Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Our dad, John Bach, 71, left this earth for heaven on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015.

He was fighting up until the very end but his heart was so large and full of love that it just couldn’t take any more. We think seeing the Packers lose to the worst team in the league last weekend may have been his final straw. This loss has been incredibly hard because of the wonderful man that he was and the lives he touched when he was with us.

The list of descriptors to represent this man could go on for days but a few easy ones are wise, funny, selfless, innovative, inspiring and fun. He was always good for a quick advice session or a light-hearted laugh at the expense of yet another democrat in the news. He was full of opinions, to say the least, and even after his passing, we realize that he literally was right about everything.

His daughters and their families, sister, brother and the mother of his children will use all of the wonderful memories to help get through this difficult time and know that he will forever be in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers and cards, please just don’t vote for Hillary OR any other Democrat. Dad was a staunch Republican when he left us and if Trump wins, he’ll have something to do with it.

BELLA VISTA — Clark Duncan Jr., of Bella Vista passed away on Nov. 25, 2015. He was born on Dec. 26, 1927, in Wamego, Kan., to the late Clark Sr. and Carrie Roberts Duncan. He was the husband of the late Corinne Duncan.

Clark is survived by his children, Susan Goostree (Bill) of Wheaton, Mo., Lori Chaufty (Jon) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Scott Clark Duncan (Jill) of Crosses, Ark.; grandchildren, Chris Walters, Andrew Schroeder, Jonathan Schroeder, Kyle Rodgers, Aleisa Mifflin, Seth Fountain, Jennifer Perez, Linda Morley; and a great-grandchild, Bryson Fountain.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a daughter, Anne Duncan.

The family will hold a visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in the Rollins Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Benton County Meals on Wheels at www.mow-bentonco.org or 2004 South 13th Street, Rogers, Ark. 72758.

BELLA VISTA — Loleta Faye Farish of Bella Vista passed away on Nov. 27, 2015. She was born on June 17, 1920, in North Little Rock to the late George and Loleta Jones. She was the wife of the late Rev. J.N. Farish.

Loleta is survived by her son, Lanny Farish (Phyllis) of Bella Vista; adopted son, Doug Farish (Jimmie) of Lowell; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nine great-greatgrandchildren; and a sister, Mary Whitley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, James Farish Jr.; and sister, Alice Poteete.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Village Baptist Church in Bella Vista. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Cave Springs Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. www.RollinsFuneral.com.

BELLA VISTA — Bobby “Bob” Lee Jones, of Bella Vista, passed away Nov. 28, 2015, at the Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village in Bentonville after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and recent hip fracture. He was born, Sept. 23, 1934, in Windsor, Mo., to Theresa Irene Bowers and Gibson Bud Jones.

He graduated from Windsor High School in 1952; the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1956; and earned his Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for 38 years.

In 1995, he retired and moved to the Bella Vista, Ark. where he loved to garden, fish, travel, and play golf with the Men’s 9 Hole Golf Association.

He always said he was most thankful for meeting his wife of 54 years, Alice Louise Gibson Jones. They were married, Aug. 19, 1961. She was his best friend, took care of him and loved him every day.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Willa Jones Liggin. He is survived by his wife, Alice; brother, Charles (Barbara) Jones of Happy Valley, Ore.; son, Gary Jones of Oklahoma City, Okla.; son, Steven Jones of Grand Junction, Colo.; daughter, Teresa Jones (Bill) Wehby of Brentwood, Tenn.; grandchildren: Samuel (Sharon) Jones and Adam Jones of Greenwood and William Harwood, Elizabeth Harwood, Nancy Margaret Wehby, Anna Wehby, Will Wehby and Quin Wehby of Brentwood, Tenn.; and great-grandchild, Silas James Jones of Greenwood.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at the Mildred B Cooper Chapel, 504 Memorial Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village in Bentonville, Ark.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.

