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 — Lora Elizabeth McGee Little,

38, of Bella Vista passed away Friday, April 28 at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, after a 16-month battle with cancer.

She was survived by her husband of the home, Christopher Little, her daughter Ava, 13, and sons, Collin, 8 and Henry, 3. She is also survived by her parents, John and Debbie McGee of Bella Vista, her brother, Wesley McGee and wife Bailey of Decatur and their children Josiah, Anna, Noah, Isaiah, Elijah, Silas, Lydia and Grace, and her maternal grandparents Troy and Joan Almand of Bentonville. In addition, she leaves behind a great many cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents John and Wanda McGee of Monett.

She was born Oct. 3, 1978, in Blytheville, Ark., to John and Debbie McGee of Bella Vista. She lived in Missouri with her family before moving to Bella Vista where she started school in the Bentonville School District. She later attended a year of junior high school at Batesville Southside, but subsequently moved back to Bentonville by the end of her 8th grade year.

She then became a 1997 graduate of Bentonville High School, where she was an honor graduate and won honors on the track and cross country teams. A University of Arkansas student in the school of architecture, she graduated from the UA with a bachelor of science in 2001. Before graduating, she married her high school sweetheart Christopher Little who also attended the university.

Her initial employment was with French Architecture of Bentonville where she worked until the birth of her first child, Ava Elizabeth Little, in 2003. Choosing to be a stay at home mom, Lora left the architecture business behind and later became a mother to Collin Christopher Little in 2009, and then Henry Nathan Little in 2013.

Lora became a consultant with Thrive Life, where she was quite successful, winning many awards and earning vacations to exotic locations. It was in January 2016 she was diagnosed with cancer and spent the next 16 months fighting the disease.

Her life in those final months was like all the years prior, in that Lora was known for her generosity, kindness, grace, gentleness, and love for those that knew her. She made friends easily and even picked up several new close friends among the people that attended her in the several lengthy hospital stays she had to experience. Nurses and staff marveled how she could endure so much pain and suffering but still be warm and cheerful to those she encountered. The last thoughts she was able to speak before her passing was her love for her family and the need for everyone to be thanked who helped her and her family in the final months.

Lora was known for her great love of family, always looking forward to family reunions and gatherings and she treasured her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all members of her extended family. She developed and lived among a very wide circle of friends and was loved dearly by a great many people. Her faith and allegiance to the Lord has been a great comfort to those who know she now resides in heaven. She put on Christ in baptism as a young teen and remained faithful throughout her life, worshiping at the Church of Christ in Bentonville.

Visitation will be Friday, May 5, 6-8 p.m. at the Bentonville Church of Christ. Services will be held this Saturday, May 6, at 1 p.m. at the Bentonville Church of Christ on North Walton Boulevard. Retired minister Walton Hook will be delivering the eulogy with Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers conducting the services. Burial will take place at the Antioch Cemetery north of Pea Ridge in a private family ceremony.

A special fund for Lora’s children is being set up at Arvest Bank with the account number to be established by May 3. Any Arvest Bank will be available for taking the donation once the account number is established. For those wishing to mail a donation, it may be sent it to Lora Little’s Children, P.O. Box 2132, Bentonville, Ark., 72712, writing “Lora’s Childrens Fund” on the payee line. Online condolences may be made to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

BELLA VISTA — Robert (Bob) W. Sweet, 87, born Sept. 27, 1929, died Apr. 28, 2017, of accidental injuries. Bob was a 40-year resident of Bella Vista where he developed commercial property after spending years in the shoe industry and his import business.

Bob was dearly loved by wife, Barbara; sons, Kim and Robert Jr.; daughters, Deborah, Gayle and Dru Ann; grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss him forever.

No services are planned at this time. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation. com.

BELLA VISTA — John Samuel Thornton, 85, Bella Vista, passed away April 29, 2017, at his home with the love of his life, Carol, beside him. Survived by wife, Carol, four children, six stepchildren, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Celebration of life will be at later date in Iowa. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — J.L. “Bo” Ball, passed away with his family on the Lord’s day, April 30, 2017. He was born on July 22, 1947, in Ruston, La., the fifth child of A.C. and Alice Faye Shockley Ball.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Bevelyn Ball Henry and Glenda Ball Belt.

Bo graduated from Hope High School in Hope, Ark., in 1966. Two weeks later he married his childhood sweetheart. Soon after marriage, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country. Bo earned a Purple Heart and was disabled in the Vietnam War.

