Emma Ruth Mays

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Emma Ruth Mays 87 who passed peacefully and went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2026.  Born January 30, 1939 to the late Clarence W. Shelby and Venia Almond Shelby.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Donald Wesley Mays; her sister Mary Shelby Niemann and brother John Shelby.

She is survived by her son Michael Mays, her daughter Leslie (Mike) Berdahl; and two granddaughters, Megan (Brent) Moss and Mallori (Cody) Solesbee; three grandchildren Jaxson and Parker Moss and Ella Solesbee and many beloved nieces and nephews, and her very special friends Sharon Berdahl and Scott Smith.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Brookfield Assisted Living Facility, Fort Smith, Arkansas who cared so much for Emma during her time there.
She may be gone from our sight, but she will never be gone in our hearts.

The family will receive friends at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. A grave side service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Oak Cemetery 1401 S. Greenwood Ave. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emma Ruth Mays, please visit our floral store.