Pulaski County
MARTHA JANE EASON, 91, of Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Hope, Ark., passed away Friday, April 7, 2017, in Little Rock. Martha was born July 9, 1925, in Hope to Samuel D. and Bertha B. Conner Eason. She was a retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. with 22 years service as a Physical Therapist.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and three sisters. She and her older sister, Irene, lived together for many years. They had numerous adventures traveling together and were known in their neighborhood as master gardeners. Martha leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She was especially close to two of her nieces, Annabelle Eason of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and Melissa Eason of Houston who faithfully called her weekly. Phil and Lois Cox, friends for over 35 years, will miss the fun times they had with Martha watching Razorback games, discussing politics, and gardening. In her last years, Martha was blessed by the extraordinary care of Michelle Mitchell, Christine Corp, Shannon Patrick, Melissa Moore, and Kavetra Harris. The family appreciates the comfort and care that these ladies so generously offered Martha.
There will be a gathering for friends and family Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the home of Phil and Lois Cox, 5515 Tulley Cove, Little Rock, Ark. 72223. Inurnment services will be Sunday, April 23, 2017, at 3 p.m. in Rose Hill Cemetery in Hope under the direction of Herndon Pharr Funeral Home. Martha was a very caring and generous person. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial to a charity of your choice. Online guestbook at www.pharrfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– CONLEY WAYNE FIKES, 73, of Little Rock, Ark., died at home Friday, April 7, 2017. Born in Pine Bluff, October 4, 1943, a son of Conley Newton and Berta Ratliff Fikes, Conley grew up in Pine Bluff, graduated from high school there, and attended the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville where he earned his advanced degrees in architecture and art.
He completed a 47-year career in professional architecture designing and producing projects in the Medical, Academic, Institutional and Museum realm. He eventually retired from the firm of Polk, Stanley, and Wilcox in Little Rock. He was then able to enjoy his lifelong interest in art. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects.
Survivors include his son, Eric Wayne Fikes of Conway, Arkansas; daughter, Stephanie Lee Marchand of Little Rock; brothers, Carroll Fikes of Stephensville, Texas, David Fikes of Alexandria, Va.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Miller Fikes, parents, and son, Christopher Conley Fikes.
Graveside services are Monday, April 7, at 2 p.m. at Ramick Cemetery near Pine Bluff with Reverend William Love officiating, directed by Ralph Robinson & Son. Memorials are requested to Ramick Cemetery Assoc., c/o Patsy Stone, 312 Regal Oaks Circle, White Hall, Ark. 71602. Online condolences: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
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Mrs. RUTH HOWE SLOVAK, 92, formerly of Pasadena, Texas, passed away in Maumelle, Ark., on Monday, April 10, 2017. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis, and son, David. She also joins her siblings, W.D. Howe, Irene Gately, Josephine Lewis, Martha Johnson, Maggie Scroggin, Charles Jewel Howe, Ernest Howe, Henry Howe, Charles Howe, Jr., Mary Howe and her parents, Charles W. and Mary Flair Howe. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, greatand great-great-nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all.
Ruth was born March 11, 1925 in Little Rock, Ark., and graduated from Little Rock High School. She worked in the state Senate while attending school. After moving to Pasadena, she met and married Louis Slovak.
After working as the secretary to Pasadena State Bank’s president, she helped open the San Jacinto State Bank, later becoming the first female junior bank officer in Pasadena. Her experience in securing real estate loans led her to real estate as a career. As a broker, she helped found Cardinal Real Estate.
As a charter member of the Pasadena Soroptomist club, an international women’s service club, she was very involved in the club’s projects to benefit the community. She served as an officer many times.
Two different mayors proclaimed “Ruth Slovak Day,” to recognize her for her leadership, integrity, loyalty, dedication and service to the community. In 2006, the Federation of Houston Professional Women honored her as a “Woman of Excellence.”
An ardent supporter of the Salvation Army, she requested donations to the Salvation Army, in lieu of flowers. Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or send donations to 2732 Cherrybrook Lane, Pasadena, Texas 77502.
Services will be in Pasadena on Monday, April 17. An informal gathering to celebrate her life will be held in Little Rock at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 22.
–––––❖––––– MARY KAY YOUNG, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in complete contentment having lived a joyful and fulfilling life. She was born to Carl and Violet Bratcher on Petit Jean Mountain and enjoyed her childhood there.
Mary was a believer in Jesus Christ since childhood and was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock for many years. Mary Kay worked with her husband Marion in Young’s Crane Service. A devoted mother and grandmother, she loved to cook, travel, and spend time with her family.
Mary Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Marion Young, and her devoted daughter, Phyllis Holifield. She is survived by her son, Paul (Kathy) Young; grandchildren, Aubri (Matt) Duran, and Michelle (Kris) Kalson; and great-grandchildren, Trent and Emily Ann Duran, all of Little Rock.
There will be a graveside service at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 15 for family and friends. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72211. An online guestbook is available at www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.