Pulaski County

JOHN LEE CHANEY, 48, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on May 1, 2016, after a brief illness at Baptist Health Medical Center. He was born in Little Rock on October 2, 1967, and was preceded in death by his mother Mary Lillian Lee Chaney and his grandparents Loreen Meador and John Hunter Lee.

John grew up and attended school in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he participated in Special Olympics and particularly enjoyed success in swimming. Also while in Jonesboro, John worked for Pizza Hut and was honored for his hard work as the disabled employee of the year in the state of Arkansas.

In November 2002, after he had moved to Little Rock, John became a client of AEDD, a wonderful organization that provided him with work opportunities, independent living and many lifelong friends. In addition, John participated in numerous activities including proms, summer camps, beach trips and Miracle League baseball. The entire family would like to convey heartfelt thanks to the staff of AEDD for all the love and kindness they showed John over the years. Indeed, they are like a second family to him.

John was sweet, kind, caring and funny. He enjoyed bowling and dancing. He loved music and would often sit and listen to his favorite rock or disco songs, legs crossed, swaying to the beat. He was always generous with his famous smile and big warm hugs. A loving pat on the head from John Chaney was a coveted honor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by a family who loves him very much, including his brother, Don Chaney of Little Rock; his sisters Marjorie Chaney Powell ( Curtis) of Dallas, Rebecca Chaney Campbell ( Phil) of Little Rock, Marianne Chaney Hudson of Fayetteville; and his many nephews and nieces John Hunter Cooper ( Lindsey) of Little Rock, Ross Snow Cooper of Napa, California, Susannah Lee Powell of Fayetteville, Harper Lee Hudson Fayetteville, Camille Michelson Powell of Dallas, John Arthur Hudson of Fayetteville, and Calvin Lee Chaney of Little Rock.

A funeral service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at 11 a. m. followed by a short visitation and then burial at Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled ( AEDD) at 105 E. Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72206 or www.aeddinc.org. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– JOHN M. FOX passed through Fiddler’s Green on April 29, 2016, on the road to hell with his fellow marines. Perhaps the Valkyrie interceded and took them to Valhalla. Before retiring and becoming a cowboy, John was known as the Orchid Man and was manager of the family owned Fox Orchids, Inc., Little Rock. It was in this position that he was known for being a great horticultural talent and the subject of many local newspaper articles and television news segments. He was also known for not having the best people skills with customers. John also served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps where he was a radio operator and Morse code technician. He was born in 1942, in Little Rock.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy Fox Griffith. His brother, David S. Fox. His parents, Asa Standley Fox and Wenona Carolyn Fox. And the loves of his life, his quarter horse mare Miss Lacey Love and an Arabian mare Miss Raffe. He leaves behind his daughter, Melanie L. Fox and her husband Glenn France, son- in- law, Carl Griffith, step- daughter, Jamie Thomason Houghton, nephews David Fox, Jr., Tim Fox, Tom Fox, and Tracy Fox, sister- in- law, Martha Ann Fox and grandsons, Weston F. Griffith and Parker J. France. As well as friends and horses from the Diamond TR Ranch.

John was cremated and he suggested that anyone wanting to spend some money due to joy, guilt or gratitude; either take their family out to dinner or just buy something nice for themselves. John also requested that his hide be tanned with fine wine and made into a fine saddle so he will always be next to the two things he liked best in life, on top of a fine horse and underneath a pretty woman. Should John get to heaven, St. Peter he will tell, another marine reporting sir, I have spent my time in hell.