BELLA VISTA — Beverly (Bev) Sutherland Lehmann was born to Victor and Violet Sutherland in Minneapolis, Minn. She graduated from Minneapolis Vocational High School in 1952 and attended many classes at the University of Minnesota. Among traveling she loved to knit and crochet and her biggest hobby was playing bridge with her many friends in Bella Vista, Ark.

She was predeceased in death by her parents, foster parents Edna and Glen McMahon, husband Richard Lehmann, and granddaughter Deborah Jeanne Miller.

She is survived by children: David Modeen, Don Modeen (Kathy), Dean Ekberg (Deborah), Deborah Miller, Rick Lehmann, Linda Baker, Helen Yadao; grandchildren: Justin Modeen, Carey Snaza, Jessie Ekberg, Nicole Ekberg, Chelsea Ekberg, Brianna Miller, Ricky Lehmann, Ron Yadao, Daryl Yadao, Brandon Bazan Yadao; 10 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Jack Lausen.

Memorial service will be held at Bella Vista Community Church on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, beginning at 2 p.m.

Memorials to Bella Vista Animal Shelter.

BELLA VISTA — Bruce George Plante Jr., 77, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Ashley Healthcare. He was born Feb. 10, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Bruce (Bud) Plante Sr. and Adelaide (Laddie) Cloutier Plante.

He graduated from LeSueur High School in 1956, served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, and was honorably discharged with E 3 classification.

He was married Dec. 29, 1973, to Karyl Jean (Holmberg) Torgerson at The Little Brown Church Nashua, Iowa.

Bruce and Karyl Jean moved to Bella Vista, Ark., from Faribault, Minn., in March 2006. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the game of golf. He also loved a good Bridge game.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karyl Jean; sons, Bruce Plante III (and Cheri) of Bay City, Wis., Christopher Plante and Justin Plante of Burnsville, Minn.; daughter: Elizabethe Plante (and Robert Dais) of Providence, R.I.; stepson: Jeffery Torgerson of Killeen, Texas; and stepdaughter: Stacy Torgerson of Seattle, Wash.; brothers: James Plante (and Margaret) of Bella Vista, Ark., William (and Joan) Plante of Bella Vista, Ark., Craig (and Eileen) Plante of Cedarburg, Wis.; sister: Mary Jo (and Dane) Buettner of Elk River, Minn.; one grandson, T.J. Torgerson of Spokane, Wash.; and many nephews, nieces and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Plante, and by his parents.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Bella Vista, on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at 10 a.m. Cremation arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, St. Bernard Catholic Church, or local animal shelter of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.

BELLA VISTA — Joseph Martin Astroski, 88, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. He was born on June 4, 1927, in Sesser, Ill., to Joseph Astroski and Anna Masulis.

Joseph Astroski married Helen in 1955. They were residents in Hanover Park, Ill., from 1965 until moving to Bella Vista, Ark. in 1990. He was an avid golfer and a member at St. Bernard Catholic Church. They traveled extensively in the West.

BENTONVILLE — James B. “Jim” Jefferson, 71, passed away Nov. 21, 2015, at his home in Bentonville, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Bentonville on Oct. 10, 1944, to Joe and Ellen Sooter Jefferson. Jim graduated from Bentonville High School in May of 1962. One month later, he moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was later assigned to the Anchorage, Alaska, field office. As an FBI Computer Specialist, Jim was involved in developing the first National Crime Information Center database. During the many years Jim spent in the banking and finance industries, he graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Graduate School of Banking (1982). He opened Jefferson Nationwide Insurance Agency in Bentonville in 1992.

Jim supported and volunteered his time to numerous professional and civic organizations throughout his life, including educational Advisory Boards, Razorback Chapters and Chambers of Commerce. He was a long-time member of the Bentonville Noon Kiwanis, serving as President for two years. He was also on the Helping Hands Board for seven years before serving as President for an additional 6 years. Jim was a volunteer Benton County Deputy Sheriff for many years. He was a member and former Trustee of the Bentonville Church of the Nazarene.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a son, James Steven Jefferson.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Bryan Jefferson of Madison, Wis.; his daughter, Stephanie “Missy” Mayhall of Bentonville; two granddaughters, Nicole Jefferson of Madison, Wis. and Lora Jefferson of Minneapolis, Minn.; a grandson, Hayden Mayhall of Bentonville; and a great-granddaughter, Adalynn Sorenson of Minneapolis, Minn.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, at Bentonville Church of the Nazarene.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Bentonville Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Mark Snodgrass and Vic Jones officiating. Private interment at Benton County Memorial Park will follow. As a 12-year member of the 188th Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, based in Fort Smith, Ark., Jim will be buried with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at www.pdf.org or the National Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkin son.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at www. stockdalefuneral.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Sanford E. Priest, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in Fayetteville. He was born Sept. 7, 1925, in Nashville, Tenn., to Edward and Flossie Priest.

He was a retired salesman for 30 years with Hail Dry Goods in Batesville, Ark., and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He also was a member of Sanford Priest Western Swing Band, First United Presbyterian Church, ambassadors for Batesville and Springdale VFW and attended the Springdale Senior Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Richard Priest; and his wife Betty Priest.

He is survived by one son, Steve Priest and his wife Angela of Columbia, Mo.; and one grandson, Will Priest of Columbia, Mo.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 29, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville with the Rev. Phil Butin officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Springdale Senior Center, 203 Park Street, Springdale, Ark. 72764.

To sign the online guest book please visit www.nel sonberna.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Shirley Dean Walker, age 75, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Fayetteville. She was born June 13, 1940, in Hodge, La., the daughter of Ordez and Myrtis Huckaby. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She was a school teacher in the Fayetteville Public School system for 38 years. She graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1958 and received a B.A. degree in Education from Louisiana Tech in 1962.

Shirley was greatly loved by family, relatives, friends, and former students because of her inward and outward beauty. It was not in her nature to be either unkind or critical. During her career, countless hours were devoted to lesson preparations and grading, and work on economics projects involving students at Root Elementary School. She had a zest for travel planned by daughter Kim, home projects with son Jim, activities with husband Jim Sr., meetings in Little Rock with sister Shelba and niece Melinda, visits from brother Terry, lunch meetings with local friends, and maintenance of pets. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

Survived by her husband of 54 years James M. Walker Sr., a son James M. Walker Jr., and a daughter Kimberly M. Walker, all of Fayetteville; a sister Shelba J. Walsworth of Quitman, La.; a brother, Terry Huckaby of Lampasas, Texas, and many relatives.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Moore’s Chapel followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Moore’s Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. To sign the online guest book, visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.

HIWASSE — Ronald “Ron” Burns passed away at NW Medical Center. Ron was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Albert and Esther Thomas Burns.

Ron graduated from Mission Bay High in California, attended San Diego State and received a degree in Ornamental Horticulture in Florida. Ron has had greenhouses and poultry farms in Arkansas. He and his wife own Hiwasse Mobile Home Estates.

In 1976, Ron met Karen Horton at a Christian singles social in Prairie Grove, Ark. They were married March 19, 1977, at the Hiwasse Church of the Nazarene where he was a member.

He was a co-chairman of Hiwasse Days and served on the Hiwasse Fire Department Board of Directors in the 90s.

Ron is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Ron Burns Jr. (Kara); two daughters, Tamara Smith, Valerie Burns (Scott); three granddaughters: Kaylee, Rebecca, Jessyka; and great-grandchild, Ashland; a half-brother Barry Burns. No services are planned. Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.

JAPTON — Pamela LeVeque Brink, 69, of Japton, Ark., died Nov. 25, 2015, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Ark. She was born July 22, 1946, at Virginia, Minn., the daughter of H. William and Barbara LeVeque Gillespie.

She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Hall in Faribault, Minn., a homemaker and a retired farmer. She was a member of the Mountain Grove Church of Christ, a past president and board member of the Madison County Farm Bureau, a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, a board member, firefighter and first responder of the Japton Volunteer Fire Department, a team leader and member of Madison County Search and Rescue and a life member of Huntsville Chapter #487, The Order of the Eastern Star.

She was the widow of Richard Wayne Brink, whom she married on June 15, 1967, and who preceded her in death on March 23, 1994.

Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Becky and Brett Crumley of Huntsville, Ark., and Beth and Leo Vidal of Angora, Minn.; one brother and sister-in-law, Grover and Diana Gillespie of Orr, Minn.; four grandchildren, Taylor Crumley and Cade Crumley, both of Huntsville, Ark., and Trinity Vidal and Tristan Vidal, both of Angora, Minn.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the chapel of Brashears Funeral Home with Jack Harriman, minister officiating. Private interment will be in the McCord Cemetery at Elkins under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville www. brashearsfuneralhome.net.

LOWELL — Glenna Nadine Mabry, 90, of Lowell, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, at her home. She was born Jan. 9, 1925, in Fayetteville, Ark., to John and Jessie Shaver.

Glenna worked for Daisy Manufacturing. She was a homemaker and Farmer. She was a Charter Member of First Baptist Church of Lowell. She enjoyed baking and was famous for her fried pies. She enjoyed gardening, making quilts by hand, and she was very devoted to her church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Neil Harley Mabry, two brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include one son, David Mabry and wife, Jan of Lowell; one grandchild, Robyn Schaub and two great-grandchildren, Avery and Cecily Schaub.

Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Lowell with Pastor Gary Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery in Springdale.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lowell, 405 Johnson, Lowell, AR 72745.

Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral. com.

PRAIRIE GROVE — Mary Lucille West, 90, a resident of Prairie Grove, passed away Nov. 27, 2015, at Fayetteville. She was born May 3, 1925, at Summers, the daughter of Ernest and Clara Cheatham Kirk.

Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Prairie Grove for over 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey West.

Survivors include her four children, Randy Nelson West and wife Donna of Fort Worth, Texas, Richard Lynn West and wife Cindy of Hundred, W.V., Larry Dee West of Fayetteville, Ark., and Roger Lee West and wife Tammy of Prairie Grove, Ark.; nine grandchildren, Kevin West, Shawn West, Eric West, Amber Higgins, Ryan Anderson, Melissa Vincent, Bonnie Lucille West, Logan West and Aaron West; 11 great-grandchildren, Samantha West, Lilly West, Astoria Higgins, Kale Higgins, Ava Lynn Vincent, Andrya Nagy, Anthony Lopez, Owen Nelson West, Liam Kirk West, Hatti Higgins and Holden Vincent.

The family will receive friends Monday from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Luginbuel Chapel.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, 201510 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Prairie Grove, with Al Gebauer officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery. No graveside service will be held at the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Eric West, Kevin Nelson West, Shawn Michael West, Ryan Anderson, Logan West and Aaron West.

Online guest book, www. luginbuel.com. ROGERS — Lynden K. Louden, 94, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 27, 1920, in Delton, Mich., to Robert B. and Alta C. Louden.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Lynden had a love for fishing, especially with his son and his grandson, Josh, playing pool and pinochle at the Adult Wellness Center, and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, of 67 years; a son, Vern; a grandson, Curt; his parents and a brother and sister.

Lynden is survived by his daughter, Lynette Kirmer and husband, Andy, of Rogers, Ark.; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers with Bob Cemer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice or the Adult Wellness Center of Rogers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Rogers. Online condolences may be made to stockdalefuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Sue Bransom, 62, of Springdale died Nov. 26 at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale. Survivors are her husband, Michael Bransom; two daughters, Heather Peckham, and Shelly Henley. A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Day Star Church of God in Rogers. Online condolences at siscofuneral home.net.

SPRINGDALE — Charlotte Lorene Gilbert, 85, resident of Springdale, passed away Nov. 25, 2015, in Springdale.

She was born on Jan. 9, 1930, to Victor and Agnes Tifoe Tatro.

She was proceed in death by her husband Douglas Gay Gilbert. They were married Feb. 23, 1948.

She worked as a homemaker, care giver, and factory worker her whole life.

Survivors include three sons, Paul Gilbert and wife Anita of Fayetteville, Norman Gilbert and wife Alice of Lincoln, Douglas Gilbert and wife Jonnie of Farmington; one daughter, Lorene Wiles and husband Ronnie of Huntsville; eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob Tatro of Glasco, Kan.; two sisters, Victoria Gilbert of Jamestown, Kan., and LenaMea Webster Minneapolis, Kan.

No services will be held at this time.

Online guest book at www.luginbuel.com.

SPRINGDALE — Gearldean “Jerry” Carr Smith, 88, of Springdale, formerly of Heber Springs, passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale. She was born April 27, 1927, in Stuttgart, Ark., to Samuel and Birdie Lee McCroskey Davis. Jerry was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dale Carr, and her second husband, Gilbert Smith.

Survivors include one sons, Harold Carr and wife Clarinda of Fayetteville; two daughters, Dixie Rynone and husband Stew of Goshen and Gale Love and husband Bob of Springdale; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens in Heber Springs, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Eleanor Etha Smithee, 89, passed away in Springdale on Nov. 27, 2015. She was born Nov. 5, 1926, to George and Etha Howe Brock in Medina, Ohio.

Eleanor was a housewife and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Millard Smithee, one brother George Brock, and one sister, Lois Mayne.

Survivors include two sons; Millard Wesley Smithee Jr. and wife Linda of Arlington, Texas; Kenneth Howard Smithee and wife Becky of Rogers, Ark.; two daughters, Sandra Lee Bowen and Sue Carol Smithee both of Springdale; eight grandchildren; Eleanor Joleen Dellamuth, Kenneth Dale Bowen, Marci Kay Nobles, Etha Wright, Roger Smithee, Cliff Smithee, Allison Smithee and Sandra Emily Bunch; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister Mary Jane Hines of Macon, Ga.

Memorial services will be at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale on Dec. 1, 2015, at 10 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Earlene Howard Circle of Life Hospice House, 901 Jones Road Springdale, Ark.

To sign the online guestbook visit www.siscofuner al.com.

WEST FORK — Larry Huse Bilbrey, 69, a resident of West Fork, passed away Nov. 26, 2015, in Fayetteville. He was born Sept. 2, 1946, in Prairie Grove, the son of Huse and Dorotha Wood Bilbrey.

Larry was a member of New Sulphur Free Will Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher. He was Chief Financial Officer for the Elizabeth Richardson Center. He was also a Certified Public Accountant, member of the AICPA and Secretary of the West Fork Cemetery Association.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda, and his father.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila, of the home; his mother, Dorotha Tate, and husband L.D. of West Fork; one son, Shannon Pruitt, and wife, Susan, of Otavalo, Ecuador, and their children, Ethan and Megan; one daughter, Shonda Jones, and husband, Casey, of West Fork, and their children, Madison and Macen Coker.

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday at the Luginbuel Chapel.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, 10 a.m. at the New Sulphur Free Will Baptist Church. Burial will be in the West Fork Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the West Fork Cemetery Assoc. in c/o Bryan Hanna P.O. Box 676 West Fork, Ark. 72774.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Bull, Terry Bull, Gary Tate, Aubrey Kinion, Bobby Easter and Eddie Hickman.

Online guest book, www. luginbuel.com.

LITTLE ROCK — James A. Matthews, age 54, passed away at home with his loving family on Nov. 24, 2015, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Born June 19, 1961, he was raised in North Little Rock, graduating from Catholic High School in 1979 and the University of Arkansas in 1983.

