Obituaries

BENTONVILLE — Thomas Oliver Kaetzer,

infant son of O’Neal Chadwick Kaetzer and Eileen Marie (Heulitt) Kaetzer entered this world as well as God’s arms on March 29, 2017.

He is survived by his parents, his maternal grandparents, Dr. Mark Heulitt and Effie Heulitt, paternal grandparents, Thomas and Catherine Kaetzer, maternal great grandmother, Rose Heulitt, and paternal great grandfather, Robert O’Neal Chadwick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Friday, March 31 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville. Private burial services will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville.

To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelson berna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Tom Lutz rode on ahead March 28, 2017, from the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born in Wichita, Kan., on Feb. 19, 1939, to Scott T. Lutz and Mary Ruth Courtney Lutz.

Tom graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1961 and moved west to purse his acting career. He left acting to partner in a cue card business in Los Angeles and later became a writer for 15 years for Hee

Haw, the weekly television comedy show.

After leaving show business, he learned the oil business from his father and successfully drilled wells in western Kansas. This allowed him to pursue his passion for architecture and design. He built and remodeled over a dozen homes for friends and family in Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas and Arizona.

He is survived by his wife Lisa Morgan Lutz and his sister, Marguerite Jean Lutz of Fayetteville.

Tom’s wishes were for no services to be held at his passing. Besides being a wonderful friend, loving husband and brother and all-around great guy, he always left a smile behind. He cherished and nurtured his many friendships from his school days to as recently as last week.

Special thanks must go to his closest friend, Eric Sherwood for always being there for Tom and to the excellent care he and his family received from the Willard Walker Hospice Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be sent to the Fay Jones School of Architecture and design (checks payable to the University of Arkansas Foundation), 120 Vol Walker Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701, and the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E Longview St. Fayetteville, Ark., 72703. To sign the online guest book visit www. mooresfuneral chapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Rita

“Susie” Royal, 68, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away March 22, 2017.

She loved to color, and enjoyed camping and fishing in the outdoors. Susie was a devoted wife and mother and friend, and her grandchildren were her absolute joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Mary Davis; brothers, Michael and Steve Davis. Surviving are husband of 40 years, Richard; daughters, Ashley Grise and husband Richard of Hot Springs Village, Meghan Shelton and husband Mark of Farmington; grandchildren, Noah Grise, Simon Grise, Corbin Shelton, Grayson Shelton, Addison Shelton, Hudson Shelton.

A memorial service will be held 11 o’clock, Saturday, April 1, in the chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Downs Syndrome Society ( ndss. org). Condolences may be given online at www. nelsonberna.com.

HIGHFILL — MariAnn

Louise Koop Tosta, 73-yearold resident of Highfill, Ark., went to be with our Lord Jesus on March 28, 2017, at Earline Howard Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. Born Sept. 2, 1943, in Turlock, Calif., she was the daughter of Elmer Koop, Sr. and Elsie Louise Wedel Koop.

She graduated from Turlock High School. MariAnn married Frank “Lefty” Tosta on Sept. 10, 1966, in Reno, Nev. In 1991, they moved to their new home and ranch in Arkansas. MariAnn loved her horses, her cattle, and gardening. She did not mind getting her hands dirty, working in her flower beds and landscaping around her home. Though she was a hard worker, she also liked pretty things and never went out of the house without her makeup.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lefty Tosta; and her parents, Elmer Koop, Sr. and Elsie Louise Wedel Koop.

She is survived by one son, Steven Tosta and wife Korinne of Decatur, Ark.; three grandchildren, Jamie Tosta of Highfill, Cody Tosta of Decatur, and Jessica Farmer of Decatur; eight great grandchildren; three brothers, Elmer Koop, Jr. of Oregon, Johnny Koop of Gentry, Ark., and Warren Koop of Maysville, Ark.; and three sisters, JoAnna Koop of Gentry, Becky Donaldson of Springdale, Ark., and Judy Donohew of Maysville.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2017, at Gentry Cemetery, Gentry, Ark., with Pastor Karl Roten officiating. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wasson funeralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark.

JONESBORO —

Brittany Marie Thorne,

age 33, of Jonesboro, Ark., passed away March 27, 2017, at Tilton, Ark. Born Sept. 25, 1983 in Houston, Texas, she was the daughter of Tom L. Thorne Sr. and Deborah Little Wixson.

