Ruth Bishop Hansard, 89, of Jonesboro, passed away on February 3, 2026 at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born on August 10, 1936 in Atlanta, Georgia to John Olin and Florrie Jean Bishop, the youngest of six. She went to Mars Hill College at the age of 16, then Georgia State College. She studied to become a dietician, and took an internship in dietetics with the Navy in Staten Island, N.Y. She then moved to Memphis, and was taking further college courses when she met her husband, Bill, and they soon made a home in Jonesboro, AR, where they raised three children.

She was very active in her church, then Fisher Street Baptist, where she served as church secretary, taught sunday school for 3-4 year olds, and sang in the choir where her husband Bill served as music director for many years. She was a beloved and active participant in her church where she and her husband were frequent parent chaperones on summer youth trips. Later, when the church moved to Highland Drive, she served as church librarian and, with a couple other interested ladies, formed the Tuesday Morning Ladies sewing group, where she taught knitting and crochet, and made crocheted lace name doilies for new married couples, afghans and hats to donate, and booties and hats for new baby gift baskets.

She lived in Jonesboro with her family for over 60 years and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing and loved to pass the time with word puzzles. She loved cats and would often care for communities of stray cats. She loved listening to Christmas music and would get up early in the morning to enjoy quiet time and reading her Bible before others got up. She loved crepe myrtles, going to Florida with her family to spend time at the beach, and loved sitting outside with her knitting and a cup of coffee or tea. Playing piano also brought Ruth joy. Above all else, Ruth loved spending time with her family as well as her church family.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, James W. “Bill” Hansard, two sisters, and three brothers.

She is survived by her son, Will Hansard of Jonesboro; daughters, Sharon Bowman and husband, John, of Jonesboro; Rebecca Hansard of Rockland, Maine; and her 16-year-old grandson, Oscar Ives of Rockland, Maine.

If desired, donations may be made in Ruth’s name to Highland Drive Baptist Church at hdbc.org/give or 515 E Highland Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72401.

A memorial service remembering Ruth’s life will be held at Highland Drive Baptist Church, February 7 at 1pm, visitation, and 2pm, service.