RUTH NOEL-HOPKINS

passed away peacefully on November 10, 2021, with her husband and family by her side. She was born February 19, 1943, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Ray and Imodell Noel. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ronald. She is also survived by two sons; Wade (Sharon), and Brent; two grandchildren, Natalie Jobe (Kaleb), and Nick Hopkins (Madison); two great-grandchildren, Henry and Easton Jobe; her brother, Ray Allen Noel, and sister, Jeanie Noel; Lucy Holsten who was her cousin but more like a sister; A host of cousins, brothers, and sisters in-law, many nieces and nephews and a great number of friends, all of whom she loved very much, and she was greatly loved in return. She was also looking forward to the arrival of a third great-grandchild, Blakley Jobe, due to arrive in early December. She was a nurse and an educator by calling. Her interest in nursing began in high school when she was a candy striper. She enrolled in the three-year nursing program at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis after high school. In those years, nursing students at Baptist Memorial were not allowed to be married during the course of their studies. It is certain that Ruth and Ron would have been married 60 years rather than 57 years were it not for the school’s policy on marriage. While in grade school, one of her favorite teachers told her that she too might be a teacher someday and she never forgot that. She did become a teacher, working at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, educating many future nurses during a career that lasted 41 years. She was a mentor to many and truly cared for all of her students. It was not uncommon for former students to see her years after graduation, and they would tell her what an impact she had made on their lives. Ruth earned a BSN from Henderson State University and a Master of Nursing Science from UAMS. At the time of her retirement, she was Assistant Director for Administrative Affairs for Baptist Health Schools of Nursing. After her retirement, Ruth and Ron enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. She loved her family and her Lord above all else, and our lives have been enriched by her presence. Thank you for all the prayers, cards and well wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ruth Noel-Hopkins Scholarship Fund for Nursing at Baptist Health Foundation 9601 Baptist Health Dr. Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. We will gather at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church to celebrate her life and entrust her to God’s care on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the service at noon. All are welcome. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chena