Brittany loved nature and being in the outdoors. Her hobbies included writing poetry and writing in general. She was preceded in death by one brother, Tom Logan Thorne, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory is her mother and father, Deborah Wixson (Ward) and Tom L. Thorne; three daughters, Abigal Marie Cloyd of Hot Springs, S. D., Morgan Lynn Wixon of Drasco, Ark., and Faith Elise Thorne of Jonesboro, Ark.; Grandmother, Polly Henson Little of Jonesboro, Ark.; a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and many friends.

No services have been planned at this time. Arrangements are by Heber Springs Funeral Home, 501-887-9152. Online obituary: www.heber springsfuneralhome.com.

ROGERS — Elmer L.

Gray, 74, of Rogers, passed away March 28, 2017. He was born May 7, 1942, in Hockley County, Texas, to Homer and Ollie Henderson Gray. Survivors two daughters Sonja Gray and Shelly Bennett; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers.

ROGERS — Agnes

Elnetta Yates, resident of Rogers, Ark., was born Dec. 3, 1943, in Kansas City, Kan., daughter of Rubin Robert Alderman and Evelyn ( Bedsoul) Tribble. She departed this life Friday, March 24, 2017, in Bentonville, Ark., at the age of 73.

Agnes was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Eureka Springs, Ark.

On May 29, 1965, she was united in marriage with Carl Eugene Yates, Sr., who survives her. She is also survived by her sons, Lloyd Yates and wife, Theresa, of Odenton, Md.; Carl Yates, Jr. and wife, Mary of Huntsville, Ark.; granddaughter, Rebecca Snyder and husband, Justin of Shady Side, Md.; grandsons, Trevor Yates, David Yates, and Carl Anthony Yates; brothers, Bob Alderman and wife, Shirley; Larry Alderman and wife, Beth; Doug Tribble and wife, Sherry; and Brian Tribble; sisters, Cindy McDowel and husband, Dan; Carley Prettyman and husband, Larry; Stephanie Elliott and husband, David; Lila Harbit and husband, Hollis; Betty Collins and husband, Tom; brotherin-laws, Tony Yates and wife, Kay; Jim Yates and wife, Linda; and Miles Yates and wife Georgia; sister-in-laws, June Fort; Joan Fort; Virginia Case, and husband, Tommy; Betty Wilson and husband, Rick; Margaret Yates; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Rubin Alderman, brother-in-laws, Billy Yates, John Yates, Marvin Fort, and Wendel Fort; sisterin-law, Martha Yates.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m.; Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Nelson’s Chapel of the Springs, Eureka Springs, Ark. Funeral service will be 10:30 a. m., Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the First Assembly of God Church, Eureka Springs. Interment will follow the service at Clifty Cemetery, Clifty, Ark. under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Clifty Cemetery, 171 Madison 8200, Huntsville, Ark., 72740. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral. com.

SILOAM SPRINGS —

Tanna Marie Eiland, 21, died on Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., following a sudden illness. She was born on Oct. 2, 1995, to Greg and Patti Eiland of Siloam Springs, Ark.

A 2014 graduate of Siloam Springs High School, she was a junior at the University of Arkansas where she was majoring in English composition. She planned to pursue a career as a librarian.

Since the age of 12, Tanna was involved in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and was a member of the Siloam Springs Rainbow Assembly. She held numerous local and state offices, and was named the 2015 Rainbow Girl of the Year, for the Grand Assembly of Arkansas.

She loved reading and spending time outdoors hiking and climbing. Most recently she started playing wallyball with friends at the UofA.

Tanna lived life “out loud, very loud” with a passion for people. She was known for her quirky sense of humor and always ended phone conversations and text messages with “I Love You,” along with green hearts. Her life verses included Philippians 4:13 and Proverbs 3:5-7, which highlighted her desire to live a faith-filled life. She attended Cross Church of Fayetteville. Tanna was preceded in death by her grandfather, M.L. (Moose) Van Poucke.

