Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Edith Fisher, 82, of Bella Vista died Saturday at Mercy Medical Center. She worked in banking many years. She moved to Northwest Arkansas from California. She loved garage selling, golf, and playing cards. Survivors: husband Gerald Fisher, and daughter; Carrie Lowden. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

BELLA VISTA — Harry Francis Whalen, 96 years of age, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, in Bella Vista, Ark. He was born Aug. 4, 1920, in Steelville, Mo., to Guy Francis Whalen and Addie Mae Halbert Whalen.

In 1963, he married Hilda Pauline Glynn, who survives of the home.

Harry was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy Aviation, serving from Oct. 7, 1942, to Dec. 1, 1945. He was an aviation machinest mate 2nd class. He trained at Naval Air Station St. Louis, Mo., Seattle and Whidbey Island, Washington. He saw duty in Admiralty Islands and the Philippines in the South Pacific.

He worked for Marathon Company out of Neenah-Menasha, Wis., for 28 years as an account executive. The company had several mergers, first to Dixie Marathon, James River Co. and then to American Can Co. He was transferred many times, first to Atlanta, Ga., Chicago, Ill., Kansas City, Mo., Louisville, Ky., Denver, Colo., and back to Kansas City, Mo., before retiring to Bella Vista, Ark.

He was a member of the Bella Vista Baptist Church and a strong believer in God.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Henrietta Irene Whalen and Erma Gladeen Whalen; and brother, Guy Patrick Whalen.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Hilda Whalen of Bella Vista, Ark.; sister-inlaw, Norma Whalen of Sullivan, Mo.; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in the Steelville Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Farr officiating.

The family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Mo.

FAYETTEVILLE — Henry Eugene “Gene” Davis, age 73, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at his home. He was born Jan. 12, 1944, in Fayetteville, the son of Raymond and Jewel Irene Ledford Davis.

He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1962.

He was an employee of Southwestern Bell, retiring after 36 years.

He was also an employee of Arvest Bank for 10 years, and a driver for Fayetteville Auto Park for two years. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for two years.

He was a lifelong fisherman and bowler where he was a member of the Men’s Bowling Association.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jacque Davis; a brother, Ray Davis and his wife Joyce of Fayetteville; a nephew, Duane Davis and a niece, Trinda Wood.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Thursday at Moore’s Chapel followed by burial in Mount Olive Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 92 W. Sunbridge, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703.

To sign the online guest book, visit www. moores funeralchapel.com.

HARRISON — Joe Glenn Smith, age 83, of Harrison, died Feb. 25, 2017. Funeral is 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home; visitation an hour prior to service. Joe is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Corey and Sharon Smith; and a grandson, Dawson Smith. Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes. com/ harrison.

HUNTSVILLE — Reverend William “Willie” Riley Foster, 88, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. He was born to Jesse Alfred Foster and Jessie Irene (Tackett) Foster in the Moore community near Berryville, Ark., on Feb. 15, 1929.

Soon after, they moved to the Marble area where Willie attended grade school at the Big Sandy schoolhouse. He attended school through the seventh grade when he began working on the family farm.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and spent 18 months in Korea building bridges with the engineering corps.

After his release, he married the love of his life, Dorothea Marie Evans. They had two sons, James and Martin. He was ordained as an Assembly of God minister in 1974 and spent the remainder of his life pastoring various churches and serving the Lord.

He supported his family as a skilled carpenter, and always grew a large enough garden to feed anyone who needed help. He loved his family and his dog, Daisy.

Willie was preceded in death by both parents, Jesse Alfred Foster and Jessie Irene (Tackett) Foster, one son, James Alfred Foster, one sister, Edna Pearl ( Foster) Spradling, three brothers, Johnie Foster, Archie Foster, and Chet Foster.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothea Marie (Evans) Foster of Marble, Ark., two brothers, Noel Foster of Marble, and Kenith Foster of Lenore, Idaho, one son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Traci Foster of Marble, Ark., one daughter-in-law, Marie Mclemore of Pierce City, Mo., one former daughter-inlaw, Brenda Holt of Kingston, granddaughter, Joyce Childress (Ryan) of Pierce City, Mo., grandson, Jason Foster ( Hui) of Fort Smith, Ark., granddaughter Rachel Wilson (Kyle) of Conway, Ark., granddaughter, Jessica Born (Thomas) of Marble, Ark., five great- grandchildren, Alexis Neumann, Landon and Riley Born, Parker and Luke Wilson.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at Brashears Funeral Home in Huntsville, Ark., with Pastors Ryan Stokes, Dwain Houston, and Bo Bailey officiating.

