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 — James

Arthur “Jim” Ryan, 87, of Bella Vista passed away quietly at his home on Thursday, April 13. He was born on Feb. 1, 1930, in St. Paul, Minn., to the late James A. Ryan and Gladys Neal Ryan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Ryan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Neaomie Ryan of Bella Vista, and was blessed to live in a sorority house, as he loving referred to his two daughters, Diana Holmes, and husband Dinnis of Lowell and Linda Look, and husband Danny of Bella Vista. He enjoyed his five grandchildren, Misty Garvin, and husband Shawn, of Keller, Texas, Angela Sockrider of Bentonville, Heather Hall of Fayetteville, Chantel Dunson of Bentonville, and Justin Sockrider and wife Elizabeth, of Bella Vista. Great-grandchildren, Nathen Stines, Brooke Stines, Dylan Garvin, Zoe Griffis, Brandon Dunson, Vanessa Reding and Lyric Coty. And was blessed to see five generations when his two great-great granddaughters, Kendra Stines and Daisy Ashford, both of Bentonville, were born.

He loved plying his craft as a tool and die maker for over 30 years, but also owned several farms in Redkey, Ind., because he, “wanted to learn all about farming” before he and his wife moved to Bentonville. He enjoyed dabbling in real estate at Countryside Realty in Bentonville, which him and his wife owned for almost 20 years.

Jim proudly served in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, Calif., on the USS Carmick, a DMS33 Destroyer. He was a 32nd degree Mason and served as a Past Master Mason of the local lodge in Redkey, Ind. He was a longtime member of the New Life Christian Church (formerly the First Christian Church) in Bella Vista, and served as an Elder there for several years. He loved working hand in hand with his fellow Rotarians within the Bentonville community, and also served as President. He was an active Shriner and served as a 2nd Vice President at the local Bentonville Shriners Club. He also served as Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, alongside of his wife, Neaomie, who was serving as Worthy Matron at the time, also in Redkey, Indiana.

Jim would always chuckle and say he played “at” golf, loved tinkering around in his woodshop, and was an avid Arkansas Razorback basketball fan. His quick wit and funny quips will be sorely missed by his family and friends, he was deeply loved.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 18, from 5–7 p.m. at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. His family will celebrate his life on Wednesday, April 19, at 2 p.m. at New Life Christian Church, 103 Riordan Road in Bella Vista, with the interment to follow in Bella Vista Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are under the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. www.CallisonLough.com.

BELLA VISTA — Robert F. Van Etta was born Sept. 28, 1924. He was the oldest son of Dr. Michael and Jean Van Etta.

He was raised in Cook, Minn., where his father practiced dentistry. He was valedictorian of the Class of 1943 and played basketball and was named to the All County team. Upon graduation, he began college at Virginia Junior College and then served during World War II as a seaman in the Navy. While attending the Navy Radio and Telegraph school in Detroit, he met his future wife, Luella “Lee” Pauline Quinn at the USO. After the war, he returned to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in 1950.

Dr. Van Etta re-enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and this time served as a dentist. While in the service his eldest son, John, was born followed two years later by Robert II. After completion of his military service, the family moved to Ely, Minn., where he established his dental practice. Their third son, Thomas, was born in Ely. Dr. Van Etta practiced his entire career in Ely until his retirement in 1989. In addition to his practice, he was also a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Ely School Board, Vermilion Community College Advisory Board, the Ely Airport Commission, the American Legion, VFW, Moose, and Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing and was a champion trap shooter.

Following retirement, the Van Ettas moved to Bella Vista, Ark. They continued their enjoyment of playing golf for many years. They developed many close friends. They had been married for 56 years when Lee passed away in 2003. Dr. Van Etta continued to remain active, residing independently in his home, attending Mass each week at St. Bernard’s, as well as driving several friends to Mass weekly. He also continued to play bridge and poker. He was an active reader and more recently enjoyed reading on his iPad where he also had his Facebook page.

