Ruth Maurice Mims

Born in El Dorado on November 28, 1926, to Truman and Mary Burke Mims, Maurice graduated from El Dorado High School. She attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (LA Tech University) in Ruston.

After beginning her career at the Lion Oil Company’s El Dorado office, she went on to lead the division known as Messengers and Mail Services which would be described today as Communications. Throughout Lion Oil’s growth and transition to Monsanto and later TOSCO, she planned company and public relations events, often writing and directing presentations and performances to highlight the workings of the oil industry. As one of the few female employees in a male-dominated field, she earned the respect and friendship of coworkers and supervisors for her knowledge and professionalism. Many years after her retirement she moved to the Country Club Village Retirement Community in Hot Springs where her apartment was appropriately numbered “411” – “Information”!

Maurice had a remarkable ability to connect with others. She enjoyed fishing, reading, working puzzles, but most of all, she loved supporting people any way that she could. She was a true friend, a mentor, and a breast cancer survivor. She exemplified a strong moral character, optimism, and a belief in giving back. She was a member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church, and was involved in the South Arkansas Arts Center and its SAAC Lunch, the South Arkansas Historical Society, the Mayhaw Festival, and the El Dorado Food Bank. At Country Club Village she was named “Resident of the Month” multiple times.

Known for finding solutions to challenging situations, the oil crisis of the 70’s didn’t stifle her. She purchased a mophead for transportation. Soon others at the office followed her lead. Her sense of adventure led her to travel across the country as well as to Europe and Asia. Maurice was known to love a good party, rarely missing the opportunity to attend or to host. Most of all, she loved people. And, they loved her back.

“Reece” was the Razorback cheerleader among her family of LSU fans, the voice of reason and moral consciousness, and the official family driving instructor. She brought a sparkle to every holiday whether it was donning a unique Easter hat or hanging 1950’s Beatnik ornaments on the tree.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Leron Mims Hoffman; and a brother-in-law, George Hoffman. She is survived by her dearest of many friends, Dr. Margaret Harrison, who never left her side, as well as nieces Gayle Hoffman Miller (William) of Folsom, Louisiana, and Elizabeth Hoffman Cooper (David), of Anna, Texas. She is also survived by great niece, Allison Miller Rutzen (Christopher), and great, great nephews, Oakley and Wyatt Rutzen, all of Prairieville, Louisiana.

Special thanks to dear friend and former Lion Oil co-worker, Maxine Canterberry who spent Christmas day with her and to friend Myra Harrison who was always willing to lend a hand. Thanks also to Visiting Angels of Conway, especially Su Lee, Savannah, and Alexis; to Dierksen Hospice of Hot Springs; and to the loving staff of Country Club Village.

Following a private burial, visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Mark Methodist Church, 2010 West Hillsboro Street, El Dorado, with services to follow. Please join us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall here at St. Mark’s Methodist immediately following the services as we continue to celebrate Maurice’s (Reece’s) life. Arrangements are under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home with Pastor Amy Machen officiating.

Donations to St. Jude (stjude.org) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org) would be most appreciated.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com