Pallbearers will be Clyde Foster, Doug Foster, Jason Foster, Ryan Childress, Kyle Wilson, and Thomas Born. Honorary pallbearers will be friends of the Church.

A graveside service will be held immediately following at Big Sandy Cemetery, with a dinner for family and friends at the Big Sandy church.

Arrangements by Brashears Funeral Home, www. brashearsfuneralhome.net of Huntsville.

MOSSVILLE — Frances Proctor, age 91, a resident of Mossville, Ark., passed from this life peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, Ark.

Frances was born at Mount Judea, Ark., to George Washington and Ada ( Harp) Greenhaw on Oct. 27, 1925. She attended and was a faithful member of the Deer Church of Christ for 70 years and a lifelong resident of Newton County, never wanting to leave.

She would say “why would you want to move if you live in the best and most beautiful part of the country?”

Frances was known for her faith and love for God, her generosity and kindness to those she met, good cooking, ability to raise a beautiful garden, fruit orchard, canning and preserving the fruits of her labor and her beautiful flowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son Ray Proctor; sister, Nima Martin and brother Osie Greenhaw.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Earl Proctor of the home; son, Gary and Jewell Proctor of Lincoln, Ark.; daughter, Sandra and Stanley Perry of Prairie Grove, Ark.; daughter-in-law, Joyce Proctor of Elkins, Ark.; five grandchildren, Dana Proctor, Darin Proctor, Whitney Perry, Britney Faddis and Stanley Perry; two great-grandchildren, Denim Proctor and Berkley Perry; two sisters, Ina Middleton of Vendor, Ark., and Mildred Williams of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; brother- inlaw and sister-in-law, Junior and Marie Proctor of Shiloh, Ark.; caregivers, Donna and Leslie Daniels; neighbor who was always there in time of need Spanky Woods; many nieces, nephews and family who will dearly miss her.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at Mossville Church with Kelly Woods and Anthony McCutcheon officiating.

Final resting place will be in the Mossville Cemetery under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Jasper.

Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper.

Pallbearers will be Darin Proctor, Eric Proctor, Robert Janes, Greg Hames, Hank Faddis and Spanky Woods. Honorary pallbearers will be Alton Fonville, Chester Adams, Leroy Adams, Joe Cowell, Dustin Cowell, Arvie Heydenreich, David Heydenreich and Greyson Woods.

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

MT. JUDEA — Carl Louis Cook of Mount Judea, Ark., passed from this life on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at Cox Health South Hospital in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 75.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at the Mount Judea Gymnasium.

Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at Holt Memorial Chapel in Harrison, Ark.

He was born Aug. 24, 1941, in Mount Judea to the late Beecher Franklin & Wilsie Ann (Hefley) Cook.

A lifelong resident of Mount Judea, Carl L. Cook graduated from Mount Judea High School in 1959 and then graduated from Arkansas Polytechnical College (Arkansas Tech University) with bachelor’s degrees in physical education and social studies.

Upon graduation, he took a job at Mount Judea High School where he was employed as basketball coach and history teacher from 1962 to 1966.

In 1967, he was appointed to the position of director of the welfare department in Newton County.

In 1977, he returned to education as the basketball coach and history teacher at Deer High School. He later returned to Mount Judea High School, where he coached basketball and taught history, social studies, and economics from 1982 to the present day.

He was most known for his success as basketball coach at Mount Judea & Deer High Schools, where he gained a reputation as a fiery, passionate presence on the sidelines.

He was an avid farmer who spent much of time his time tending to his Angus cattle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, James Frederick & Nervie Ann (Criner) Cook and Elmer & Viola Hefley; and his brother-in-law Shelvon Lee Gregory.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Linda ( Johnson) Talbert, of Ozark, Ark.; his son, Craig Lewis Cook and wife Melinda Jo (Bryant) Cook and his two granddaughters, Jayden Jo Cook and Cassandra LouAnn Cook of Ozark; his son Rodney Alan Cook of Tamuing, Guam; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Lina Jean Gregory, Judy Ann Cook-Campbell, and Ronnie David Campbell of Mount Judea; and one nephew, Brinkley Beecher Cook-Campbell of Mount Judea.

