Ruth Briley

Ruth Ramona Duncan Briley, age 86, of Blytheville, passed from this life on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the StoneBridge Assisted Living and Rehab Center in Blytheville.

Born to James and Siena Wilbanks Duncan in Savannah, Tenn., she was a resident of Blytheville for most of her life. Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blytheville and worked at various places such as Grabar's, Katz Jewelers, and Osborn's Furniture as a retail person. Her attitude and outgoing spirit served her well in these positions.

In her teens she attended and graduated from the Frank Hughes High School in Clifton, Tenn. She loved to play basketball and was a four year letterman and captain of her basketball team.

She was very dedicated to her church and various church activities. One of the talents she had was cooking. She loved to prepare meals and desserts for family and friends. She was always a special blessing to those going through times of grief by sharing her cooking talent. However, it wasn't always the cooking but rather her special, contagious smile at just the right time which would help lighten hearts.

She was always active in her church, helping to fill any vacancy she could. She was a past Sunday school teacher, loved to sing in the choir, and was a member of the W.O.M. and TNT groups. Ruth had a special gift from God as a servant which was easily shared. She was always available and attentive to God which enabled her to help those going through difficult times.

Yet most importantly, was the love, protectiveness and devotion she gave to her family. If you really wanted to see her smile, just wait until her children and grandchildren were together. She always seemed to light up when her grandchildren would gather around -- no matter how sad or happy the circumstances. The name Ruth seemed very appropriate for her life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Max Elmer Briley; her stepdaughter, Mackie Hunt and siblings, Harry Duncan and Mary Elizabeth Wilkerson.

Ruth is survived by her children, Dr. Max and Claudia Briley of Gosnell, Gary and Jill Briley of Austin, Texas, and Deanna Cabaniss of Denver;

Grandchildren, Matt Briley, Adam Briley, Becca Briley, Beau Briley, Cody Briley, and Briley Cabaniss;

Great grandchildren, Bethany Briley, Cole Briley, Casen Briley, Macey Briley, Mason Briley West and Hunter Briley;

Sisters, Polly and Lowell Cloud of Savannah, Tenn. and Patsy Caperton of Savannah, Tenn.; and

A host of family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Max Briley and Rev Justin King officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Cobb Funeral Home.

The family requests any memorials be given to the First Baptist Church, Blytheville, Arkansas.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.