Dr. Van Etta passed away March 16, 2017, at the Circle of Life Hospice. He is survived by his three sons: Dr. John (Dr. Linda) Van Etta, Robert F. Van Etta II and Thomas (Leah Anne) Van Etta. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren: Kathryn Van Etta-Olson (Matthew Olson), Robert F. Van Etta III, Matthew Van Etta, Hannah Babcock and John David Babcock and three great-grandchildren: Thomas Olson, Robert Van Etta IV and Michael Van Etta.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista, on Friday, April 21, at 10 a.m. Memorials may be sent to the Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, Ark. 72712.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation.com.

BENTONVILLE —

Russell Lee Bonacker died April 9 at Legacy Circle of Life Hospice at the age of 93. He was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Aug. 28, 1923, to William and Sarah (Gustafson) Bonacker.

After graduation, he was drafted into the Army during WWII and served as a combat medic for three years. He was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge serving under General Patton. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals. Russ served proudly because he believed he was sent to fight a necessary war for the future of our nation.

After being honorably discharged, Russ worked as funeral director. He later became a pharmaceutical salesman for Dow Chemical Company where he worked for 30 years, twice earning Salesman of the Year.

In 1979, he moved his family to NWA. He never regretted taking early retirement and discovered there were many opportunities for community involvement, with endeavors of the church always taking precedence. He especially liked the opportunity to tell others how Jesus Christ had changed his life.

His priorities in life were God, country and family. He enjoyed making people laugh and was always ready with a joke or story. He never met a stranger or failed to clean his plate… or yours.

His favorite news commentator was Paul Harvey whose quotation “to leave the woodpile a little higher than I found it” motivated him to help others. He would help move, paint homes, provide transportation, share food or financial aid. His favorite activities were: flying his plane, hunting, fishing, fly tying, gardening, hot air balloons, archeological digs, spelunking, stained glass work, baking bread, grilling and RV travel.

He and his wife visited several countries through the years to work on Christian schools and churches. He enjoyed volunteering at: SOWERs, Recycling Center, Village House, Salvation Army (establishing the kettle program in Bella Vista), Crime Watch, Horses for Healing, 25 years in the Phillips Classic/Cancer Challenge golf tournament, local speaking engagements about WWII experiences, volunteer deputy for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, volunteer firefighter for the Bella Vista Fire Department, Republican County Committee, NRA, VFW, the DAV and the American Legion. For many years he served on the Honor Guard for countless funerals of other veterans. In 2015 he was invited to be Grand Marshal in the Bella Vista Patriots’ July Fourth Parade.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Earl Bonacker and Glenn Bonacker; and his daughter, Wendy Louise Bonacker.

Survivors are his wife Louise; son Kirk (wife Paula); granddaughter Wendy Bonacker; sister Viola Rice; two nephews; and two nieces.

A private committal for the immediate family was held at Benton County Memorial Cemetery. A service to celebrate Russ’ life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Bella Vista Baptist Church with Pastor Mike McCauley presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the BV Baptist Church, Circle of Life Hospice or any veteran’s organization. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

BENTONVILLE —

Verna Helmick, 94, of Bentonville, Ark., died April 14, 2017, at Bradford House Nursing and Rehab, Bentonville, Ark. Born Aug. 1, 1922, in Spring Coulee, Alberta, Canada, she was the daughter of Paul Boettcher and Lillian (Nelson) Boettcher.

Verna and Fred Helmick were married and she was a homemaker.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, granddaughter Jeri, great-granddaughter, four sisters and one brother.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Mendham of Fredrick town, Mo.; grandsons, Scott Mendham and wife Cheryl of Lowell, Ark., and Ernie Hert of Fredricktown, Mo.; three great-grandchildren, Keifer, Ernie and Samantha; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beverly Caldwell and Dale NcNelly.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2017, at Gentry Cemetery, Gentry, Ark.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark.

