Obituaries

OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes. For more information including cost and deadlines contact the advertising department at (501) 378-3889.

BELLA VISTA — Bernard Leo Walkowski, 81, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Dec. 31, 2016. Bernie was born April 11, 1935, in Johnstown, Pa., the fourth of six children of John and Helen (Skowronski) Walkowski.

He served in the Air Force and National Guard from 1954-1967.

Bernie married Audrey (Sanders) Feb. 7, 1957, in London, England. After her death, Bernie married Jeanne Hatfield on Feb. 14, 2008, in Miami, Fla., on board a cruise ship.

Preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah BachBoley and brother, Robert.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Rick, his wife, Patti, and their children, Hannah, Jacob, Joshua, and Alex; granddaughter, Stephanie Schoenebeck, husband, Steven and their daughter, Hailey; grandson, Todd Boley, wife, Lauren; grandson, Michael Bach; sister, Dorothy Walkowski; brother, Raymond and wife, Rosemary; brother, Frank and wife, Joyce; sister, Mary Ellen and husband, Paul. Bernie was very much loved and will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1 St. Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, Ark., 72715. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

BELLA VISTA — Elda Marie Wenzel, 92, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away Jan. 2, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice Legacy Village. She was born Aug. 5, 1924, in Webber, Kan.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Wenzel.

Memorial Services will be held at Bella Vista Lutheran Church at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7.

Memorials may be made to Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark., 72715 or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, Ark., 72712. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at wwwfuneralmation.com.

CENTERTON — Glenn H. Alsip departed this life Jan. 3, 2017, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. He was born in Mountainburg, Ark., to Luther and Lillie Alsip on Dec. 8, 1926.

Over the years, he has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Bentonville, Bethel Baptist in Bentonville, and the First Baptist Church of Centerton.

He was a Navy corpsman in World War II, and then worked for the U.S. Post Office for 30 years. During that time, he served 11 years as the state steward of the Arkansas Rural Letter Carriers Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Louise Rothrock Alsip; his sister, Norvalene Tucker; and his second wife, Anna Collins Alsip.

He is survived by one son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Alsip of Bentonville; three grandchildren and their spouses, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Alsip of Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Alsip of Springfield, Mo., Amanda Smith and her husband Blair of Springdale, five great-grandchildren, Caroline, Katelyn, Layne, Beckett and Camden; and one brother, Keith Alsip of Bryant, Ark.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6 at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Coffelt Cemetery near Vaughn, with Brother Bob Metcalf officiating.

FAYETTEVILLE — Anthony ‘Tony’ Bruce Fink, age 37, of Fayetteville passed away Monday Jan. 2, 2017. He was born Feb. 13, 1979, in Fayetteville.

He was preceded in death by his father Bill Fink.

He is survived by his mother, Sue Fink-Williams of Fayetteville; his dad, Mike Williams of Fayetteville; one brother, Travis Fink and his wife Becky of Fayetteville; three nephews, Caleb Fink, Garrett Fink and Gabriel Fink.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Moore’s Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to ARORA, 1701 Aldersgate Road, Suite 4, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, (Include your name and address and the name of the person you are honoring) or Washington County Animal Shelter, 801 W Clydesdale Dr., Fayetteville, Ark., 72701.

To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

LOWELL — Lester “Steve” Troy died Dec. 31. He was born Feb. 27, 1956, in Brinkley, Ark., to Herbert and Lavern Fowler Troy.

He was preceded in death by his wife Anita Troy, his parents, a brother Donald Ray Troy, and his grandparents Vernie and Dovie Fowler.

Survivors: Tommy Troy, Jerry Troy, Charles Troy, Brian Troy, Mickey Wilson, Sherry Troy Pledger, Edith Troy Green, Amy Savage, Allison Henry and his mother in Law Janet Tincher.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at the Trinity Full Gospel Church at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

PARIS — John Benz, of Paris died Jan. 3, 2017. Rosary is 6 p.m., Jan. 5, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paris. Mass is 10 a.m., Jan. 6, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris.

PRAIRIE GROVE — “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

Many have been credited with uttering those profound words. Kimberly “Camille” Byrd Shepherd personified them. Kimberly, of Prairie Grove, Ark., died Jan. 2 at age 56 following a long battle with brain cancer.

She had an unmatched appetite for living life at full throttle. Imagine the sun, and you get an idea how big her heart was and how brightly she shone. She was a loving and nurturing mother, wife and grandmother and had unconditional love for her siblings and parents.

