Ruth Marie Poppell

Ruth Marie Poppell, beloved matriarch, devoted wife, and cherished friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 19, 2025, at her home in Lake Butler, surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Homestead, FL to the late Phillip and Lucille Reams, on September 14, 1933, Ruth dedicated her life to her work and her family.

In 1968, Ruth, along with her husband, Jasper Clayton Poppell, Jr., and their two sons, made the move to Lake Butler, where they would plant deep roots and become integral members of Providence Village Baptist Church. She began her career as a secretary for Farmers and Dealers Bank in Lake Butler. When the bank closed its doors, she transitioned to the IRS, ultimately finding fulfillment as an administrative assistant with the VA in Lake City, from which she retired. Her work ethic and commitment to her roles exemplified her character; she approached every task with diligence and grace.

Ruth's most treasured joy was her family. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Clayton, remains a steadfast partner in love and life and her son Mike Poppell and his wife Laura. She was a doting grandmother to: Christopher "Wayne" (Kristen) Poppell, Ashley Nicole (Keith) Harrison, Jessica Lynn (Keone) Silva, Philip Nathaniel Poppell, Jonathan Malachi (Victoria) Poppell, and Ethan Daniel (Mariah Marrero) Poppell. As well as a great-grandmother to: William Clayton Wayne Poppell, Preston Wayne Tyre, Cooper Ty Harrison, Jasper William Poppell, Averie Rain Poppell, Jacob Nathaniel Poppell, Zachary Skylar (Shelby) Silva, Kealoina Kirsten Silva, Kia'Ikaika Elijah Silva, Lilli Grace Poppell, Isabel Rose Poppell, Elijah Malachi Poppell, Royal Tiberius Poppell, Calipso Havanna Poppell, Aries Atlas Poppell, and Persephone Poppell. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Dorothy Watkins, as well as her daughter-in-law, Marguerite Poppell. Each of these individuals held a special place in her heart, and her legacy continues through them. T

She was predeceased by her parents, Phillip Reams and Lucille Gosman Reams; her son, William "Billy" Clayton Poppell; two of her great-grandsons, Apollo Leviticus Poppell and William John Poppell; and her siblings, Mildred Sykes and Phillip Reams, II.

A service to honor Ruth's life will be held at her church, Providence Village Baptist Church on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00am. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Bro. Dax Summerhill to officiate. She will be laid to rest the following day at the Tallahassee National Cemetery in Tallahassee, FL. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to either, Wounded Warrior Project - support.woundedwarriorproject.org, St. Judes Children Hospital - www.stjudes.org, or The Gideons - www.gideons.org. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Poppell family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com