Ruby Jewel Mathis

R. Jewel Mathis, of Mount Ida, Arkansas was called home to Heaven on July 29, 2023, by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jewel was born May 14, 1938, in Prescott, Arkansas.

Jewel loved with a smile. Her life revolved around her Lord, her family and her friends.

Jewel was led to the Lord at the age of 12 by her grandfather. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She also served the Lord alongside her husband in Texas, Kansas and Arkansas. Jewel’s enjoyment of God’s creation was evident with her passion for birds, wildlife and flowers. She was also a cook well known and remembered for her Pear Cakes, Pecan Pies and Cookies.

She was an avid student of God’s Word and gladly shared God’s Word through the years.

Jewel would want you to know and hold close to your heart the following from God’s Word.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 KJV

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13  KJV

Jewel was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Kenneth D. Mathis; her parents, Ruby J. Milam and Homer D. Milam; brothers, LeRoy and Larry and sister, JoAnn.

Jewel is survived by her children: Mark (Sally) Mathis and Curtis (Kari) Mathis.

Jewel is also survived by nine Grandchildren: Ariel Mathis, Ruby Mathis, Lily Mathis, Connor Hoefer, Maci (Kevin) Wang, Wayne (Heather) Morse, Kalea (Tim) Landers, Merissa Morse and Bradley (Margaret) Klimmer. Ten Great Grand Children: Brenden, Melody, Shelby, Emma, Emery, Hartley, Dylan, Samuel, Rachel, and Seth.

Jewel is also survived by her brother, Don (Vera) Milam, sister, Tommie Sue Milam and sisters-in-law, Ina Milam and Bonnie Milam.  And a loving family friend for over fifty years, Beth Lawrence, caretaker and family support through Jewel’s final years.  Along with many loving nieces, nephews and special friends.

Graveside Service 9:00AM, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, with Rev. Cory Ramirez officiating in the Hillside Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Montgomery Co., AR under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you please consider a donation to Jewel’s home church, Central Baptist Church, 15601 Taylor Loop Rd, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 or Joplin Volunteer Fire Department, P O Box 1268, Mount Ida, Arkansas 71957.

Pallbearers are Philip Carr, Bradley Klimmer, Mike Malone, Randy Milam, Keith Milam, Tony Milam, Brenden Morse, and Joshua Rameriz.

Honorary Pallbearers are the staff of Hospice Home Care and the First Responders of the Joplin VFD