Her kind and charitable nature was such that she would give anyone the proverbial shirt off her back, and provide an entire wardrobe if needed. She was angelic, caring, gentle and loving, but strong-willed, a “spitfire” if she needed to be, like a mother bear with cub – very protective of family. Kimberly could be tough when necessary, but was a Mother Theresa at heart. Quite simply, Kimberly was one of God’s most cherished children and one of the world’s most adored, loving and caring people.

Kimberly was majorette at MacArthur Junior High School in Jonesboro, Ark., and played clarinet in the band. She received the John Philip Sousa Award, the highest award given. She was an Arkansas State University graduate, and taught at two Catholic grade schools, Blessed Sacrament in Jonesboro and St. Joseph in Fayetteville.

She worked for the Fayetteville Police Department. She was active in the community, and always volunteered to help when needed.

Kimberly was born Aug. 8, 1960, in Jonesboro, Ark., and lived for the past 17 years in Prairie Grove.

She is survived by her husband, Peter, of Prairie Grove; two daughters, Valarie Shepherd and Natalie Dill (Evan), both of Fayetteville; a son, Philip, of Fayetteville; a stepson, Alex, of Boone, N.C.; a grandson, Kellan Dill; her mother, Frances Byrd, of Jonesboro, Ark.; her brother, Warren (Sammye), of Hanover, Md., and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Warren Byrd; and two sisters, Michele Byrd Hegwood and Gloria Byrd.

Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will be forever remembered. She was a wonderful person who showed love to everyone she came in contact with. She was caring and beautiful inside and out. She loved life, her family and her friends. She will be greatly missed by those she loved and those who loved her.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home in Fayetteville.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

ROGERS — Collette Bradt passed away on Christmas morning 2016 in the loving care of The Circle of Life Hospice Home in Bentonville, Ark.

Collette was born Jan. 17, 1929, in Denver, Colo., to Gail and Jewel Ireland.

A true Colorado native and daughter of a Colorado attorney general, Collette Ireland was raised in Denver, and then attended the University of Colorado in Boulder where she met her life partner for 67 years, Gordon Bradt, a veteran just returning from World War II.

They were married in Denver on Jan. 28, 1950, and then moved to Gordon’s hometown of Evanston, Ill. In Evanston and Wilmette, Collette and Gordon raised three children, Kristine, Terese and Andrew, while Gordon worked at Bell & Howell for 22 years.

In 1973, Gordon and Collette created Kinetico Inc., where they began manufacturing Gordon’s kinetic sculpture designs. This led them to Busch, Ark., in 1974, where they set up shop and built a new life for themselves manufacturing and marketing Gordon’s designs all over the world. Kinetico Studios remains active to this day.

In Busch and Eureka Springs, Collette pursued her lifelong talent as a watercolor and pastel artist. Her renditions of local buildings included the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and the Palace Hotel, paintings that are still featured today.

She was active in the community, serving as president of the Inspiration Point Volunteer Fire Association in the early 1990s and always involved in Carroll County Democratic politics. But in 2005, Collette and Gordon retired to a lakeside home in Prairie Creek, Ark., and Rogers became their new territory.

She never changed from childhood to old age. Collette had personality, heart, spirit and spunk. She enjoyed and cherished her many friends and family, who often say, “I’ve never known anyone like her before!”

Collette was preceded in death by her father and mother and her brother, Roger Ireland.

Collette is survived by her husband, Gordon Bradt, and their children, Kristine Kendrick, Terri Bradt, and Andrew Bradt. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.

ROGERS — Ronald Adrian Leverson, 78, of Rogers died Saturday at Mercy Medical Center. He was born March 17, 1938. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ronald is survived by: his lifelong companion, Sandra, one daughter, two sons, two grandsons, two granddaughters, one great-grandson. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home, Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

SPRINGDALE — Betty L. Bohannan, 78, of Springdale, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at her residence. Betty was born on Dec. 10, 1938, in Springdale, Ark., a daughter of George and Blanche (Harp) Wade.

She worked in customer service at Daisy B.B. Gun.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Floyd Bohannan; and three brothers.

Betty is survived by her son, Richard Bohannan of Springdale, Ark.; one granddaughter, Ashley Bohannan of Rogers, Ark.; three sisters, Bonnie Graham of Nob Hill, Ark., Thelma Ellis of Tontitown, Ark., and Beulah Stamps and husband Jay of Springdale, Ark.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Chapel in Springdale, Ark., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with committal service to follow at the Bluff Cemetery.

Donations can be made in her name to the Circle of Life Hospice Home, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark.

