Ruth M. Tune, 96, of Fayetteville, passed away December 9, 2020.  She was born and raised in Rogers, Arkansas.

During WWII, Ruth was company inspector for Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  She married a pilot in the Air Force and later moved to Panama, Oklahoma where they co-owned and operated Longs Mercantile Store.

She taught cosmetology in Tulsa later at Roberts Beauty Training School.  Ruth later moved to Fayetteville in 1961 and started Ruth’s Beauty College.  She also operated a beauty school in Russellville and Ruth’s Beauty College in Springdale on Emma Street.  Retiring after 30 years in Fayetteville, Ruth was well-known by her many students, customers and friends as “Ms. Ruth.”

Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.  She was on the state board of cosmetology for 5 years, past member of Arkansas Hair Fashion Committee, secretary treasurer, school owners association and speaker of several civic and school organizations.

Ruth was a pianist, organist and training union director of First Baptist Church, Panama, Oklahoma. She was active in all church work there for 17 years.  Ruth was past president of PTA, past president of the Fayetteville Elks Lodge and past senior regent of the Springdale Moose Lodge.  Ms. Ruth’s students won hairstyling competitions for several years state-wide and national competition in VICA.

She was preceded in death by husband, Carl Tune in 1993; brothers, Harold and David Rowlan; sister, Dorothy Hedges; her son, Larry Long of Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Harrell and Candy Stephens; and niece, Jeannie Schneider.

Survivors, daughter, Karen Spears; son-in-law, Jimmy L. Smith; granddaughter, Autumn Spears; grandson, Devin Spears; several great-grandchildren; sisters, June Schneider and Connie McDaniels of Rogers; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1-4 PM Monday, December 14, 2020 at Beard’s Chapel.

Burial will be private under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.

Memorials may be made to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter or charity of your choice.