Peggy Solomon Ruane, 86, of Batesville, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at White River Hospital in Batesville.
Peggy was born in Cleveland, Mississippi, on December 19, 1938, the daughter of the late Theodore O’Bryant Solomon and the late Ruby Powell Solomon.
Peggy graduated from Delta State College (now University), Cleveland, Mississippi, in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) and in 1972 with a Master of Education (M.Ed.).
Peggy was a teacher at Central High School in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, from 1962-1970; an instructor at Phillips County Community College in Helena-West Helena from 1970-1987; and Supervisor of Instruction at Pines Vocational Technical School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, from 1987-1989. Peggy held professional memberships with American Vocational Education, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Arkansas Council for Women.
Peggy was a devout Christian and an active member of Central Avenue United Methodist Church in Batesville and United Methodist Women (UMW). She was a member of the chancel choir at Central Avenue Methodist Church as well as the West Helena United Methodist Church. For several years, Peggy helped to compose the newsletter for the UMW and joined the group of women who provide funeral meals for church members and families. Peggy enjoyed Bible Study group and made wonderful friends there.
Peggy’s hobbies included Arkansas Razorback football and basketball, reading, decorating her home for holidays, and crafts such as crochet, macrame, flower arranging, and wreath decoration. As a young woman, she loved to play tennis. In her later years, Peggy learned how to operate a cell phone to send text messages, play word games, Solitaire, search the internet, order grocery pick-ups, and read/post on Facebook. Peggy also used her cell phone to text a daily scripture to family and friends, a lovely way to start the day. Peggy’s greatest joy was cooking for family on holidays and birthdays. Hosting her family in her home around her dining room table for these get-togethers was a true delight for Peggy. She was loved dearly by her family, friends, church members, and all who met her for her natural kindness, peace, and grace. Peggy will be so very missed.
Survivors include her two daughters, Cherin Claire Pace of Maumelle, Arkansas, and Laurie Lynn Pace Redden (husband, Jim) of Billings, Missouri. Peggy had two grandchildren, Lezlie Claire Johnson Williams (husband, Chris) and William Daniel ”Trey” Johnson III. Peggy had one great-grandchild, Christopher Daniel Williams.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas Vincent Ruane; and one brother, Theodore ”Ted” Solomon.
The Pallbearers will be Trey Johnson, Jim Redden, Chris Williams, Wyatt Reed, Benson Hardaway, and Howard West.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, March 28, 2025, at Central Avenue United Methodist Church at 1205 North Central Avenue, Batesville, Arkansas 72501. Peggy’s funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm Friday, March 28, 2025, at Central Avenue United Methodist Church with Father Jon Miskin and Rev. Jesse James officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made in her honor to: Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 1205 North Central Avenue, Batesville, Arkansas 72501 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.
