Sarah Ruth Looney

Sarah Ruth Looney, 91, of Olive Branch, MS passed away on April 17, 2025. Sarah was born on September 26, 1933, in Middleton, TN to the late Joe and Lena Kirk as the oldest daughter of 9 children. When she was a young child, her family moved to Olive Branch, MS and she was a 1952 graduate of Olive Branch High School. As a child, her mother was instrumental in giving her the backbone of her Christian faith. Being the oldest of 9 children, Sarah, became affectionately known as “Sister Ruth” and often helped her mom care for the younger ones. She developed an art for story telling and making up fun poems she called “ditties”. She became especially close to her younger sister, Annie, who she lovingly called “my little fairy”. In 1964, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the old Clearpool pool in Memphis. Four years later, she became a full-time minister. She embraced the door-to-door activities and sharing her faith became one of her greatest passions. Nothing pleased her more than having discussions regarding the Bible and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom here on earth. Her faith in the earthly resurrection was strong. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Looney; brother, Joe Ed Kirk (Mary Elizabeth); brother, Donald Kirk; and brother, Clifford Kirk (Anita). She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Looney Halteman; granddaughter, Leah Halteman Spears; grandson, Jonathan Halteman; great-granddaughter, Mya Dugan; and sisters: Mary Johnson, Sadie Allison (Alvin), Annie Allison (Billy Joe), Ruby West, and Mary Jo Cupples. She also leaves behind over 30 nieces and nephews. Sarah was the aunt who would show up with a bag of candy, bounce you in the air, and tell you a funny story. Her extended family of brothers and sisters worldwide were very important to her and much loved and appreciated. The family will gather with friends at Brantley Funeral for a memorial gathering and time of remembrance on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 10am-2pm.