Pallbearers will be Brinkley Cook-Campbell, Dusty Middleton, Elvis Middleton, Mack Cook, Joe Cook, Kevin Cook, Scottie Smith, and Warren Campbell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Murl Bryant, Ronnie Campbell, Jimmy Holt, Cecil Royce, Carl Royce, Rocky Nichols, Sam Dye, Billy Shatwell, and the staff and students at Mount Judea School as well as all of his former ballplayers, students, coworkers, and friends.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mount Judea Athletic Fund.

ROGERS — Bonnie Jean Cope Sandoval Abi- Hanna of Rogers passed away on Feb. 23, 2017. She was born on Oct. 18, 1950, in Las Vegas, N.M., to Lester Joe and Naoma Eileen Cope.

Bonnie will be remembered because once you met her she was hard to forget. She was an artist and an animal enthusiast, especially birds and dogs. She was passionate about people, too, and cared for those who couldn’t care for themselves.

During her time in Flagstaff, Ariz., she operated her own Mediterranean restaurant. She was a graduate of Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M.

Bonnie was a complex woman who loved conversation and debate. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her mother; her sons, Erth Sandoval, Skye Sandoval, Forrest Hair; three grandsons; brothers, Cam and Clifford Cope; sisters, Tammy Evans, Shannon Pool; her dogs, Alex, Lillie, Echo Peco; many pet birds; and many loving neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, and a brother, Guy Cope.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.

A graveside service will follow at noon in Walnut Hill Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her father.

SPRINGDALE — Bruce Edward Griffith, 64, of Springdale, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at his home. He was born Feb. 24, 1953, in Hindsville to Clet Edward and Virginia Marie (Ferguson) Daniels Griffith.

Bruce loved spending time with his grandchildren and singing karaoke.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Trisha; one son, Allen Griffith; one brother, Scott Griffith and wife Lisa; three sisters, Connie Davidson, Sandy Treat and husband Odeal, Faye Hancock and husband Junior, all of Springdale; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Jeff and Clet Griffith.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Colbaugh Cemetery in Hindsville.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Heritage Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.heritageofnwa.com.

SPRINGDALE — Misty Michelle Hensley, 36, of Springdale died Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at her home. She was born July 4, 1980, in Oklahoma City to Jackie Wayne and Theresa Eileen Ivers Hensley. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home followed by cremation.

SPRINGDALE — Jo L. Shreve, 93, of Springdale, Ark. passed away Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, in Fayetteville. She was born Sept. 27, 1923, in Fayetteville, Ark., to Joseph Lehman and Ella (Price) Lehman.

She was a homemaker, a Pentecostal, and loving mother, wife and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Shreve and son Harold Shreve Jr.

She is survived by two daughters, Ruth Baker of Fayetteville, Ark., Tricia Main of Springdale, Ark., and four grandchildren. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.

NEW WAVERLY, Texas — Shirley Jacqueline Swaim Stancil was born March 3, 1929, and had an amazing life until her death on Feb. 25, 2017.

Shirley was very proud of her career in education. She was a counselor at Central High School during the crisis of integration. She was one of the few who were fired by the segregationist school board for supporting integration. But then rehired by the court system.

She was an associate superintendent in charge of pupil personal in the Little Rock Public School District. She retired from the Arkansas State Department of Education as an associate commissioner in charge of human resources.

In her childhood years, she served as Governor’s page during her father’s legislate sessions.

Shirley was raised in St. Paul in the Ozarks. She received her B. S. from ASU, her master’s from UA, and received her specialist degree from Harvard.

Shirley had a passion for health and nutrition. She spent many hours reading the most current research. She was years before her time on living a clean healthy lifestyle. One of her favorite pieces of advice was, “Take care of yourself.”

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lennie and Curtis Swaim, and her brother, Dr. Terry Swaim and his wife Maggie.

She is survived by her brother and his wife of Los Cruises, N.M., Jerry and Margaret Swaim, her son, Hal Kendal Stancil, her daughter and son- in- law, Susan and Randy Koonce of New Waverly, Texas. There are three granddaughters; Sally Cooksey and her husband, Sean Cooksey of Bossier City, La., Genilyn Koonce of New Waverly, Texas, Leslie Skelton and her husband Greg of Rogers, Ark. Her great grandchildren are Cash and Kinley Glaze and Caleb Skelton.

Shirley had many good friends because she was a very good friend.

The family would like to acknowledge special friendships with June Walker and Jon and Pricilla Youngblood.