James’ professional career spanned 30 years in commercial real estate and banking, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Bank of Cabot for nine years and Bank of the Ozarks for six. As an investor, James had a keen interest in the stock market, following its ups and downs on a daily basis.

Growing up in the Lakewood area of North Little Rock, James developed a respect for the lakes and woods surrounding his home. He truly enjoyed the outdoors, relaxing on a local stream, fly fishing for trout, or deep sea fishing off shore in Louisiana. He hunted duck, turkey and dove. His culinary skill with fish and game was well known and appreciated by friends and family.

While he was well traveled, James enjoyed trips to the Ozarks and Buffalo River National Park in his home state more than any other destination. He often stated that he need not go too far, since he lived in the most remarkable state of Arkansas.

In 2012, James married his college sweetheart, Jill Storey, and while their time together was brief, their deep love and commitment was evident to all. A blended family of five children, one son-in-law, and a baby granddaughter was his greatest joy. His children will fondly remember his patience and his ability to mentor and teach life’s true values, and his counsel was delivered in a kind and heartfelt manner. A good listener, James continued to show interest and empathy to family and friends throughout his life.

After his diagnosis of brain cancer, James participated in clinical trials at Duke University in hopes of a positive outcome, if not for himself, but for others who may later experience this disease. James’ determination, courage, sense of humor, and his cheerful and positive nature brought admiration from all who knew him.

James is survived by his wife, Jill, and children, Austin Matthews, Alix Matthews, Hallie McElvery (James) Miles Lane, Mason Lane, granddaughter, Lily McElvery, and sister, Dr. Helen Matthews (Charles Margulis). Aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends will miss him dearly.

His father, Jim Matthews, and sister, Cathy Curran, also survive him. His mother, Alix Catlett Matthews, and brother, Joseph P. Matthews, preceded James in death.

A celebration of James’ life will be held at Trapnall Hall, 423 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, Ark., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at 4 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, DUMC Box 3264, Room 047, Baker House, Trent Drive, Durham, N.C. 27710. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

WICHITA, Kan. — Khonesavanh Sihanouvong, 57, of Wichita, Kan. passed away Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, in Wichita, Kan. She was born June 8, 1958, in Songkhone, Savannakhet, Laos to Chone Niravanh and Nou Mounsaath.

She is survived by her son Manith Peter Sihanouvong and wife Nonthalath Thirakoun of Wichita, Kan., one daughter, Jacqueline Sihanouvong of Los Angeles, Calif., one grandson Greyson Christopher Sihanouvong of Wichita, Kan. and eight siblings.

Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 5th in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.nelson berna.com.

GRANBURY, Texas — Mary Jean Hughes Ard, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 in Granbury, Texas. Graveside service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, in Rogers City Cemetery in Rogers, Ark. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, at Wiley Funeral Home in Granbury, Texas.

Mary Jean was born Feb. 12, 1926, to Paul J. Hughes and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Hughes in Rogers, Ark.

She attended school in Rogers from first grade through her junior year in high school. Her family moved to Eureka Springs, Ark., in 1943 where she graduated. She attended Chillicothe Business College in Missouri before going to work as a leasing associate for Gulf Oil Company in Tulsa, Okla. After she moved to Oklahoma City with the company, she met and married Raymond E. “Ray” Ard who was also working for Gulf Oil. They moved to Lagos, Nigeria, in 1972 and thereafter were transferred to Midland, Texas, where she resumed working for Gulf Oil.

Following retirement, they settled in Granbury, Texas, where Mary Jean was very active in the Acton United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ray, who died in 2004.

Survivors: Brother, Tom Hughes and wife, Ruth of Sacramento, Calif.; stepdaughter, Laura Anne Ard of Bethesda, Md.; nephew, Samuel Thomas Hughes; nieces, Diana K. Bachman, Elaine F. Wilson and Mary C. Gudeman; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.