Tommie Ruth Coleman

Tommie Ruth Coleman, 87, of Siloam Springs, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Tommie was born on April 8, 1938, in Proctor, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Tommy Lee Reese and Marie (Doss) Reese and the widow of the late James E. Coleman; who preceded her in death in 2021.

Tommie attended Northeastern State College where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Education. She started her teaching career in the Oklahoma City School District, before returning to Proctor, where she served as the school’s Principal and taught all grades (1st-8th) for one-year, before the school was annexed into the Westville School District. She then taught in the Westville Schools for 23 years (5th, 2nd and 1st grades) until her retirement.

Tommie was a strong Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Proctor. She was an O.E.A Delegate, an avid reader, and enjoyed observing nature. She also enjoyed studying and learning more about her Cherokee heritage. Mostly, she was a nurturer and protector of her students, friends, and family. She loved her family immensely and let them know by both her actions and words at every opportunity. She enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments and was always quick to offer assistance whenever she saw a need.

She is survived by one son, Tommy Coleman and his wife Cindy of Clinton, Arkansas; one daughter April Rich and her husband Jeff of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; two brothers, Norman Reese of Moore, Oklahoma and Larry Reese and wife Nancy of Proctor, Oklahoma; one sister, Donnie Craig of Proctor, Oklahoma; six grandchildren; Ashley (Coleman) Caudle, T. J. Coleman, Ryan Mort, Paul Mort, Seth Rich and Heath Rich; two great grandchildren, Elliot Caudle and Leland Rich; two brothers-in-law, Clyde Coleman of Stillwell, Oklahoma and Jerry Coleman of Winters, Texas; one sister-in-law, Gracie Ford of Tulsa, Oklahoma; along with many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs. Burial will follow at the Proctor-Sanders Cemetery in Proctor, Oklahoma.

The arrangements were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR.