Ruth Marie Crowder

On Monday, January 26, 2026, Ruth Marie Crowder, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her residence in Springdale at the age of 98. Ruth Marie was born on March 30, 1927, in Springdale, Arkansas, to the late Ira and Ruth Reed Simonds. She graduated from Springdale High School and went on to attend the University of Arkansas, where she obtained a degree in Home Economics. Following her studies, Ruth dedicated her career to education, teaching Home Economics in the Springdale School District. On September 2, 1951, she married her beloved husband, Norman Crowder, and together they built a life grounded in family, faith, and hard work. Ruth devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for her family, creating a warm and loving home where her kindness, patience, and quiet strength were felt by all who knew her. Ruth was a devoted member of Cross Church in Springdale. She found comfort and joy in gardening, cooking, canning, and sewing, and most especially in caring for her husband, Norman. Time spent vacationing with her family was among her greatest joys and became treasured memories she held close. After retiring, Ruth and Norman continued making special memories together through travel, visiting Israel, New Zealand, Hawaii, and enjoying several cruises. Later in life, Ruth became a proud and devoted “Grammy,” a role in which she was deeply loved and cherished by her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Norman Crowder; her parents; her three brothers, Lawrence, John, and Charles Simonds; and her sister, Caroline Mathis (Simonds). She leaves behind her loving children, Jim Crowder (Debbie) of Knoxville, Tennessee; Mary Beth Cook (Johnny) of Leesville, Louisiana; and Michael Crowder (Judi) of Springdale, Arkansas. Ruth was a proud and devoted grandmother to Bryan Cook (Deborah), Ashley Corbin (Justin), Christopher Crowder (Kaitlyn), Hannah Gaston (Mordecai), Sarah Evins (Zac), and Madeline Mota (Fernando), and a treasured great-grandmother to eleven great- grandchildren. She is also fondly remembered by many dear friends and extended family, including nieces and nephews, who will miss her deeply. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale. There will be a private family interment following the service. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church Senior Ministries. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Ruth Marie Crowder

March 30, 1927 - January 25, 2026