Ruth Aleen Ellis Hale, a daughter of Mana Mae Hilton Ellis and Fred James Ellis, was born March 5, 1909, near Crane, Mo. She died June 21, 2006, at The Christian Care Center in Garland, Texas at the age of 97. She spent her youth on a farm between Baxter and Nauvoo, Mo., on Indian Creek.

On Feb. 10, 1932, Ruth was united in marriage with King Hale, who preceded her in death. They celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2002. During their married life they lived near Oak Grove, Green Forest, Rogers, and in California, and attended the Church of Christ at these communities.

Ruth is survived by four sons, Leon Aday, and his wife, Walsie, of Miami, Okla., Joe Hale, and his wife, Sonja, of Green Forest, Fred, and his wife, Dianne, of Russellville, Larry, and his wife, Loretta, of Searcy; two daughters, Marilyn Branyon, of Garland, Texas, and Janet Smith, of Bentonville; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services and burial will be held on Monday, June 26, 2006, at the Hale Cemetery near Oak Grove at 1 p.m. under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home.