BENTONVILLE — Mrs.

Beverly Slauson, 73, of Rogers, passed away Thursday, April 13, at the Bradford House in Bentonville. She was born July 30, 1943, in Stamford, N.Y., to Roy and Pauline Collins.

She loved spending time with her family, going to high school football games and McDonald’s.

Mrs. Slauson was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Flossie and Guy Merwin; husband of 48 years, Vergil M. Slauson; brother, James Roach; sister, Candice DeBias; granddaughter, Megan Neely.

Mrs. Slauson is survived by her son, Edward Slauson, wife Karen, grandson, Joshua of Florida; daughter, Patricia Neely, husband Dale, grandchildren, Eryn and Benjamin of Rogers; stepdaughter, Janet Cladwell, husband Bob of Florida; granddaughter, April Willard, husband Dale, two great-granddaughters, Jessie and Lauren, of Florida; stepson, Scott Slauson of Florida; sisters, Melissa Collins and family, Brenda Bower and family, all of Bloomville; brothers, Jerry Reynold and family of Florida; Roy Collins Jr. and family of Bloomville; Aunt Carol Miller of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark.

EUREKA SPRINGS —

Peggy Lynn Messenger,

68, of Eureka Springs passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Springdale. She was born on Nov. 11, 1948, in San Diego, Calif., to Sheldon and Cora Kivz Grindstad. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Tracy Lynn Messenger and her sister, Judy Starky.

She is survived by her loving husband, Randall of the home; her daughter, Amy Zirkelbach of Tygard, Ore.; her son, Brian Messenger of El Cahon, Calif.; and her sister, Sandra Britt of Santee, Calif.

A memorial service will be held in California at a later date.

Condolences may be given online at www.nelsonberna.com.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE —

Melba King Adams, age 91, of Fayetteville peacefully passed away Monday, April 10, 2017, at Jamestown Nursing Home in Rogers. She was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Elkins to Adolph and Myrtle Clark King and was a lifelong resident of Northwest Arkansas.

Despite being raised during the hardship of the Depression, our Boppy had a very happy childhood in Elkins surrounded by a passel of beloved cousins, siblings and country friends. She enjoyed many grand adventures which were often retold in later years with delight and perhaps the slightest hint of embellishment to her enraptured listeners.

As she matured, her quick wit and striking beauty was undeniable, turning the heads of many a young man, not the least of which was a handsome Marine who just happened to be home on leave from the war in the Pacific. After a whirlwind three week courtship, she eloped with our Papaw, Ward K. Adams, on April 3, 1944, a seemingly rash decision that resulted in a loving union that would last over 70 years until Ward’s death in May of 2014.

Boppy had many varied talents and interests throughout her life. She had the magic touch when it came to growing flowers. She enjoyed fishing for crappie in the spring at Pinhook, quick jaunts to the Missouri line for scratch-off tickets, and frequent trips with Ward to Hot Springs during racing season. Her ability to handicap race horses was legendary and quite profitable.

She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed hosting Saturday night music parties or card games with friends at her home. She prided herself in being an active Senior Democrat and championing for women’s equality. She was quite pleased that she was able to live long enough to vote for a woman for President and equally discouraged that it didn’t happen years ago. She made many beautiful quilts, was a voracious reader, and was one of the best cooks in town, widely celebrated for her pies with the amazingly flaky crust.

Boppy loved fiercely, argued vehemently, laughed heartily, and lived passionately. She was epic and we will miss her. She is survived by her three handsome sons and their beautiful wives, David and Holly of Frederick, Colo., Gil and Judi of Tulsa, Okla., and Marty and Pam of Iowa City, Iowa.

She is also survived by her loving daughter, Kay and her husband Terry Weiderhaft of Rogers as well as her two brothers, Harold King of Troy, Mich., and Gary King and wife Mary of Springdale, Ark., and her sister, Jane and husband Wilton Bonnell of Fayetteville. Boppy leaves behind her much-loved nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren all of whom she is convinced will rule the world.

