Ruth McCollum Cates

Ruth Marion Cates, age 94, of Boyle, MS, peacefully passed away on January 21, 2026, at her home.

Born on April 9, 1931, to Burris Burdell Parish and Elizabeth Franks Parish in Lambert, MS, Ruth was a dedicated worker from an early age as she balanced her education at Drew Schools with helping on the family farm. Her life was filled with love and family, having married James William McCollum and raising ten children together. In addition to her role as a devoted mother, she helped manage a general store and Dorr Flying Service and worked for 20 years with Baxter's Laboratories. Later, she took on the role of manager at the Pocahontas, AR Pizza Hut.

Ruth enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises with her family and friends, and had a fondness for casino outings. Her hobbies included reading, playing cards, and engaging in friendly games of dominoes. In her youth, she and William participated in dance competitions, earning recognition for their talents. Ruth relished spending time with her grandchildren, and family reunions were cherished events. Her vibrant personality shone through her participation in the Pretty Legs competition, where she also triumphed.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Burris Burdell and Elizabeth Parish; her husbands, James William McCollum and Monroe Cates; sisters Edna Mae Parish, Doris "Dot" Miller, Annie Brower, Gloria Jean Williams, Floy Long, and Hellie Tacker; son Tony McCollum; and grandsons Ronald "Ronnie" Willett II and John Edward Peacock.

She is survived by her children: Bill McCollum (Stella) of Braxton, MS; Shirley Turner of Boyle, MS; Bonnie Willett of Cleveland, MS; Patsy Flautt (Jim) of Greenwood, MS; David McCollum (JoAnn) of Cleveland, MS; Judy Wasson (James) of W. Monroe, LA; Rocky McCollum (Marie) of Hardy, AR, Penny Jones of Biloxi, MS; Kenneth McCollum (Teresa) of Evening Shade, AR; and stepchildren Kathy Cates Lewallen of Jonesboro, AR; Greg Cates of Little Rock, AR; Robert Cates of Washington, DC; and Kim Lawson of Jonesboro, AR.  Ruth also leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 36 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 72 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will include her grandsons: Billy McCollum, Tommy Peacock Jr., Chris McCollum, Rocky McCollum Jr., Jimmy Flautt, and David McCollum II. Honorary pallbearers are James "Jim" Wasson, Jim Flautt, Norman Prewitt and all her grandsons and great-grandsons.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Reverend Michael Moonyham. Burial will take place at New Cleveland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.cancer.org.

Cleveland Funeral Home has the profound honor of serving Ruth's family during this difficult time.