A military interment will take place on Thursday, May 5th, at 10 a. m. at the North Little Rock Veterans Cemetery. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6: 30- 8 p. m. at the Diamond TR Ranch in Perryville. Memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County - Horse Fund at www.warmhearts.org. Online condolences can be made at Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– MARVA LEE LEDBETTER, 88, of Little Rock was called home to be with her Lord and Savior May 1, 2016. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 20, 1927. After losing her parents at an early age she moved to Lemon Grove, CA, and was raised by her aunt and uncle. She married her beloved husband on April 6, 1945, and they moved to Little Rock in 1948. She worked as a bookkeeper for Baptist Hospital, a bank, and for 15 years was the financial manager for Arkansas Sign and Neon Company. She loved her church, St. James Methodist, was actively involved in the Women’s Auxiliary for Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was always knitting/ crocheting infant hats for Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. She and Glenn were founding members of the Broadmoor Property Association where she served as Treasurer for many years and they were instrumental in constructing the Broadmoor pool. Married to Glenn for 61 years, Marva was deeply devoted to her family. Her pride and joy were her children, Sandy and Gregg, and her grandchildren, Tara, Samantha, Rowan and Ragan. Marva and her son, Gregg, who shared the same birthday, were very close; he respected and loved her dearly. Till the very end she was sweet, funny, cared for and encouraged others. She will be sorely missed by family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memories a son, Gregg Ledbetter ( Dana); grandchildren, Rowan Ledbetter ( Bethany), Ragan Ledbetter and Samantha McElory ( Travis); a sister, Ginny Bufkin; and two great- grandchildren, Violet and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, Glenn Ledbetter, her daughter, Sandy Pirtle and granddaughter, Tara Pirtle.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 5, at 12 noon at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center- Activity Fund, 615 South Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., ( 501) 224- 2200. Marva’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– CLYDE HENDERSON OAKLEY, age 96, of Little Rock went to be with his Lord, Sunday, May 1, 2016. He was born at Ivan, Arkansas, March 2, 1920, a son of the late Thomas Ruffin and Leona Bryant Oakley. He graduated from Fordyce High School, was enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and proudly served his country during World War II in Japan. He was the owner of Oakley’s Exxon for over 25 years. He was a devoted Christian and a member of Markham Street Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Wenona Hazel Oakley and 10 brothers and sisters. He is survived by four sons, Larry Oakley of Little Rock, Tommy Oakley ( Nancy) of Park City, Utah, Donnie Oakley ( Angie) of Maumelle and Ronnie Oakley ( Nicole) of New Orleans, Louisiana; grandchildren, Jay Oakley ( Alisa), Stephen Oakley ( Jennifer), Catherine O’Sullivan ( Rory), Jessie Oakley, and Dawn Latch ( John); great- grandchildren Jackson Oakley and Drew Oakley; and a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.

A celebration of Clyde’s life will be at 1 p. m. Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Roller- Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, ( 501) 224- 8300. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p. m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Easter Seals, 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes. com/ chenal.

––––– – –––– LEE ELLA TEDFORD RATCLIFF, 100, of North Little Rock joined the saints like herself when she went to Heaven on Sunday, May 1, 2016. She was born December 16, 1915, to Ernest Walker and Cora King Tedford in Lonoke, Arkansas.

She graduated from North Little Rock High School and Arkansas State Teachers College ( now UCA) and earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from UALR. A gifted teacher for 35 years, she was a member of NEA, AEA, CTA, and ADK International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators, as well as a recipient of a lifetime PTA award.

Lee Ella was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of the Sigma Epsilon social sorority and the Square- Rounders square dance club. She was a nature lover who could grow anything and nurture any animal. She was an excellent seamstress and an active traveler, visiting almost every state, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.

Lee Ella was a longtime member of Park Hill Baptist Church who was preceded in death by her parents and brother, C. W. Tedford. She is survived by her devoted daughter, LeElla Ratcliff, two nephews, Tim and Woody Tedford and their families, and two very spoiled cats. Her daughter lovingly remembers her kind heart and gentle spirit, her sage advice and sacrificial ways.

“Mom was the consummate model of parental guidance and support who cannot be thanked enough for the lifestyle she provided and the selfless example she set. I will remain eternally grateful for the positive role my precious mother played in my life.”

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. Wednesday, May 4th, at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home with funeral service in their chapel at 11: 30 a. m. Thursday, May 5th. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– – –––– HELEN WILLIAMS of Sherwood, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, April 28, 2016. She was born August 27, 1954, in North Little Rock, Ark. She was preceded in death by her sister, Vivian Marshall. She leaves to cherish her memories a loving husband, Raymond Williams; a devoted son, Raymond Jr.; her mother, Ruthie Wilburn; sisters, Wanda, Anita, Brenda, Bonnie ( Anthony), Joyce ( Carl), Willene ( Carlton), Tonya ( Darren); brothers, Anthony, Danny ( Paula) and Bernard and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 10 a. m., at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 South Pine Street, North Little Rock, Ark. Brother Paul Holderfield, Officiating. Arrangements by: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., LR, Ark. ( 501) 3721305.