The family would like to thank the caretakers at Jamestown Nursing Home in Rogers for their loving end of life care. The family would especially like to acknowledge the devotion, love, and support provided to both Miss Melba and Mr Ward by Miguel and Elba Martinez for the last 10 years. “Tu Familia es nuestra familia”

Visitation will be 5–7 p.m. Monday April 17, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Moore’s Chapel with burial to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

Memorials contributions may be made to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72202, or Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762. To place an online tribute visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Horst

Gustav Brinker passed from this life on Wednesday April 12, 2017, in Fayetteville. He was born on March 29, 1955, to Elli and Wilheim Brinker in Dusseldorf, Germany.

He is survived by his wife Debra DuBois-Brinker, of the home; his brother, Juergen Brinker and wife Maureen of California; and his sister, Inge Fisher, of Berlin, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Reiner and Hans and his parents.

His family immigrated from Germany in 1960.

He was the youngest of the family and the first to be educated in the U.S. His graduation from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., was a big celebration for his entire family.

His career, over the years, was a remarkable one. He took many steps with perseverance and integrity to earn his successes. Nothing was given, all was earned.

He was an avid pilot and loved nothing more than to fly.

He will be deeply missed by his many friends. No services are planned. Please consider a gift to the EAA Young Eagles Program in memory of Horst. Blue Skies and Tailwinds.

To sign the online guest book, please visit www. nelsonberna.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — James L. (Jim) Morriss Jr., 80, of Fayetteville, died April 12, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. He was born on Aug. 9, 1936, in Shreveport, La., to James Lane and Ellen Louise Carithers Morriss.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at Cross Church in Springdale. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762, or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor, Bethesda, Md. 20814.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.sisco funeral.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Dorothy Lucille Hankins Young passed away at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Ark., on March 25, 2017, at the age of 93.

Her Celebration of Life will be led by Rev. Gary Lunsford at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 24, in the Convocation Room at Butterfield Trail Village. Please follow the directional signs to Guest Parking. Private burial will be held at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

She was born April 24, 1923, in Little Rock, Ark., as the youngest child of Brown and Lollie Hankins. She was named after her father’s cousin, who owned the Dorothy Donelson Dance Studio and who instilled in her the love of teaching dance. She married Clarence Herbert Young in 1941. When Clarence returned from overseas in 1946, they moved to Fayetteville to work with his brother in the firm of Paul Young and Associates. They were the architects for Central United Methodist Church, where Dorothy and Clarence remained active their entire lives.

Dorothy and Clarence enjoyed traveling abroad with friends and playing golf, and they were founding members of the “Town Club,” which began in 1947 as a means of fellowship for young couples settling in Fayetteville. Dorothy’s hobbies included knitting beautiful afghans and keeping diaries of family activities. She completed “A Sentimental Journal” containing five separate journals from 1944 until 1989, and also wrote “A Journal of Faith” for each of her children.

Dorothy was a member and Past President of Chapter K of PEO. She organized the Dorothy Young Book Club, regularly played bridge until the last month of her life, and actively participated in her “Visiting Girls” group of close friends for more than fifty years.

Dancing was the love of her life, and her enthusiasm for dancing was contagious. After being certified with the International Roundalab Teachers Association, she led the Happy Rounders Club for over 20 years in the club’s dance studio built by her dear friends, Polly and Jay Lancaster. In the 1950s and 1960s she taught popular ballroom dancing to middle-schoolers

at the Legion Hut. Her most recent choreographed line dancing was performed by Butterfield Trail Village residents ages 71 to 95 last fall. She and Clarence loved living at Butterfield and felt that the residents and staff were all a part of their family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers (James and Miles Hankins) and her husband, after whose death she felt a special gratitude for the faithful visits from Linda Cudney and Kim Witte.

