Ruth Elizabeth Spence, age 83 of Malvern, died Monday, January 30, 2012 at her home. She was born in Thornton , Arkansas on September 28, 1928 to the late R. L. Payne and Martha Anthony Payne. Reared and educated in Malvern, she also attended the Hockaday School . Ruth was a member of First United Methodist Church where she attended the John Lindsay Sunday School Class. She was a homemaker, a former member of the Junior Service League, and an avid bridge player.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Fred Spence, Jr.; and by her siblings, John Payne, Hermes Payne, Oliver Payne, Henry Payne, Wilfred Payne, Sanford Payne, Mary Lee Spence, and Evelyn Payne.
Her survivors include a son, Mark Spence of Jones Mill, two daughters, Louise Phillips of Prescott and Martha Pierce of Malvern; two sisters, her twin, Rubie Floyd of California, and Martha Sue Sammons of Malvern; and six grandchildren, Bryce and Blake Phillips, Ashley Campbell, Cole and Mattie Pierce, and Payne Spence.
Memorials are requested to the local animal shelters.
Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.