WESLEY — Barbara Emma Pickett, age 82, passed away at 8 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2016. She was at home with her family in Madison County, Ark.

Barbara is survived by her six children; Azure Skye, Valor Pickett, Noble Pickett, Honor Ali, April Ledford and Merit Pickett as well as her 14 grandchildren; Derreck, Laurel, Tammie, Kalie, Scarlett, Micah, Hanna, Lydia, Jasmine, Tess, Jude, Ember, Onyx and Zephyr and her four great-grandchildren; Amira, Vivian, Quinton and Sona.

She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

Barbara Emma Gordon was born on Jan. 30, 1934, in Rock Hill, S.C., to parents Lela Pettus and John Benjamin Gordon. She was raised in Clover, S.C., by her uncle Foy Wilson and aunt Neda Wilson, with whom she gained two siblings, Kenneth and Sharon.

She graduated from Mars Hill in 1952, where she studied music. From there, she attended Baylor University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Musical Education. She had a successful career as an opera singer for the Houston Metropolitan Opera.

Eventually, Barbara took a position with the Sacred Heart Catholic School as a choir director, organist and pianist, where she taught for many years. After her time at Sacred Heart, she continued to teach voice and piano late into her life and was an active choir leader in any and every church she was a member of.

Barbara was a cherished mother and friend. She married Charles Pickett in 1956 and the couple had six children together. A deeply spiritual woman, she created music and spread God’s love until she was taken home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her family and friends will always remember her as a kind, loving person who represented Christ in all she did.

For fun, Barbara enjoyed bird watching, cooking, crossword puzzles, traveling and learning about everything from tornadoes to sharks. She was also an unmatched card player. More than that though, she was a vibrant woman who was deeply passionate about her animals and her family. She will be greatly missed by all for her powerful prayers, wise advice and supportive acceptance of all people.

A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Grace Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2451 W. Wedington Dr., Fayetteville, Ark., 72701. A potluck reception will occur prior to the celebration of Barbara’s life and will begin at noon. All are welcome to attend.

Flowers and donations can be sent to Lydia Pickett at 890 West Lawson St., Fayetteville, Ark., 72703. Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel. com.

WINSLOW — David “Turbo” Wayne Thurber, 67, of Winslow passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, in Little Rock. He was born Oct. 15, 1949, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Leroy and Leona Courtney Thurber.

He was a Vietnam veteran serving with the U.S. Marine Corps; he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans; and a member of the NRA.

David worked in the automobile industry for over 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Thurber and his wife, Mary Thurber.

He is survived by his mother, Leona Akers of Winslow; a son, Michael Thurber of Ward, Ark., and a brother, Alan Thurber of Winslow.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at Beard’s Funeral Chapel with Ed Cowan officiating.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Shirley Dodge, 88, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Vintage Hills in Indianola, Iowa. Inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa.

Shirley was born August 28, 1928, in Charles City, Iowa, to Ralph and Vera (Wiltse) Kellogg. She was united in marriage to Kendall Dodge. Shirley and Kendall raised their family in McCook Lake, S.D., for the majority of their lives.

She was the office manager at Manpower in Sioux City. They moved to Tulsa, Okla., where they ran a dog kennel and then moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they lived for about 25 years before moving to be near their daughter in Indianola.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Leming; son, Steven (Kara); grandsons, Robb (Amy), Adam (Melissa) and Dustin; great-grandsons, Nick and Carter; and great-granddaughter, Kaitlinn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kendall Dodge and son-in-law Ron Leming.

Online condolences may be made at www.overtonfunerals.com.

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Elaine Elisabeth Wilson of Broken Arrow, Okla., formerly from Siloam Springs, Ark., died Dec. 30, 2016.

She was married to the late Richard G. Wilson Sr. who passed in 1994.

Elaine served as Library Administrator for 25 years, as well as the president of the hospital auxiliary for two terms.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, Robert M. and Mary A. Foss, and great-grandchild, Falon Davis.

Elaine is survived by daughter, Debra Brown (Rick), son, Richard “Ric” G. Wilson II (Debbie); grandchildren, Nicole Philpot (Wes), Robin Tomlinson (Jimmy), Jamie Wilson and Elisabeth Wilson; great-grandchildren, Colton Philpot and Taryn Philpot; and great-great-granddaughter, Eden. Brothers, Robert Foss, Stephen Keohane, Paul Keohane and sisters, Sharon Del’carpini, Barbara Zorba, and Margaret Smith.

Private family services.