Ruth Nellie (Simmons) Dowd

Ruth Nellie Dowd, 94, passed away on March 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, at her daughter’s home. She was born on March 7, 1932, to the late William Harvey Simmons and Nellie Smith Simmons, in Nimmons, Arkansas.

Ruth was united in marriage to James Dowd on April 4, 1952. They celebrated 69 years of marriage together before his passing on January 6, 2022. She and her husband raised their six children in a home of faith and love. Ruth was devoted to her family and her savior. Her great love of cooking was more than just cooking, it was her love language to her family and friends she met along life's journey. She was always concerned about everyone, nobody ever left hungry, and she always made sure everyone was fed before she sat down to eat.

She was a peaceful, quiet, sainted lady who’s foundation was built around her deep faith. Ruth was a 38-year member of Heritage Apostolic Church. She never complained and never turned anyone away from her table, her home or her savior. “I’m alright”, she would say to everyone throughout her life. If she could say one thing to those left behind, it would be, “I’m alright.”

Survivors include her children: James Howard (Cheryl) Dowd, Ivan (Paula) Dowd, Mark (Penny) Dowd, Richard (Tarita) Dowd, Vineta (Mark) Strand, Donna (Darrell) Wilson; grandchildren: Ross, Amanda, Leah, Michael, Rocky, Shawnda, Travis, Dakota, Robbie, Sarah, Sam, John, Rebecca, Debbie, Jeff, Steve, Andrew, Matt, Misty, Christal, Dusty, Tiffany, Ben, Kent, Tasha, Emily and Lewis; and numerous great grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; siblings: Lena Atchison, Hala James, Lucas Simmons, Orangie Todd, Luther Simmons, Louis Simmons, Gene Simmons, Charlene Sitzes, Richard Simmons, Bill Simmons and David Simmons.

Services will be held at the Heritage Apostolic Church.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30th, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Visitation will resume at 9:00 until 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am, with Pastor Ivan Dowd and Pastor Daniel Stephens officiating. 
 

Pallbearers will be Ross Dowd, Rocky Strand, Robbie Perriloux, Dustin Dowd, Kent Dowd and Richard Lewis.

Burial will follow at McGee Chapel Cemetery.