Dorothy leaves behind her daughter, Sandra Ann White and husband Charles of Fayetteville, her son Jack Young and wife Cathy of California, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and six nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Butterfield Trail Village Foundation, 1923 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703, or Central United Methodist Church, 6th West Dickson St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To sign the online guest book, visit www.nelsonberna.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory, Fayetteville, Ark.

HINDSVILLE — Lulie Lyman Reynolds, 95, of Hindsville, died April 14, 2017, at her home.

Survivors: son, Rod (Alice) Reynolds; daughters, Jo Bennett and Donna (Granvil) Evans; brother, J.D. Lyman; sister, Bertha Easterling; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and ten

great-great-grandchildren.

Services 2 p.m., Tuesday, Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville www. brashearsfuneralhome.net. Interment Wharton Creek Cemetery.

LINCOLN — Mary Ravern Knight, age 84, a resident of Lincoln, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017, in Prairie Grove. She was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Prairie View, Ark., the daughter of Dan and Shielda Mae (Parks) Yarbrough.

Mary was a longtime employee of Baer Brand Hosiery, worked in retail and was an avid quilter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Knight; one daughter, Anna Peters; and two sisters, Mittia Yarbrough and Maxine Drain.

Survivors include two sons, Archie Knight and wife Linda of Lincoln and Lonnie Knight and wife Kathy of Silverdale, Wash.; one daughter, Linda Jones of Westville, Okla.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 3-5 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Burial will be in the Farmington Cemetery; there will be no graveside service.

Online guest book, www. luginbuel.com.

PRAIRIE GROVE — Connie Faye Robbins, 84, of Prairie Grove passed away April 13, 2017, in Fayetteville. She was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Wesley, Ark., the daughter of Hobart and Allie McChristian.

She was a homemaker who loved to cook, loved to go to yard sales and loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Bob and George McChristian; and two sisters, Ruby Gilbert and Orabell Maggard.

Connie is survived by one sister, Cleta Leichner of Fayetteville; one daughter, Suzie McKnight of Prairie Grove; two sons, Wayne Robbins and wife, Sharon of Fayetteville and son, Doug Robbins and wife, Cindy of Prairie Grove; two grandsons, Brad Robbins and wife, Heather of Farmington and Joseph McKnight of West Fork; one granddaughter, Jennifer Cox and husband, Bob of Fayetteville. She also had four great-grandchildren, Trey Robbins, Kinley Robbins, Kaytie McKnight and Brooklyn Cox; one step-granddaughter, Sara Brown of Tulsa; and two step-great-grandchildren, Ethan and Bre Cox of Fayetteville.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Glen Faulkner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Connie Faye would love donations be made to the Washington County Animal Shelter, 801 W. Clydesdale Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

PRAIRIE GROVE — Theresa Lynn Shepherd, 57, of Prairie Grove, Ark., passed away April 11, 2017, in Rogers. She was born April 19, 1959, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Mary Virginia Grigg Lee.

Theresa formerly worked in the insurance claims division for Walmart and was a Chef.

She is survived by her mother; two sons, Timothy

Levi Shepherd and William Allen Shepherd Jr.; her siblings, Ella Mae Clardy, Thelma Jean MacLaine, Pamela Diane Kindle and Mary Joyce Connolly; three grandchildren, Casey Shepherd, Paisley Richard and Audry Shepherd; her former husband, William Allen Shepherd, Sr. and her mother-in-law, Bonnie June Shepherd.

Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers.

Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneral home.com.

ROGERS — Mr. Willis Leo Davidson, age 93, of Rogers, Ark., passed away, Friday, April 14, 2017, at his home in Rogers. He was born Sept. 23, 1923, in Eureka Springs, Ark., to Elmer and Jessie Easley Davidson.

Mr. Davidson was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Vera Davidson; five sisters; and three brothers.

Mr. Davidson is survived by his children, Gayle Thomas and husband James of Frankston, Texas, and Alan Davidson and wife Pam of Greenwood, Ark.; grandchildren, Amanda Thomas, Justin Thomas, Katie Fair and Jake Davidson; eight great-grandchildren and seven greatgreat grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Davidson will be Monday, April 17, 2017, from 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel with Lowell Sartan officiating. Burial will follow in Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark.

ROGERS — Donald R. “Don” Glore Sr., 84, of Rogers passed away April 7, 2017, in Springdale, Ark. He was born Sept. 6, 1932, in Tulsa, Okla., the son of Harry Edward and Claudia Genet Glore.

Don owned and operated Glore Company, Inc. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rogers. He was a former board member for Meals on Wheels in Rogers, he was also a member of the Lions Club and Kiwanis. Don served in the United States Navy.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Susan “Sue” Glore of the home; four children, Bruce Glore of Tulsa, Okla., Cindy Glore of Skiatook, Okla., Linda Smalley of Tulsa, Okla., and Don Glore Jr. of Craig, Ala.; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Rogers. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

ROGERS — Leanna Obenshain, 43, of Rogers passed away April 13, 2017, in Rogers. She was born Sept. 15, 1973, in Rogers, the daughter of Harvey Gene and Wilma Fielding Obenshain. Leanna graduated from Rogers High School and received her teacher certificate from the University of Arkansas. She attended the Rogers Free Will Baptist. Leanna is preceded in death by her father and one brother Harvey Lamoine Obenshain.

She is survived by her mother Wilma Obenshain, her brother Johnny Obenshain and her sister Lisa Obenshain, her cat Zeke, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be noon1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, with services at 1 p.m. at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers, with Pastor Eddie Davis officiating. Interment will follow in the Upper Clifty Cemetery, Clifty, Ark., with Pastor Dwayne Lane officiating. Visitation at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences to wwwbentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

SPRINGDALE — Charles Alvey Baxter Sr., 59, died April 12, 2017, in Springdale. Born Feb. 25, 1958, in Springdale, Ark., to James and Jean Baxter.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Baxter Jr, Jamie Baxter; daughter, Samantha Hale; brother, James Baxter; two sisters; and five grandchildren.

Private service planned. www.siscofuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Mary Louise Lareau, age 88, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017. She was born Nov. 22, 1928, in Goshen, Conn., to Lodovico Pedone and Angelina Savanella Pedone, where she grew up and learned many of her talents and skills through the Italian heritage of her family.

She was married to Donald E. Lareau of Hoopeston, Ill., for 67 years prior to his passing in 2015.

Louise, as she was known

by close family and friends and as Grandma Mary to her great-grandchildren, was certainly one of a kind. The grandkids also knew her as the “Pajama Grandma”. You really knew you were part of the family when you received a pair of handmade pajamas for Christmas from Grandma Lareau! Beautiful cable knit sweaters made for the children are family heirlooms. There was little Louise couldn’t do when it came to crafts whether it be sewing, knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, painting, ceramics, macramé, cooking and baking. She generously shared her beautiful, artistic and delicious creations with her loved ones, thinking of and doing for others before herself.

Louise volunteered at The Jones Center in Springdale shortly after moving to Springdale from Chicago in 1992. As a devoted member of St. Raphael Catholic Church, she was an active member of the Women’s Council. Her faith and love was poured out in her participation with the sewing group. She was instrumental in starting a project a few years ago to make baptismal gowns for each of the nearly 300 children who are baptized at the church annually, all complete with a hand-embroidered cross that Louise would personally add to each gown.

She will be DEARLY missed by her many family members: younger brother, Joseph Pedone (Shirley) of Goshen, Conn., her sister-inlaw Pauline Laird of Jefferson City, Mo., three sons Don Lareau, DDS, MS (Sally) of Edina, Minn.; Bob Lareau (Stacey) of Lenexa, Kan.; Jim Lareau (Kerry) of Little Rock, Ark., eight grandchildren Marissa Louise Ryan, Christine Lareau, Audrey Canaday, Taylor Lareau, Hunter Lareau, Jonathan Lareau, Justin Lareau, Chris Ellison and spouses, as well as nine great-grandchildren.