He was active in his community. His civic involvement included the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Hope in Action, Christian Clinic, leadership in youth church activities, and more than twenty years of officiating various sporting events from tee ball to college level baseball. His positive and enthusiastic presence in the community impacted countless people that he served.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Mary Jane O’Dell Ball; three sons, Lynn Ball and Jennifer of Fort Hood, Texas, Chad Ball and Kara of Farmington, and Aaron Ball Cura and Jesse of Fayetteville; six grandchildren, Braxton Ball, Avery Ball, Lauren Ball, Ashley Ball, Draven Cura, and Katelyn Cura; one sister, Dorothy Ball May of Hope; and one brother, Buddy Ball of El Dorado.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Fairview

FAYETTEVILLE —

Anthony Glen “Tony”

Shelton, 55, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Morris, Ill., as a result of a traffic accident. He was born Dec. 1, 1961, in Fayetteville, N.C., to Joseph and Joyce (Tullis) Shelton.

Tony’s dedication and work ethic were evident throughout his 30-year-career at Ralston Purina/Nestle Purina, where he most recently served as vice president of Supply Chain with Nestle USA before moving into a consultant role with The Partnering Group. During his career, Tony gained many lifelong friends that had an impact on him both professionally and personally.

Tony was a devoted husband, father, brother and son and always put his family first. His greatest joy was spending time with his family whether on vacation, hanging out in the backyard or joking around at the dinner table. His love of animals also meant that his pets were treasured members of the family, which was evident each time he stepped through the door and was greeted by them.

He is survived by his wife, Tonia (Shelby) Shelton, his parents of Atlanta, Ga., one daughter, Ashley Shelton of Dallas, Texs, one son, Steven Shelton and wife Alex of Fayetteville, Ark., one brother, Bryan Shelton and wife Jenny of Chicago, Ill., and a host of close friends and family.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Friday, May 5 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Ozarks. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory.

LOWELL — David Clay

Bowlin, 53, of Lowell, died April 29, 2017. Survivors: wife, Roseann; daughters, Erin (P.J.) Nichols, Jeanann Watson, Lindsey (Travis) Combs; parents, Barbara and Jack Robertson; brother, Jeff Robertson and three grandchildren. Services: 3 p.m. Friday, Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville www.brashearsfuneralhome. net. Interment Huntsville Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Brashears.

LOWELL — Patsy Jean

Smith, 78, of Lowell, Ark., passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Northwest Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 18, 1938, in Rison, Ark., to Virgil and Ada Gracie White.

Pat was a homemaker who loved her family dearly. While raising her children, she also enjoyed substitute teaching in Bentonville schools. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Lowell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Eldon and Russell White.

Pat is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill; two sons, Sandy Smith of Dallas, Texas, and Mike Smith and wife, Sherry of Rogers; two brothers, Thomas White and James White both of Rison; and three grandchildren, Brett Smith of LeMoore, Calif., and Jake and Sidney Smith of Rogers.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 5, 2017, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ben Rowell officiating. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 800 Marshall St. Little Rock, Ark., 72202. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Rogers. Memories may be shared at stockdalefuneral.com.

PATRICK — John

William Hankins, age 71, of Patrick, Ark., died Monday, May 1, 2017, at his home. He was born Jan. 16, 1946, in Patrick, Ark., the son of Burl and Thelma Keys Hankins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Hankins; two brothers, Bobby Joe Pelphrey and Max Hankins and a sister, Pauline Lee. He was retired from the logging and trucking industry. He loved gambling and traveling. He loved children and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his companion and best friend Marilyn Ritchie of Elkins; three daughters, Kelly Judy and her husband Bryan of Fayetteville, Cheri Davis and her husband Phil of Prairie Grove and Renee Coker of West Fork; nine grandchildren, Zoey Judy, Marianda Noland, Makayla White, Cody Templeton, Jessica England, Kendra Boyle, Tyrell Murphy, Tabatha Whelpley and Dusty Ritchie and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 4 at the Patrick Community Building followed by burial at Patrick Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

PEA RIDGE — Pauline

Schell Ruddick, 100, of Pea Ridge, died Monday, May 1, at Earlene Howard Hospice Home in Springdale. She was born Dec. 29, 1916, at Powell, Mo., to John Schell and Sarah Jane Evans Schell.

She moved with her family to Pea Ridge in 1917. She graduated from Pea Ridge High School. On Feb. 2, 1937, she married Harry Russell Ruddick. She was owner and operator of Pauline’s Beauty Shop in downtown Pea Ridge for 23 years, retiring in 1983. She enjoyed crocheting afghans, crossword puzzles, and cooking.

She was a lifelong member of Garfield Church of Christ and is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers, and three sisters. Survivors are one daughter, Glenda Burleson (Howard) of Rogers; three sons, Gary Ruddick (Wanda) of Bakersfield, Calif., Johnny Ruddick (Sue) of Gravette, and Kent Ruddick (Celia) of Garfield; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Service is set for 10 a.m. Friday, May 5, at Garfield Church of Christ with burial at Buttram Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is set for Thursday, May 4, 5-7 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome. net.

