Ruth Louise Ward Shoptaw of Sheridan, Arkansas was born February 17, 1944 in Newport, Arkansas, the daughter of the late William Calvin and Martha Louise Risner Ward. She was a devout Christian, and a retired Red Cross nurse. She was a very caring and loving mother and friend. She never wanted anyone to suffer and was very compassionate about her patients. She loved to travel, eat out, shop, and spend time with her family.

Ms. Shoptaw died Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock at the age of 72.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alexandria Austin and her brothers, Neil Ward, Donald Ward, Jimmy Ward, Bobby Ward, Joe Ward and Benjamin Ward.

Survivors: daughters, Leah and husband Allen Middleton of East End, Shannah and husband Gary Austin of Bryant, Joi and husband James Davis of Sheridan; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 24, 2016 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with Bro. Michael Walton officiating. Burial will follow at Poe Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time.

Pallbearers will be Michael Austin, James Davis, Gary Austin, Wayne Shoptaw, Rachel Carter and Alycson Austin. Honorary pallbearers will be Allen Middleton and Jon Paul Austin.