved on every child and teacher who came through those doors. She had a way of making sure everyone knew they were cared for, while also making sure the children stayed in line! She was known for her honesty, her strong personality, and her unmistakable presence. Ruth never had a problem telling you exactly what she thought. If she didn’t like something, you were going to know about it!

And that was Ruth.

She was enthusiastic, outspoken, hilarious, and the life of the party. Her personality could light up any room she walked into. She loved to have a good time, laugh, shop, eat good food, and spend time with the people she loved. Wherever Ruth was, there was sure to be a story, a laugh, and a memory being made.

Above all else, Ruth was a devoted family woman.

She was the loving mother of Dwyane Harvell Jr., Tianna Harvell, and Haley Smith, and mother-in-law to Ed Smith. Her children were her pride and joy, and she celebrated every one of their accomplishments.

She loved watching her son, Dwyane Jr., play soccer throughout his youth, traveling all over the state to cheer him on. She proudly watched Tianna pursue her love of volleyball and celebrated her journey to becoming a nurse practitioner. She was equally proud of Haley and her academic accomplishments throughout school and her career as a nuclear medicine technologist.

Ruth never missed an opportunity to brag about her children. Their accomplishments were her accomplishments, and she was immensely proud of the people they became.

She also treasured her relationship with her mother, Cornelia Ross, whom she loved deeply and cared for. Being close to her mother and surrounded by her family brought Ruth great joy.

But perhaps Ruth’s greatest joy came later in life when she became a grandmother.

Her granddaughter, Sophia Smith, was her latest and greatest blessing. Becoming a GiGi was one of the proudest moments of Ruth’s life. She absolutely adored Sophia, and the two shared a special bond. They would FaceTime almost every day, allowing Ruth to watch her granddaughter grow and be a part of her everyday life even when they couldn’t be together.

She also loved her bonus grandchild, Chancellor Jackson, and enjoyed shopping for him.

Ruth shared a beautiful life with her husband, Dwyane Harvell Sr., whom she loved very much. The two enjoyed spending time together and especially looked forward to their weekly shopping trips to Hot Springs. Those trips were about much more than shopping, they were opportunities to spend time together, enjoy good food, laugh, and simply enjoy life.

Ruth was also a proud Badger fan through and through. During football season, you could find her cheering on the Badgers from the stands, proudly supporting her hometown team. She loved watching Arkadelphia sports and never missed an opportunity to show her Badger pride. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines, traveling across the state for soccer, or supporting her children in their athletic endeavors, Ruth loved being there for the people and teams she cared about.

Ruth’s life was filled with the things she loved most: her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her mother, her family, good food, shopping, traveling, volleyball, and making people laugh.

She lived life loudly and unapologetically. She loved deeply, spoke honestly, worked hard, and made an impression everywhere she went. She was the kind of person who could walk into a room and change its entire atmosphere simply by being there.

Her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, former students, teachers, teammates, coworkers, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Ruth Harvell leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years or accomplishments alone. Her greatest legacy is found in the people she loved, the children she cared for, the lives she touched, and the memories she created.

She will forever be remembered as Ruthie, the athlete, the caretaker, the mother, the wife, the daughter, the GiGi, the life of the party, and a woman who loved her family with her whole heart.

Though she is no longer here to FaceTime, cheer from the sidelines, take a shopping trip, or tell us exactly what she thinks, the love she gave will remain with us always.

Her greatest joy was her family.

Her greatest title was GiGi.

And her greatest legacy is the love she left behind.

She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.