Survivors include her parents and sister, Tabitha, all of Siloam Springs; grandparents: Nancy Van Poucke, Springdale, Bill and Thelma Eiland, Wesley, and Mildred and Leon Roach, Fayetteville; nine aunts and uncles: Vicki (Ron) Metsers, Mountain View, California, Kathy (Mike) Murray, Cincinnati, Billie Scott (Stephanie) Eiland, Elkins, Kevin (Stephanie), and Mark (Jessica) Eiland, all of Wesley, Cody Eiland (Hailey), West Fork, Aaron Coker, Rogers, and Jordan Kemp, Fort Smith, and numerous cousins, including, Krisi Metsers of Fayetteville, Ark.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2017, at First Baptist Church, Siloam Springs, Ark. To sign the online guestbook, visit www. wassonfuneralhome. com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Northwest Arkansas, the Siloam Springs Rainbow Assembly, or Siloam Springs Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.

SPRINGDALE — Juanita

Fay Finerty, 83, of Springdale, went to be with her Lord Monday, March 27, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice. She was born May 6, 1933, in Marysville, Calif., to Edmond and Juanita (Lipe) Shutte. Juanita loved her garden and flowers.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Dorald Finerty. She is survived by one daughter, Glenda Richards and husband Dennis of Springdale; one sister, Helen Griffin of Springdale; two brothers, William Shutte of Coffeyville, Kan., Ronnie Shutte of Collinsville, Okla.; two granddaughters, Angie Grinder and husband Greg of Springdale, Kimberly Ward and husband David of Elkins; four great-granddaughters, one great-greatgrandson, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at Heritage Funeral Home. A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Benton County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, Ark., 72762, or the Lester Howick Animal Shelter of Washington County, 801 W. Clydesdale Drive, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701.

The family wishes to thank all of the physicians, nurses and staff that cared for Juanita throughout her last days.

SPRINGDALE — Clifford

Lewis Riggins Jr, of Springdale, A rk . , born Aug. 14, 1933 in Watonga, Okla., to Clifford Louis Riggins and Julia Irene Jaro Riggins of Springdale, Ark. He left peacefully to be with the good Lord on March 28, 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 65 1/2 years Alice Ann Hickman Riggins, a daughter, Shirley F. Henslin of Lowell, a son, Clifford Lewis Riggins III of Springdale. Eleven grandchildren: Kisha Farr, Dennis Russi, Misty Harvell, Brittney Willis, Clifford Lewis Riggins IV, Tiffany Riggins, Cortney Riggins, Andrew Riggins, Ellie Paige Riggins, Aiden Riggins and Owen Riggins all of Springdale. Thirteen great- grandchildren: Blake Brewer, Lauren Watkins, Christian Fowler, Madison Brewer, Braden Fowler, Montana Farr, Corbin Williamson, Chloe Williamson, Carli Williamson and Jaci Lynn Williamson. Brooklyn Willis and Joshua Willis Jr of Bakersfield, Calif. Four great-great-grandchildren: Brody Brock, and Bronx, Watkins and Ellison Brewer of Lowell, Ark. Three brothers: James L. “Jim” Riggins of Springdale, Robert L. “Bob” Riggins of Fayetteville, Donald W. “Donnie” Riggins of Lincoln, one sister: Mary Ann Hunt of Rogers and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother John William Riggins, one sister Billie Dean Powers, one great granddaughter Raylyn Anderson of Springdale.

He was a very passionate man. As a young boy he worked on the family farm and as a hand for local farmers. At the age of 17 he met his future bride at the Springdale skating rink. They were married Aug. 14, 1951.

As a young man he worked at Heekin Can Company and Welch’s. He owned and drove dump trucks and a gas station in Seattle Washington. He pulled and set up trailer homes. He purchased his first truck in the early 1950s.

In 1956, he started Riggins Trucking in Springdale, Ark. Trucking was his life. Anyone who knew him has a story to tell.

He will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. He was a loving husband, exceptional father, doting grandfather, loving brother and a loyal friend. He was often stubborn and hard headed. He was a hard worker and a very kind hearted man. He was always there when you needed him the most. He never gave up and he always fought for what he believed in.

Today we are celebrating his life and a new beginning with the Lord. He opened his heart to God and is where God wants him to be. He would say “don’t be sad, trust in God, be happy for things as they are, and what is meant to be.” For his final journey which is just beginning he is in God’s hands.

Graveside services will be Friday, March 31, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Zion Cemetery with Pastor Joe Dorman officiating. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.