Ruby Thomason, 94, of Bellefonte, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, (2019). Funeral was Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at First Baptist Church, Bellefonte, with Pastor Marvin Emmons officiating. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Christenson Funeral Home, Harrison.
She was born May 19, 1924, in Ashley County, the daughter of John Franklin Gray and Frances Rebecca Morgan Gray. She held various jobs and began her career making ammunition for World War II. She was involved in the hospitality industry serving as a cook for Valley Springs Schools and A.Q. Chicken located at Dogpatch, U.S.A. She worked for Harrison Furniture as well as Oberman's Manufacturing. Ruby was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bellefonte for more than 70 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Thomason; five sisters, Nell Slaughter, Betty Jean Slaughter, Joyce Smith, Dianne McCrory, and Rita Gray; and two brothers, Ralph (Junior) Gray and Doyle Gray.
Ruby is survived by a son, Jerry Thomason, of Valley Springs; five daughters, Freda Williams, of Bellefonte, Virginia Hirayama, of Fair Grove, Missouri, Kathy Martin, of Deer, Judy Sullins, of Valley Springs and Rebecca Brase, of Valley Springs; two sisters, Sarah Rushing, of Bryant and Jodi Kelley, of Mountain Pine; 14 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren served as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers included members of First Baptist Church of Bellefonte.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, Bellefonte, 10 Garrett Street, Harrison, AR 72601 or the Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, 10201 W. Markham Street, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72205.
