Zelma Ruth Beard, age 83, of Arcadia, Fl. passed away February 27, 2011 in Venice, Fl. Ruth was born January 4, 1928 in Uriah, AL, moving to Arcadia in 1953 from Alabama. Ruth retired from the Charlotte Regional Medical Center, formerly Punta Gorda Medical Center, in 1983. She worked for G. Pearce Wood Memorial Hospital, Arcadia, FL as a CNA. Ruth was proud of the fact that she was the first EMT for DeSoto County, when the county implemented the Emergency Rescue program in the early 1970 s. She also worked for the Desoto Co. Sheriff s Department for awhile. Ruth enjoyed shopping and never tired of working. Ruth was of the Seventh Day Adventist faith. Ruth is survived by a daughter; Jonnie (Roy) Lamb, Arcadia, FL, two grandchildren, and a sister-in-law; Doris Beard of Nocatee, FL. She is preceded in death by her husband Bruce Beard in 1983, her parents Hubbert and Ola Boone, and two brothers Fred and Charles Boone. Graveside services and burial will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 2:00PM at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia, FL. There will be a one hour visitation at the cemetery prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangement