LITTLE ROCK — OBITUARIES Information for
the obituaries and funeral
notices below was supplied
to the Arkansas Democrat-
Gazette Advertising Depart
ment by funeral homes.
INDEX
Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our website, Arkansas Online, arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.
PULASKI COUNTY
Gary Wayne Benetz, 65, of Jacksonville.
Clifford Foster, 61, of Little Rock.
Charles “Buddy” Harrison, 80, of North Little Rock.
Jane S. Harrison, 73, of Little Rock.
Kenneth William Keltner, 74, of Little Rock.
Lila Jean Lee, 58, of Little Rock.
Martha Pierce, 64, of North Little Rock.
Ruth Margaret Sheldon, 98, of Little Rock.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
BALD KNOB Kathleen (Staggs) Gordon, 75.
BATESVILLE Jerry Batterton, 70.
BEEBE Jake Ellis, 69.
BENTON Joniece Nichols, 81.
CABOT Danny Carroll Ray III, 27.
Brenda Kay Ridgway, 52.
CAMDEN Doris Gammill, 71.
CAVE CITY Betty Jo Powell Watkins, 74. CONWAY Dale Gill, 55.
CROSSETT Lois Irene Ross Simpson, 95. DARDANELLE Edsel Dennis Farnam, 75.
EL DORADO Geraldine Ashworth, 79.
HARRISBURG Frances Quirrels, 79.
HORSESHOE BEND Tyler Coil, 16.
HOT SPRINGS Shamya Marie Holliman, infant. HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Mary Ormiston, 81.
JUDSONIA Ruth Nichols Wright, 96.
MALVERN Hannah Sue Duffie Weaver, 87.
MAYFLOWER Gloria Sue Nichols, 58.
MORRILTON Sam M. Hayre, 85.
MOUNTAIN HOME Helen Dorothy Garner, 75.
Mary Lou Zortman, 70.
MOUNTAIN VIEW Ashford Impson Jr., 73.
NEWPORT Lola Mae Baker, 84.
Johnnie Galbraith, 79.
PARIS Irene M. (Tillman) Rainey Parks, 94.
PINE BLUFF Alice L. Horne Smith James, 86.
Bobbye Wright Thomas, 78.
RAVENDEN Dan Eugene Webb, 76.
SEARCY Guy Wren Epps, 93.
Dallas Gloria Lafferty, 88.
SHERIDAN Nell (Bryant) Thompson, 87.
STUTTGART Jean Stillwell, 83.
WARD Paul Bernard DeSalvo, 68.
WEST MEMPHIS Juel Boatman, 79.
Pulaski County
GARY WAYNE BENETZ, 65, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2011, at his home. He was born May 8, 1946, in Little Rock to Martin Wayne and Marie Berg Benetz. Gary was a loving father and grandfather. He loved animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family fishing. He had great faith in God, and was a devout Catholic. He served his country in the United States Navy. Cherishing his memory are his children, Martin Wayne Benetz (Janet Lynn) of Burleson, Texas, Dustin Benetz (Tracie) of Cordova, Tennessee, Corey Benetz (Teresa) of Charlotte, Arkansas; and six grandchildren. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held 10 a.m., Thursday August 18, 2011, in the chapel of Griffin Leggett-Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road North Little Rock, (501) 835-3515. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.
———◊———
CLIFFORD FOSTER died August 13, 2011. He was born on July 7,1950, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Hollis and Gladys Foster. He had two brothers and three sisters. He worked at Arkansas Uniform and Linen Company and Ameripride Services, from the time hewas 18 years old. Cliff was an avid sports fan; in particular the Arkansas Razorbacks were his favorite team. He participated and won medals in the track and field in the Special Olympics. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Special Olympics of Arkansas, 2115 Main Street, LittleRock, Ark. 72206 or to ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) 2004 South Main, Little Rock, Ark. 72206. Cremation arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
CHARLES “BUDDY” HARRISON, 80, of North Little Rock, a lovinghusband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 13, 2011. Buddy was an artist, inventor and mentor whoworked with many canvases including houses, murals, awards, signs and all who knew him. He enjoyed painting scenery, nature and cartoons, many of which hang proudly in the homes of friends and family. He volunteered designing and creating silk screen awards for the Y-Indian guide. His ceremony as the Medicine Man at the fatherson pow-wow was an innovative work of art with remote controlled firepots, a flaming arrow coming down from the mountain and a homemade costume will always be remembered by anyone in attendance. Buddy proudly served his country with the Navy during the Korean War. He worked for many years at the Little Rock Air Force Base painting houses, signs, runways and defenses. His work ethic was practically legendary.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Jane, infant daughter Jeanna, his most precious grandson David Landers, mother, Alta Harrison, sister Patricia Reissman and father, Perry Harrison. Buddy is survived by his sisters; Joan Allen, Mary Caroline Henson, Barbara Jean Waymack, Raynelle Watkins; his children, Camilla and Stan Landers, Charles and Amy Harrison, Dennis and Lynn Harrison and his adopted family - the devoted caregivers of the 1D ward of the VA Fort Roots Hospital. He was most proud and devoted to his grandchildren; Billy, Erin, Abby, Ben and his great-granddaughter Jaelyn. He never missed a ballgame or event that involved his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church in Little Rock with Dr. Carroll Koon officiating. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home, 10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander 501-455-1067. Buddy’s online guest registry is available at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.
———◊———
JANE S. HARRISON, age 73, of Little Rock, died August 14, 2011. Bornto Harry and Katie Smith of Coal Hill, Arkansas, on June 9, 1938, she attended Catholic Schools up and down Highway 64, being Holy Redeemer, Clarksville, Sacred Heart, Hartman and St. Mary’s,Altus. The family moved to Little Rock and she enrolled at Mount St. Mary’s Academy where she graduated in 1956. She served as secretary to the grade school principal. She attended Loyola Summer School of Catholic Action between her Junior and Senior years. Her teachers, Sister Mary Carol and Sister Thomasine prepared her for office work. The Sisters sent her to interview for her first job which she held from 1956 until 1975. This was with Little Rock General Agency - Miller & Company. From there she went to her 2nd job, where she served as Office Manager, Errors and Omissions Administrator and Executive Secretary of Arkansas Association of Insurance Agents, which she held until November 1993. She was also a member of The Old Guard Insurance Group.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Catherine McDougal; and three sons, Jerry Thomas Griffin, Michael Anthony Griffin and James Nicholas Griffin. She is survived by her husband, Donald M. Harrison; a granddaughter, Fallon Bailey Griffin; a step-grandson, Spencer James Harrison; a stepson, Joseph Donald Harrison; brother and sister-in-law, Mickey and Emma Smith of Coal Hill; six nephews; five great-nephews; two nieces; five great-nieces; and a host of cousins; and friends.
After she retired, her dream came true. She attended Little Rock Police Academy and graduated. Police have always been close to her heart. She worked three jobs putting her two boys through Catholic High. She was a member of St.Theresa’s Church, Little Rock for 45 years, where she was a member of the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She and her husband Don worked over 15 years with the Legion of Mary doing volunteer work and both were OBLATES of St. Benedict. She loved people. A big thanks to her brother and sister-in-law Mickey and Emma Smith for their prayers, love, and caring.
The Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Little Rock. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Altus. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements are by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home (501) 455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ drummond.
———◊———
KENNETH WILLIAM KELTNER, 74, of Little Rock, passed away August 14, 2011. Services will be Friday, August 19, at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court., Little Rock (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Road.). Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr.
Keltner’sfull obituary will be published Wednesday. His online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
LILA JEAN LEE departed to the heavens on this 21st day of July2011. Lila was born January 17, 1953, to Vincent Lee and Imogene Louise Gilmore Lee in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated from El Reno High School in El Reno, Oklahoma, and then attendedthe University of Oklahoma where she graduated with two master’s degrees. In one career she was a gifted master tailor. Her last 23 years she built a career with Lorilard Tobacco Company, where she excelled in positions of sales and management in Oklahoma and Arkansas. She was an accomplished gourmet chef and an animal’s best friend. If a dog needed to be rescued, she was there to find or give it a loving home.
She is survived by her fiance, Phil McCray II; sister, Astrid Lee; nephew, David Clark; niece, Tiffany Parker; great-nieces and nephews Shannon, Erin and Megan Clark, and Gaebrial, Ethan and Abigail Parker. She is also survived by her children (beloved dogs) Bubby Dub, Baby Doe, Spike and Sadie Lady.
Memorial contributions may be made to the A.S.P.C.A. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). “May flights of Angels see thee to thy rest.”
———◊———
MARTHA PIERCE, 64, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passedaway Sunday, August 14, 2011.
She was born November 12, 1946, in Askew, Mississippi, to Jack and Reba Patrick Still. Martha was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, being outside, planting flowers and reading. She was a faithful member of East Union Baptist Church.
Cherishing her memory are her husband of 44 years, Larry Pierce; three children, Kimberly Jamison (Gene) of Genoa, Arkansas, Deidre Herring of East End, Arkansas, and Larry Pierce II (Jennifer) of East End, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Cymber Herring, Leah Jamison, Devin Herring, Mallory Jamison, Jacob Pierce, Matthew Pierce and Caleb Pierce.
A celebration of Mrs. Pierce’s life will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at East Union Baptist Church, East End, Arkansas, with Bro. Paul Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Griffin Leggett-Rest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., this evening at the church. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.
———◊———
RUTH MARGARET SHELDON, 98, joined her Lord Jesus Christ,her husband, Ed, and son, George, in Heaven on Friday, August 5, 2011. She was born on May 20, 1913, the eldest daughter of Ernest G. and Nancy M. Biery. She married Edward (Ed) FreelandSheldon on May 20, 1939, and he preceded her in death in 1971. They had one son, George Sheldon, who also preceded her in death in 1997. Ed and George were both retired from the United States Navy, and she was very proud to be a Navy wife and mom. She was always so honored that the guards at LRAFB would salute her car whenever she entered the base. She enjoyed being stationed in various parts of thecountry and making friends from all over the United States.
Ruth joined St. James United Methodist Church in 1986 and loved her Sunday School, the Agape Class. Prior to that, she was a member of Capitol View UMC in Little Rock. She loved the Lord, taught Sunday School for many years at Capitol View UMC, and enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship until she was physically unable to attend. Ruth worked as a secretary in the administrative offices of the Little Rock School District from 1950 until her retirement in 1977. She loved to learn and after she retired from the School District, she continued taking classes at UALR. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star.
Survivors include her sister-inlaw, Jenny Biery, of North Little Rock, nieces Sue Ann Hall, Nancy Henderson, Emma Knotts and Rosemary Wilson. She had no grandchildren of her own but loved her many grand-nieces and grandnephews, many of whom fondly remember playing Scrabble with Auntie Ruthie as youngsters.
She loved to swim and taught many of her nieces and nephews how to swim. She also loved the children of Casa Aleluya in Guatemala and took an active interest in their growth and development. She loved animals and watching the birds out her den window. Ruth leaves a sweet legacy of godliness, a caring nature and lots of smiles.
The family would like to thank the staff at Chenal Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care and service to Ms. Ruth these past few years. You were truly a blessing to her and to us. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park on September 9 at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Agape Sunday School class at St. James UMC, 123 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark, 72207, or to Casa Aleluya at Build Your House on the Rock, P.O. Box 12764, Lake Charles, La. 70612. Arrangements provided by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13701 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 (501) 244-8300. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
Arkansas
BALD KNOB - Kathleen (Staggs) Gordon, age 75, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. She was the widow of Dwight Gordon. Survivors: son, Gary Gordon (Susan) and a daughter, Sandra Gordon, all of Bald Knob; a sister, Fredda Love (Bill); brothers, Glenn Staggs (Patricia) and Terry Staggs (Margie), all of Searcy; a sister-in-law, Sue Staggs of Niles, Mich.; grandchildren, Darren Gordon (Stacy), Alyssa Gordon and her fiance, Kevin Ledford, Tara Hendrix (John) and Beth Hill (Micah); five great-grandchildren, Brooke, Brenna, Morgan and Jacob Hill and Weston Gordon. Visitation: Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, 6-8 p.m., Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob. Services: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, 2 p.m., New Bethel General Baptist Church. Interment services: Shady Grove Cemetery - Emde Memorial Pavilion. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
———◊———
BATESVILLE - Jerry Batterton, 70, of Batesville, Ark., formerlyof Searcy, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011 at UAMS in Little Rock. He was born Aug. 23, 1940 in Kansas City, Mo., and was the son of Forrest Lynn Batterton and Elnora Mildred (Knight) Batterton. He worked in and retired from the grocery business. Jerry enjoyed woodworking, repairing things, and teaching others how “to do.” In his earlier years, he enjoyed fishing and golfing. He also enjoyed working in the yard and loved the water. His biggest joy was his family. His greatest joy was his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member ofCalvary Baptist Church, where he loved his Sunday School Class and enjoyed working at Vacation Bible School. He had a passion for Operation Christmas Child.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Sue (Kapp) Batterton of Batesville; three daughters, Julie Craig and husband, Steve of Summersville, Mo.; Jennifer Williams of Louisville, Ky.; Jamie Mitchum and husband, Brian, of Batesville; sister, Ruthie Miller and husband, Brian, of Liberty, Mo.; grandchildren, Jake Williams of Louisville; Cassidy Craig, Zack Craig, and John Craig, all of Summersville; Brady West of Batesville; Ray Jones of Hillsboro, N.H., and Lynette Cooper of Summersville; son-in-law, Wade Williams of Searcy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 at Calvary Baptist Church in Batesville with Bro. Joe Don Hawthorn officiating. Memorials may be made to Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607, samaritanspurse.org. Arrangements are by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
BEEBE - Jake Ellis, 69, of Beebe, Ark., was born Jan. 28, 1942, and passed away Aug. 15, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, daughter, Gloria Thompson and son, Howard Caples. A memorial service will be at the Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
BENTON - Joniece Nichols, 81, Benton, died Saturday. Survivors: sons, Randy and Frank Nichols; daughter, Lana Carter; stepson, Rick Nichols; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; siblings, Sue Howard, Jetta Peters, Herbert Moss, Rheta Blankenship; several nieces, nephews, loving friends. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Ashby Funeral Home. Services, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Ashby’s. Burial, Pipkin Cemetery.
———◊———
CABOT - Danny Carroll Ray III, 27, of Cabot died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011. He was born Feb. 17, 1984, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., to Michelle Ray and the late Danny Carroll Ray II. Danny was a loving son, husbandand soon-to-be father. He is survived by his wife, Chelsea Ray, hismother, Michelle Ray, his grandmother, Ruth W. Ray, three brothers, Daran Lee, Cory and Chase Ray, and one sister, Wendy Mae Ray. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 atMount Carmel Cemetery in Cabot. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Danny C. Ray III Memorial Fund at First Security Bank. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Please sign our online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
CABOT - Brenda Kay Ridgway, 52, of Cabot passed away Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. She was born May 5, 1959, in Walnut Ridge, Ark., to the late William Lloyd and Maxine “Pat” Adams. Brenda was a medical assistant supervisor for Radiology Consultants and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cabot, where she loved singing in the choir. She enjoyed crafts, baking and decorating cakes, was a big Elvis fan, but most important in her life was her family. Above all, she enjoyed spending time and going places with her children and grandchildren. Brenda is survived by her husband, Mike Ridgway of Cabot. She is also survived by her four daughters, Tracy Hart andher husband, Todd Hart, of Cabot; McKala Barnett and her husband, Trinity Barnett, of Ward; Catherine Langlois and her husband, Brian Langlois, of Beebe, and Rebecca Davis and her husband, Robert Davis Jr., of Little Rock. She is also survived by one sister, Wanda Hardin Fincher of Conway; two half sisters, Evelyn and Lola Adams; two brothers, Doneal and Robert Ray Adams, both of Pocahontas, andnine grandchildren, Matt, Katie and Alex Bayles, Alexis Barnett, Spence and Madison Hart, Ana and Briana Langlois and Robert Davis III, and a nephew, Hunter Stivers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Lloyd Adams Jr. and Billy Adams, and two half brothers, James Calvin Hardin and Leonard Hardin. Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the chapel of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Cabot, with burial following in Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideon Bible Foundation at www.gideons.org or donation cards may be picked up at First Baptist Church in Cabot. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Please sign our online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
CAMDEN - Doris Gammill, 71, Camden, died August 14, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Sonny Gammill Sr.; two sons, Sonny and Brad; one daughter, Rachel; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation and service will be at Victory Church, August 17 at 3 and 4 p.m. respectively. Arrangements by Arkansas Funeral Care.
———◊———
CAVE CITY - Betty Jo Powell Watkins, 74, of Cave City died Friday. Survivors: sister, Alma Manenica; three step-sons; two step-daughters. Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Roller-Crouch-McGee Chapel, Cave City. Burial: Maxville Cemetery by Roller-Crouch-McGee Funeral Home, Cave City. Memorials: Cave City Nursing Home, P.O. Box 80, Cave City, Ark. 72521 and Maxville Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Kathy Hodges, 724 Red Barn Road, Cave City, Ark. 72521. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
CONWAY - Dale Gill, 55, of Conway, passed away Friday, August 12, 2011. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, August 18, 2011 in the Roller-Mcnu*tt Funeral Home Chapel (501) 327-7727. Interment will follow in the Beryl Cemetery in Vilonia. Visitation will be Wednesday at the funeral home 6-8 p.m. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
CROSSETT - Lois Irene Ross Simpson, age 95, of Crossett, Ark.passed away on August 14, 2011. She was born on December 20, 1915 on her father’s homestead at Fountain Hill, Ark. Mrs. Simpson attended Arkansas A&M for two years and began herlifelong career as an elementary school teacher in her home town. It was during the great depression when jobs were scarce and after several years, she would explain, “it is someone else’s turn to have the job.” Her next job was in the small rural community of Bayou Meto Arkansas, where a local bare foot boy stole her heart and defined the rest of her life. Soon after she and Harvey Simpson married on April 15, 1941, World War II put everything on hold. He served in the Army and she followed him to Fort Sill, Fort Dix and Fort Bragg before returning to Crossett to teach and wait while he helped win the war in Europe. She taught school more than 30 years. Her life was always defined by her husband and her family.
Mrs. Simpson was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Margaret Ross; daughter, Martha and husband, Harvey; her brother, Harvey Ross and sisters, Ollie Evans, Evie Kilcrease and Vera Smith. Survivors include: two daughters, Jessie Simpson, Connie Nell Smith; one brother, Virgil Ross; sonsin-law, William Hoover, Michael Smith; grandchildren, James Bailey (Jenni), Steven Smith (Keesha), Michael Bailey, Martha Lois Smith, Nora Smith and great-grandchildren, Harvey Lois Bailey, Luke Bailey and Skyla Nell Wood.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Bro. Eric Hodge, Bro. David Tohlen and the Rev. Judyth Ross officiating. Interment will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice. com). Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Nursery Fund, 1533 Hwy. 52 W, Crossett, Ark. 71635. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m ., Wednesday at the church.
———◊———
DARDANELLE - Edsel Dennis Farnam, age 75, of Dardanelle died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at the Delaware First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Elizabeth Hall Cemetery, Delaware. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle.
———◊———
EL DORADO - Geraldine Ashworth, 79, of El Dorado, Ark. died Sunday. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday in Young’s Chapel. Burial will follow at Old Parkers Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young’s. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., tonight at the funeral home. Online guest registry: www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
HARRISBURG - Frances Quirrels, 79, of Harrisburg, died Saturday. Survivors: husband, Charles; sons, David (Aline), Robert, Bobby; daughter, Sharlette; brother, Floyd Harbison (Helen); grandchildren; great-grandchildren. Services at Jackson’s Funeral Home, Wednesday, at 10 a.m. Interment in Holly Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday at Jackson’s from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements, Jackson’s Harrisburg.
———◊———
HORSESHOE BEND - Tyler Coil, 16, of Horseshoe Bend, died Sunday in Horseshoe Bend. Services 11 a.m., Thursday, Salem Church of Christ. Burial, Harris Cemetery, Pocahontas, under the direction of Cox-Blevins Funeral Home of Salem. Visitation Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., Cox-Blevins Chapel.
———◊———
HOT SPRINGS - Shamya Marie Holliman age two months of Hot Springs died Wednesday. Survivors: parents, Monica Lister and Wilbur Holliman; siblings, grandparents and several aunts and uncles and extended family. Services: 10 a.m., Tuesday in the chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services, 336 East Grand Ave. (501) 623-7664.
———◊———
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE - Mary Ormiston, 81, of Hot Springs Village, died August 13, 2011. She was a retired Airline Stewardess from United Airlines. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Kathryn Murton. Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Ian Ormiston, and one sister, Veronica Murton in Danbury, Conn.
———◊———
JUDSONIA - Ruth Nichols Wright, 96, died Saturday, August 13, 2011. Born October 11, 1914 in Newport a daughter of the late Charles Ross and Ida Anderson Nichols. She was the widow of William Henry Wright, a homemaker and a member of the Rocky Point Baptist Church.
Survivors: sister, Salinas Miller of Judsonia; nephews, Charles Nichols of Judsonia, Jan Hickman of California, Stephen Wright of Amarillo, Texas and George Carder of Searcy; nieces, Ann Ferren of Judsonia, Mary Morgan Spock of New York, New York, Jeannie Sue Byrd of Jacksonville and Gypsy Herrington of Amarillo, Texas. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Wanda June Wright; son, Henry Lee Wright and a sister, Onvia Hickman.
Services: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 11 a.m., Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation: Prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
———◊———
MALVERN - Hannah Sue Duffie Weaver, 87, died August 14, 2011.The daughter of the late Chancery Judge William Reuben Duffie and Nellie Birch Duffie, Hannah was a former Hot Spring County treasurer. She was married for 55 years toher beloved husband, George D. Weaver, who died in 2003. Hannah was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Malvern, where she was active in all aspects of the church community. She served as president of the WMU, Sunday School teacher, on various capital campaigns and was on the Family Life Center steering committee. She retired in 2006 at the age of 82 from her volunteer job as church teller, which meant that on every Monday morning for more than a decade, she counted and recorded the previous Sunday’s donations.
In 1978, Hannah wrote They That Wait Upon the Lord, a 150-year history of her church. This book was the culmination of several years of research and a careful compilation of many photographs and other related documents. As a result of this research, Hannah became committed to securing a photograph of every minister who had served the church. Her project resulted in the church’s 1995 unveiling anddedication of a Pastors’ Wall. Hannah extended this work in 2008 to create a church history and archival room. She served as Hot Spring County treasurer for eight years. Previously, she had worked for more than 30 years as a freelance bookkeeper for several Malvern area businesses.
In addition to her church activities, Hannah was a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser for the Hot Spring County Library and an active member of the PEO and the Arkansas County Treasurers’ Association. In 2007, Baptist Health presented her with its statewide Amazing Spirit Award. She and her husband, George, both graduates of Malvern High School, founded and managed two college scholarship funds for Malvern seniors. Hannah attended Hendrix College.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Massey, and brothers-in-law Ronald Massey, William Weaver and Robert Weaver, M.D., and sister-in-law, Virginia Weaver. She is survived by a son, George Fisher Weaver, of Arkadelphia, and by a daughter and son-in-law, Nell Weaver Lyford and Robert M. Lyford, of Little Rock. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Charles Weaver Lyford and Kate Georgina Lyford, both of Little Rock.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 17 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Malvern, following a private burial. Arrangements are by J.A.Funk Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the George D. and Hannah Sue Weaver Endowment Fund, Arkansas Baptist Foundation, 10117 Kanis Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72205.
———◊———
MAYFLOWER - Gloria Sue Nichols, 58, of Mayflower, passed away August 14, 2011. Services will be Thursday, August 18 at 10 a.m. at the United Pentecostal Church in Mayflower. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Nichols’ online guestbook and full obituary will be at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
MORRILTON - Sam M. Hayre, 85, of Morrilton, passed away August 15, 2011. He was born March 7, 1926, the son of Robert S. and Minnie F. Jones Hayre of Oppelo. Sam retired from the Kroger Company after 35 years of service. He was a member of MorriltonFirst Assembly of God.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Syble, Iva, Eva and Fleda; four brothers, Malvin, Paul, Robert Jr. (Bob), and a twin brother, John Williard; and granddaughter, Shannon Hayre. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Ellenise Clayton Hayre; three sons, Sam Hayre Jr. (Gail) of Benton, Billy Hayre (Cathy) of Alexander, Jerry Hayre (Beverly) and one daughter, Karen Brown (Kenny) all of Morrilton; seven grandchildren, Monia, Jessica, B.J., Clayton, Callie, Katelyn and Kendall; six great-grandchildren, Maggie, Hadley, Lilli, Kaley, Aymsley and Shade.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, August 18, at the Harris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Euna Mae Gibby and Rev. Joe Alzate officiating. Burial will be at Wolf Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, August 17, at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
———◊———
MOUNTAIN HOME - Helen Dorothy Garner, 75, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, died August 13, 2011. Survived by two daughters, Linda Garner of Mountain Home and Tamy Neyhert of Anchorage, Alaska. All services will be private. Arrangements are by Twin Lakes Cremation Society and Funeral Home.
———◊———
MOUNTAIN HOME - Mary Lou Zortman, 70, of Mountain Home, died August 12, 2011. Survived by husband, Frank Zortman of the home. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Mountain Home. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
MOUNTAIN VIEW - Ashford Impson Jr., 73, died August 13, 2011, in Searcy, Ark. Survived by his wife, Peggy; son; daughter; brother; four grandchildren and great-grandson. Funeral service is 10 a.m. August 16, 2011, at Roller Coffman Chapel, Mountain View. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
NEWPORT - Lola Mae Baker, 84, of Newport died Aug. 14, 2011. She was born Nov. 27, 1926, in Amagon, Ark. She is survived by Scott Baker of Houston, Texas, and James Baker of Newport, Ark. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com or (501) 268-3546.
———◊———
NEWPORT - Johnnie Galbraith, 79, of Newport died Sunday. Survivors include his wife, Earlene; daughters, Deborah Morales and Teresa Gonzales; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several cousins, friends, Cabin Buddies, and church family. Visitation: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral: 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Watson Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.
———◊———
PINE BLUFF - Alice L. Horne Smith James, 86, Pine Bluff, died Saturday. Survivors: children, Alice Sysak, Earl Smith, Phil Smith, Kevin Smith; siblings, Frank Horne and Glen Horne, Gladys Brown and Mae Maddox; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Privatefamily burial will be held. Arrangements by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
———◊———
PINE BLUFF - Bobbye Wright Thomas, age 78, of Pine Bluff,went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Born May 31, 1933, at Mount Pleasant, Texas, Bobbye was a daughter of the late Robert Erastus Wright and Velmer Mae Wooten Wright.She resided in Mount Pleasant and Tyler, Texas, for a number of years prior to moving to Pine Bluff where her husband, Gordon Thomas, was Station Supervisor at the Cotton Belt Railroad.
Bobbye was an active member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Lydia Sunday School class. She loved working in the Homebound Ministry and also the senior adult ministry, The Evergreens, where she also served as the trip coordinator and tour guide for a number of years. Mrs. Thomas worked as a teller at the National Bank of Commerce for 10 years, and was also a homemaker. Her hobbies included oil painting, reading, and she was a member of the Pine Bluff Quilters Guild and the Watson Chapel Garden Club.
She married William Gordon Thomas on June 7, 1952, at Fort Hood, Texas. Mr. Thomas preceded her in death on April 12, 2010. She was also predeceased by five brothers and two sisters. Survivors include a daughter, Teresa Kay Jackson and husband Sam of Little Rock; a son, Robert Gordon Thomas and wife Susan of Pocahontas; a grandson, Nathan Gordon Thomas; and a granddaughter, Amber Kayla Jackson. Funeral services will be Thursday, 9:30 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel with Brother Todd Howard and Brother Steve Monk officiating. Graveside services and interment will be Thursday at 5 p.m. in Bradford Cemetery at Troup, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society, Post Office Box 8594, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71611; or Watson Chapel Baptist Church, 5514 Pinnacle Lane, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
———◊———
RAVENDEN - Dan Eugene Webb, 76, of Ravenden passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2011, at his home. A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
SEARCY - Guy Wren Epps of Searcy, Arkansas, died on August15, 2011. He was born on October 17, 1917, in the home of his parents John Whitson and Dosia Etta Milton Epps in Little Rock and was the seventh of 10 children. After the first grade at Mills Elementary School in Sweet Home, he attended Little Rock public schools and was a 1935 graduate of Little Rock Senior High School. His employment by White County Printing Company in 1938 dictated his move to Judsonia, Arkansas. His employment there was interrupted by 3 1/2 years of U.S. Army Air Force duty during World War II.
From 1938 until 1957, he was an employee of the Searcy Daily Citizen. He then became one of the founders of Commercial Printing Company, Inc. in Searcy. That firm sold to three employees in 1980. He continued as a part time employee of that firm until 1987. Mr. Epps became a member of the Judsonia Methodist Church South in 1939. Having moved to Searcy in 1965, he became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Searcy. He served in several capacities in both churches and was not only a church school teacher for 40 years but also a lay speaker for 35 years.
His volunteer activities included the Boy Scouts of America in both Judsonia and Searcy and The Sunshine School in Searcy. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and the Lions Club. He was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge in Judsonia, a member of the Searcy Masonic Lodge No. 49 F&AM, Shrine Scimitar Temple and Scottish Rites, Valley of Little Rock. He was Grand Master of the Masonic Anchor Lodge No. 384 in Judsonia in 1952, the year of the devastating March 21st tornado.
Survivors include his son John Lawrence Epps and his wife Lisa LoPorto of Columbia, Missouri. One of the greatest joys of his life, his only grandchild Rachel Elizabeth Epps currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his youngest brother, William Kenneth Epps of North Charleston, South Carolina, step-daughter, Nancy Jo Summers of Benton and many nieces and nephews.Preceding him in death was his first wife of 65 1/2 years, Mary Louise Orr Epps and his second wife of 2 1/2 years, Marion Blunk Epps. Other precedents included his brothers Ernest Clayton Epps, Arthur Ray Epps, Clyde Terrell Epps, Clarence Vernon Epps and Roy Jones Epps. Predeceased sisters included Thelma Louise Epps Carpenter, Margaret Pearl Epps Presley and Mary Katherine Epps Childress. His daughter-in-law Patricia Hickam Epps also preceded him in death.
The family will forever appreciate the loving care given to Uncle Guy by his great-niece April Presley Thomas. Her nursing skills and her spirit of dedication helped make the last weeks of his life more comfortable. A tremendous amount of gratitude is extended to April.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, 304 North Main, Searcy, Arkansas 72143 or the Sunshine School, P.O. Box 831, Searcy, Arkansas, 72145-0831. Funeral services will be graveside on Thursday, August 18 at 10 a.m. at the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Searcy. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
———◊———
SEARCY - Dallas Gloria Lafferty, 88, of Searcy, died Monday, August 15. She was born October 11, 1922, in Wilburn, Arkansas, the daughter of D.P. and Ezza Butler. Mrs. Lafferty is survived by two sons, Billy Don Lafferty and David Lafferty; three daughters, GloriaAnn King and her husband Larry, Cleta Clotene Corballis and her husband Michael and Priscilla Kay Freeman; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Thomas Don Lafferty, a brother, Treaber Ramsey; a sister Maud Butler Wilkerson; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Lafferty. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at the Valley Baptist Church in Searcy. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
———◊———
SHERIDAN - Nell (Bryant) Thompson, 87, of Sheridan, Ark., passed away Sunday, August 14, 2011, in Little Rock, Ark. Visitation: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan. Graveside funeral service: 2 p.m., Thursday, August 18, 2011, at Reaves Cemetery near New Edinburg, Ark. Express your condolences at: www.buiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie FuneralHome of Sheridan, 1301 S. Rock St. Sheridan, Ark. 72150. 870-942-3231. Email: Buiefh@aol.com.
———◊———
STUTTGART - Jean Stillwell, 83, died Saturday. Survivors are daughters, Terri Coleman of Jessieville and Linda Jackson of Sherwood; grandchildren, Jackie Jones, Don Jackson and Karmen Baker; great-grandchildren, Kara Veteto and daughter Kate, Logan Jackson and Abigail and Matthew Baker; and three sisters, Wiladean Perez of California, Charlene Watts of Fouke, Arkansas, and Patsy McElroy of Conway. Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Turpin Funeral Home with visitation from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow in Lone Tree Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart.
———◊———
WARD - Paul Bernard DeSalvo, 68, of Ward, died Monday, August15, 2011. He was born March 21, 1943, in Morrilton, Arkansas, and was the second son to the late John A. and Mary Edith Harrison DeSalvo. Paul was a truck driver for most of his life, startingat the young age of 16. He learned to fly an airplane and flew air mail from Little Rock to Memphis, every day for several years. He later drove a water truck to help build highway 167 from Little Rock to Jacksonville, he got his CDL and drove tankers hauling gas, and then he drove trucks for Krogerfor many years. Paul met his wife, Edith at the nursing home where his mother lived. They married on October 3, 1993, and then moved from Jacksonville to Cabot. They later moved from Cabot to Ward, where they have lived for the past ten years. Paul was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Johnny DeSalvo and a sister, Charlotte Watson. Paul is survived by his wife, Edith DeSalvo, three children, Sherry Mahan and her husband, Steve from DeValls Bluff, Bruce Allen and his wife, Trish from Ward, and Joseph Allen and his wife, Marie from Austin, one sister, Pamela Maron and her husband, Bob from Conway and a brother, Steve DeSalvo, from Dallas, Texas.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 16, 2011, from 5-7 p.m. at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, with a Rosary service following at 7 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, with Father Andy Smith officiating. Burial is in Short Cemetery. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
WEST MEMPHIS - Juel Boatman of West Memphis passed away August 14th at his residence in West Memphis. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at the 1st Assembly of God Church in West Memphis and service starting at 7 p.m. with a private burial. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhome.com.
