Obituary: Mattie Ruth Showalter

Mattie Ruth Showalter died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at her home at the age of 83.  She was born July 24, 1926, in Romance, the daughter of Clara Gaylor and Oscar Barker, and was the widow of Hugh Showalter, who died in 1960.  She was a 1944 honor graduate of Searcy High School and was an insurance agent with Dobbins Insurance.  Mattie Ruth was a charter member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and was a member of the United Methodist Women.

She will be remembered for her friendly nature and strength of character.  Above all else, Mattie Ruth loved her family unselfishly, and she was revered in return.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Rodney Showalter and wife Janet of Rogers, Pam Liles and husband Jim of Searcy, John Showalter of Little Rock and fiancé Jan Branch of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and Debbie Weaver and husband Don of Conway.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brock Showalter and wife Kelly, Dr. Heath Showalter and wife Laura, Kerrie Lauck and husband Chet, Coleman Liles and wife Heather, Alex Liles and wife Rebecca, Ross Weaver and Abbie Weaver. Great-grandchildren include Harris Lauck, Wyatt Liles and Sarah Katherine Liles.  Also surviving are her sister, Ann Flores of Jonesboro; and brother, Porter Barker of Energy, Ill.

A private burial will be held prior to the service.  Family will receive friends from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Searcy, with memorial services to follow at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Mary Susan Hilliard officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church Music Department, 2509 W. Beebe Capps Expwy, Searcy, AR 72143.  

For online guest book, go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com; or call (501) 268-3546.