Mrs. Ellen Ruth Beard, 83, of Spanish Fort, AL passed from this life Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at her residence. Ruth has battled cancer since 2007 but is now at peace. She was born in Millry, AL on Wednesday, June 5, 1940 to James Edward "Jimmy" Taylor and Lucy M. (Becton) Taylor. She was a member of the Baptist faith. She was a Homemaker. Mrs. Beard is preceded in death by father, James Edward "Jimmy" Taylor; mother, Lucy M. (Becton) Taylor; three brothers, James Edward Taylor, Jr.; Waynic Judson Taylor, Dennis Edward Taylor; two sisters, Mabris Virginia Gardner, Margarette Trigg; brother-in-law, Leslie "L. H." Trigg, Jr.; son-in-law, Darrin Ross Sanders. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donald Ray Beard, Spanish Fort, AL, two daughters, Tammy Boyd (Ray), Teresa Sanders; son, Terry Beard (Jodi); brother, Wayne Taylor (Sarah); sister-in-law, Regina Roughton (Ray); brother-in-law, Jesse Gardner; 6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren (plus one on the way). Visitation for Mrs. Beard will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Freeman Funeral Home, Waynesboro, MS. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 AM Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Waynesboro, MS with Rev. Phillip Gandy officiating. Interment will be in Serenity Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brandon Boyd, Ross Sanders, Aiden Beard, Liam Beard, Mitchell Moore, Derrek Wilson.