Arlin Cornelius "Cotton" Ruthven

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Arlin Cornelius "Cotton" Ruthven, 80, passed away at home on his beloved "farm" in Lafayette County, Mississippi, on 25 September 2025. Surrounded in his final hours by the land and forest he cherished, and in the company of his devoted sons, he departed peacefully in the place he loved most in the world. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 12:00 p.m until 1:00 p.m at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford (601 Commerce Parkway, Oxford, MS, 38655). A memorial service will immediately follow Monday, October 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m in the chapel of Coleman Funeral Home. Cotton was born on March 8, 1945 in Meridian, Mississippi, to the late Dick Ruthven and Sue Bates Roark. He spent his formative years in Greenville, Mississippi, where a childhood full of adventure and mischief sparked his sharp intellect, his gift for storytelling, and his lifelong commitment to public service. In 1963, at the age of 18, he received an appointment to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, where he embarked on a journey that deepened the sense of civic duty that would define his life. He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to provide distinguished service as an Infantryman (Airborne Ranger) during two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Combat Company Commander in the First Air Cavalry Division. His time in the military was marked by courage and dedication, and he was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star with “V” Device — testaments to his unwavering commitment to comrades and country. He retired from active duty in 1972 but remained a steadfast supporter of veterans' organizations, serving as a champion, advocate, and board member for the rest of his life. After returning home, Cotton pursued further education at Georgetown University, where he studied economics, and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1976. Over the next 40 years, he built a legal career that reflected his deep commitment to justice. He served as a law clerk to Chief Justices Robert G. Gillespie, Neville Patterson, and Harry G. Walker of the Mississippi Supreme Court before entering private practice — first as an associate at Thompson, Alexander & Crews, and later as a partner at Waller & Waller in Jackson, Mississippi. This period of his career included corporate law as well as notable pro bono representation for clients unable to afford an attorney. He also served as an Assistant District Attorney for Hinds and Yazoo Counties. In 1990, Cotton left private practice and joined the Mississippi Law Research Institute (MLRI) at the University of Mississippi School of Law as Senior Research Counsel, a position he held for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2024. At MLRI, he provided vital research and guidance to the Mississippi Legislature and played a key role in shaping legislative policy in the state. In 2025, the Mississippi Senate honored him with Senate Resolution No. 23, which commended his distinguished career and enduring legacy as a dedicated public servant committed to justice and the rule of law. In his personal life, Cotton found profound joy in simple things — the sound of a thunderstorm, a walk in the woods or down to the pond, the spark of laughter among his children, grandchildren, and loved ones, a Saint Bernard by his side, biscuits and hot tamales on the table, and weekends full of cookouts for family and friends. He took pride in the tranquility he cultivated on his farm in the countryside and shared it generously with others whenever he could. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club in Oxford, he especially enjoyed hosting international guests. For years, he also led his own Boy Scouts troop in Water Valley, Mississippi, and was active in community initiatives throughout Lafayette County. Cotton was a charismatic man of strong convictions and sharp contrasts who made a lasting impression on many — through his stories, his intellect, and his bold presence. He lived a long, full life, proudly on his own terms, and leaves behind a legacy of public service, intellectual rigor, and decades of stories that will live on in the memories of all who knew him. He is survived by the mother of his children, Ellen Eakes Ruthven of Water Valley, MS; his daughter, Jessica Ruthven (Gian Luca) of Oxford, MS and Johannesburg, South Africa; his two sons, Robert Ruthven of Water Valley, MS, and Dace Ruthven of Oxford, MS; a grandson, Dace Vaughn Ruthven of Oxford, MS; a granddaughter, Remi Ruthven of Oxford, MS; and his fiancée, Janet Adair of Water Valley, MS. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick Ruthven and Sue Bates Roark; and his beloved sister, Sylvia Lamb. The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com

Arlin Cornelius "Cotton" Ruthven

March 8, 1945 - September 25, 2025

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services