of North Little Rock, AR
July 8, 1941 - June 13, 2015
Ruth Lynn Merritt Clinton, 73, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2015 of a short but intense battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born July 8, 1941 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Dennis Elton & Mary Frances Gibson Merritt, who predeceased her.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond ''Cubby'' Wade Clinton of 55 years of their home, her son, Mark Clinton and daughter in love, Kimberly Clinton; her daughter, Michelle Clinton Daniel and son in love, Marc Daniel, all of North Little Rock; grandsons, Joshua Clinton of Columbia, MS, Drew Daniel, Benny Clinton and Joseph Raymond Clinton of North Little Rock; her sisters, Carole Hoofman of North Little Rock and Annette Fitzgerald and her husband, Sidney Fitzgerald of Mabelvale and aunt, Mrs. Jean Gibson Harvey of Beebe as well as many other much loved nieces and nephews.
She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and active member of Faith Baptist Church in North Little Rock. She taught Sunday School while a member of Berean Baptist Church for many years and was a diligent, disciplined student of the Bible.
Ruth graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1959, Arkansas State Teachers College in 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in Education and a major in Mathematics and a Master's in Library Science, also from University of Central Arkansas in 1978. Her entire, thirty-year teaching career was spent at Ridgeroad Junior High School in North Little Rock, first while teaching 8th grade algebra and then serving as librarian. She retired from her career in education in 1994 to spent time with Raymond, her beloved grandsons, her mother and family. She loved to garden, cook, research genealogy, spend lots of time with family and friends particularly during weekly family gatherings. She was a godly woman of disciplined character, befitting her given name.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 16th 2015 at 10:00 am at Faith Baptist Church in North Little Rock. A celebration of Ruth Clinton's life will begin at 11:00, also at Faith. A private family burial will follow at Old Austin Cemetery in Ward at 2:30 pm. The family thanks Jennifer Ramsey, RN of Arkansas Hospice. Memorials should be directed to the Faith Baptist Church, building fund at 109 Tanglewood Drive in North Little Rock 72118.
Marc and Michelle, so sorry to learn your mom passed away. She was such a nice lady. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa
Just a year ago, at our reunion weekend, I had such fun with Ruth, Molly and Carolyn as Ruth drove us around NLR, revisiting and remembering. I feel blessed to have had that special time with her.
My deepest sympathy to Ruth's family.
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Ruth for 10 years at Ridgeroad. She was a wonderful person who offered much professional and personal support when I was at Ridgeroad. She will be missed by all who knew her.
I taught with Ruth at Ridgeroad for 2 years and more recently got to enjoy her company with a group of retired teachers who meet monthly for lunch. She will be missed! Prayers for your family!
Dear "Cubby" and Family, I read, with great sadness, of our loss of our Ms. Ruth. So many already have described Ruth as kind, caring and a dear, dear lady. I worked with Ruth for several years with the Arkansas Professional Educators Assoc., a cause near and dear to our hearts. I consider my life, along with so many others, blessed to have known and loved Ruth. Her legacy lives on. Your faith, family, and friends are your sources of peace, support, and comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Charles and Anne W. Allen
Ruthie and I were good friends in high school. She was always so kind to everyone. Since I returned to NLR and began going to the "Ladies" luncheon we have enjoyed many memories and other things. Loved that Ruthie never had her ears pierced and I gave her my Mother's earring collection as I wanted Ruthie to have them. Her illness was sudden and, perhaps, God had this planned that she wouldn't have to suffer long. I feel sure the family feels the same way. Ruthie, I will miss you, sweet lady. I will see you again someday. Love to you and your family.
It is with Gods great love for mankind that he gave us the Holy Comforter to help us with our times of grief. I pray that the Family of Ruth is covered by his Holy strength and comfort.
Mrs. Clinton was a decent and honorable person. She will be missed.
My deep sympathy to the family of Ruth, one of my NLRHS classmates, one who I enjoyed in school and renewed friendship with at our Ladies Lunches. Loved you Ruthie! My heart hurts losing you and will miss your smiles and our time together...I know you suffered, RIP dear one... In Christian Love, Mary Fortenbury Ward
Ruth was one of my very first friends at levy Elementary School when i moved there in fourth grade. We remained friends throughout high school and i still consider her as a friend. This was one of the neatest and most organized people i ever met. She always had a very sweet and outgoing personality. This is a very sad time for so many! my condolences to Ruth's family and closest friends. She was loved!
my husband and I were fortunate to have moved into a mobile home behind Ruthie's home on Camp RobiNson Rd in the early 60's. Ruthie had brought me a red velvet cake to welcome us to the area and while she was there I had to be excused to restroom. And the rest of the story is she was very instrumental in the birth of our first daughter within the first 2 hours of her visit. I'll never forget Ruthie and her kindness and williness to help others.
To The Family,
Enjoyed our three years in High School with sweet Ruth. She was a great gal and we had so much fun through those years. Didn't see her much after as we all went our seperate ways to begin our adult lives. Was always so anxious to see her at each reunion to catch up.
May the Lord bless each of you as this time and hold u close to his heart.
Sincerely, Pat
All the Merritts came to my beauty shop and Carol taught Dianna Fewel my, daughterl in1st. for eagh of them.
I LOVE THEM ALL AND MISS THEM..
all my love may god bless you all.
My deepest sympathy to Ruth's family. She was a wonderful person and full of life. She was very important in helping Carole and me navigate through our college years. My prayers are with you all.
Fond memories of growing up with Ruth in levy and graduating with her from nlrhs in 59. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. RIP miss Ruth.
God bless Ruth's family during this difficult time. Phillip and I knew Cubby and Ruth at ASTC, and then Ruth and I taught together at Ridgeroad. She was an excellent lady and will be missed by so many friends and loved ones. God bless you.
Ruth was so sweet, kind, and considerate.
A wonderful person who was strong in her convictions.
My life was made better because of her.
I was fortunate, for several years, to be able to work with Ruth at Ridgeroad Junior High. Ruth was always willing to assist students and staff alike. She will be missed.
Like hundreds of others, I had Mrs. Clinton for 8th grade math at Ridge Road JHS. I loved her; she was great. She was the best math teacher I ever had and I've had a lot of math teachers. It's been 47 years and I still think about her, She was a very positive influence on my life. My condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers will be with your family.
To the Clinton's,
I am so sad to hear of Ruth's passing. She was such a fine and strong lady. We were at Ridgeroad for twenty years and on Hillside as neighbors for seven more. Ruth was an inspiration to me and many other teachers and she will be greatly missed.
No matter how busy she was, she always had time to hear my problems and give advice. Ruth was a staple at Ridgeroad.
Sincerely,
Curt Derden