She was a humble, beautiful person and a great example to all who knew her as one who lived selflessly. Her quiet, loving presence will be greatly missed.

A gathering for friends and family will be held on Monday, April 17, from 4-5 p.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale followed by a Liturgical Service including recital of the Rosary at 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will also be at St. Raphael Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18. A reception at the church will immediately follow the Mass.

The family requests donations in her remembrance be made to the St. Raphael Women’s Council, 1386 S. West End Street, Springdale, Ark. 72764.

TONTITOWN — Johnnie Joseph Green, 74, of Tontitown died Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at his home. He was born Sept. 26, 1942, in Fayetteville to Johnnie

Christian and Josephine Lucille (Bariola) Green.

Johnnie served in the Army and was a truck driver for Jones Truck Lines for 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and was a hard worker.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Mae (Reynolds) Green on Dec. 11, 2000, and by five infant grandchildren.

He is survived by four sons, Johnnie Joe Green and wife Tammy of Rogers, Robert Green and wife Jamie of Lowell, Jason Green and wife Gwen of Gravette, Justin Green of Tontitown; two brothers, Bill Green of Kansas City, Kenneth Green of Tontitown; one sister, Sondra McCurdy of Cave Springs; and 11 grandchildren, Shaylan, Colten, Makinley, Bryson, Jacob, Christian, Joshua, Taylor, Mason, Jade and Kaden.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online guestbook at www.heritageofnwa.com.

WEST FORK — Naomi Marie Holden, age 77, a resident of West Fork, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. She was born Nov. 23, 1939 in Aurora, Ark., the daughter of Olvie Lloyd and Minnie Esther (Boudrey) Hughes.

Naomi had worked at Baldwin Piano, Universal Electric and along side her husband on the farm. She was a 4-H leader on Cove Creek, a creator of communities and a social butterfly, for 25 years she and Fred held a fourth of July party every year and at Christmas every year she made sure to have plenty of handmade gifts and baked goods for her nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers Joel Nolan Hughes, Johnnie Dale Hughes, Robert David Hughes and Larry Dean Hughes and two sisters Frances Jean Barrett and Sally Jayne Hughes Laine.

Survivors include her husband Fred Holden; her daughter, Lori Toher and husband Joe of West Fork; her chosen son, Jason Reynolds of Eufaula, Okla.; and two grandchildren; two brothers, Jr. Olvie Lloyd Hughes Jr. and Gerald Wayne Hughes; two sisters, Othenia Lee Hughes Burkes and Georgi Minni Pearl Hughes Flowers; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 6-7 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Baptist Ford Church in Greenland. Burial will be in the Baptist Ford Cemetery.

Online guest book, www. luginbuel.com.

INDEPENDENCE, W.Va. — Patricia Ann “Patty” Langford, 72, of Independence, W.V., formerly of Fayetteville, Ark., died Tuesday April 11, 2017, at the Grafton City Hospital. She was born Nov. 23, 1944, in Fayetteville, Ark., a daughter of the late James H. Langford and Lily Marie Culwell Langford.

She grew up in Flint, Mich., and graduated from Cool Grove High School in Ironton, Ohio. She loved all animals and had a special fondness for her cat, Courtney. She also enjoyed old movies, gospel music, flowers and reading Christian romance novels.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Susan Hunter, of Independence, W.V., a brother, Charles Langford, of Long Beach, Miss., two nephews, two nieces, and six great-nephews, and a greatniece.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Langford and a niece, Bekka Langford.

A memorial service celebrating Patricia’s life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Dering-Henson Funeral Home with Pastor David Spence officiating.

The family would like to thank Grafton City Hospital long-term care unit and WV Caring Hospice for the care and compassion given to Patricia.

Condolences online at www.deringhenson.com.