Ola Ruth Flanagan Wolfe passed away on February 17, 2019 in Charleston, Arkansas following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Grand Prairie, Arkansas on September 8, 1926, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, H. E. “Babe” Flanagan and Ola Callans Flanagan; sisters, Margaret Schaffer and Betty Bumpers; and brother, Callans Flanagan; grandson, Chris Corley; granddaughter, Kim Bell. Her husband, Judge Harry Paul Wolfe, the love of her life, also preceded Ruth in death.
As the youngest sister, Ruth was said to be the spunkiest of all the girls. During her elementary school years, the Flanagan family moved from their farm in Grand Prairie, Arkansas to Fort Smith but later returned to the farm. Following graduation from Charleston High School, where she was Homecoming Queen in 1942, Ruth attended Iowa State University before settling in Fort Smith for most of her long life. Known for her typing skills, Ruth worked as a court reporter for many years. She married Paul Wolfe in 1959 and added four stepchildren to her two. Ruth raised children and grandchildren while continuing to work as a court reporter, often transcribing depositions until 4:00 a.m. before getting up early to fix breakfast for the family. Paul and Ruth traveled to Washington D.C. with a local delegation to push for the establishment of the Fort Smith National Historic, designated by President Kennedy in 1961.
Ruth loved to cook and entertain. Many remember her fudge and chocolate pie. Numerous family members have her famous chocolate pie recipe and carry on the tradition (“if it lumps take it off the stove and beat the hell out of it”). Ruth once cooked barefoot for then Vice President Walter Mondale. When the Vice President asked why she was barefoot, her sister Betty replied, “Because she’s been cooking all day.” Her famous beef tenderloin and fried okra were well received.
Ruth loved to “run the show.” Friends and family called on her when they moved or planned a dinner party. She always came to the rescue, organizing, providing wise advice and offering her cooking skills. Ruth regularly entertained family and friends around her kitchen table, treating them to coffee, a home-cooked meal and conversation. She often hosted many family members for holiday gatherings serving up her superb chicken and dressing. Ruth loved spending time with her cats and enjoyed feeding birds and squirrels in the feeder outside her kitchen window.
An active member of the community, Ruth served as president of the Sparks Woman’s Board and helped found This & That Thrift Shop in Fort Smith. In addition, she served on the board of the Lincoln Child Care Center, volunteered for CASA of Sebastian County and was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith. As a housemother for Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at the University of Arkansas, Ruth inspired and encouraged many young women with her wise guidance, flavorful meals and fun-loving approach to life (during her going away dinner she started a huge food fight!). A proud Democrat, Ruth actively campaigned many times for her brother-in-law, U. S. Senator Dale Bumpers.
In 1978, Ruth and her son, Lou Gramlich, started a jewelry business that he continues today. Her grandson, Luke was her pride and joy. She taught Luke many things including how to drive and how to cook.
Ruth Wolfe is survived by her children, Lou Gramlich and wife Leisa, and Ginger Gramlich; granddaughters, Amanda Cox, Deborah Karsten and Lauren Wolfe; grandsons, Luke Gramlich, Chip Corley, John Vest and Park Wolfe; stepchildren, Jean Sizemore, Cynthia Wolfe, Lynn Vest and Jim Paul Wolfe; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sheila Teague. The family wishes to say thank you for the care and love shown by the staff of Greenhurst Nursing Center during her final years.
A service will be held on Friday, February 22 at 11:30 am in Roebuck Chapel at First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith with burial at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
A celebration of life will follow at the Fort Smith Museum of History.
Pallbearers will be nephews, Fred Schaffer, Brent Bumpers, Bill Bumpers and Rick Flanagan; and friends Neal Cowne and Rick Beauchamp.
Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.
To place online tributes, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