ROGERS — Dorothy Elizabeth Puskas, age 99, passed away in Rogers, Ark., on April 29, 2017. She was born in California, Pa., on April 1, 1918, to John and Gertrude (Kauflie) Shebeck. She was a lifelong homemaker, devoted wife to Andy, and devoted mother to John Andrew and David James. Preceding her in death was Andy her husband of 69 years, John, her son as well as her three sisters, one brother, and parents. She was an active Dorcas group member at the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville. She enjoyed gardening and handwork. Survivors are David and Gretchen and their son Miles Andrej. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers, Ark. www.rollinsfuneral.com.

ROGERS — William “Bill” Leroy Woods, 76, of Rogers died Monday, May 1, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. He was born Feb. 21, 1941, in Stuttgart the son of Sarah (Hardin) Woods and Norman E. Woods. He worked in banking for many years and also sales. During his retirement he was employed with First Baptist Church of Rogers. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Bill enjoyed riding motorcycles, golfing, and hunting. He lived in the Northwest Arkansas area for about 20 years, after moving from Pine Bluff.

Survivors include: his wife; Kaylon Woods, whom he married July 16, 1965, one daughter; Sarah Kathryn Woods, of Thailand, and one grandchild; Saxon Greer Smith, of Bryant.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be Friday, May 5, 2017, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church at the Pleasant Grove campus with Pastor Wes George officiating. Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Church to: “The Building Fund.” Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

SPRINGDALE — Patricia E. McAlister, age 80, of Springdale passed away Friday April 28, 2017. She was born March 23, 1937, in Higginsville, Mo., to Paul and Virginia Wilks Sherman.

She and her husband, David Sr., loved to travel the world. Pat loved our great nation and had many flags inside and outside of their house. Pat loved to play bridge with her good friends. And she always said that the best job she ever had was grandmothering. She also had a passion for music her entire life and had thousands of albums.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, David L. McAlister Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Faddis and her husband Randy of Springdale; two sons, David L. McAlister Jr. and his wife Carole of Fayetteville, Nathan Scott McAlister of Springdale; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Saturday May 6, 2017, in the chapel at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To place an online tribute visit www.nelsonberna.com.

SPRINGDALE — Helen Marie Wilkins of Springdale passed away on April 27, 2017. She was born on April 13, 1927, in Huntsville to the late Henderson and Maudie Scott. Helen was a longtime resident of Springdale. She and her husband Bill were small business owners who operated several restaurants in the Springdale area.

Survivors include her sons, Sean Wilkins and his wife Christina Jayne of Springdale, and Dennis Eugene Cordes of Florida; grandchildren, Dale, Brett, Brianna, Sterling, Jaisha, Zachary, Noah; and great-grandchildren, Aliana, Jayse, Layla, and Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Wilkins; and her son, Scotty Dale Douthit.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 5 at 2 p.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Springdale. Arrangements are by Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. www.RollinsFuneral.com.

MICCO, Fla. — Raymond LeRoy Hatchett, 88, formerly of Springdale died at home in Micco, Fla., on Sunday, April 30. He was born in Shawnee, Okla., on Oct. 3, 1928, to Elbert Ray and Edna Tucker Hatchett.

He was a 1947 graduate of Springdale High School and a proud member of the Bulldog Football team.

After high school, Raymond joined the U.S. Navy which he retired after 20 years of service. He would go on to work for the U.S. Post Office and retire after twenty years of service.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Betty Emerson Hatchett. He is survived by his wife Julianna of the home, son Raymond Jr. of Orlando, Fla., daughters, Debbie Harris of Dover, Ark., and Robbie Cartrell, Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters, Louise Pettus of Springdale and Doris Layne of Fayetteville. No services are planned at this time.

TOMBALL, Texas — Lucille Irene Potter (Polly) passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017, quietly and with family and friends.

Polly is preceded in Death by her husband Arthur Croak. Polly is survived by her two sons, Robert and Patrick, her grandson Connor and her brother, Andrew.

Polly was born in St. Petersburg, Fla.; she attended school there and became quite the equestrian as well as an accomplished singer in her teens, going on to college and ultimately ending up with a very long career as a computer systems analyst and sirector of systems integrations which continued until retirement.

Her love of animals, fostered since childhood combined with her generous heart led Polly to work, before and after retirement, with the Madison County Pet Shelter, dba, Paws and Claws Pet Shelter. Polly’s caring soul and generous nature extended to other activities as well, antiquing, reading, gardening, weaving and singing were all among her passions.

One of Polly’s best animal friends Chrissy was a daring animal rescue involving bolt cutters and a late rainy night – her devotion and courage

saved many a pet’s life. Polly’s constant energy and passion was instrumental to the success of the Paws and Claws Pet Shelter; from Social Media, to Public Outreach, to community fund raisers, the list is long.

Of special note, Polly along with her friend and cohort Carol started the Paws and Claws Thrift Cottage; a thriving thrift store selling all sorts of wonderful antiques and unique items. Polly and Carol both gave unselfishly with not only time, hard work and money but love and kindness. It was Polly’s dream that the Paws and Claws Thrift Cottage would continue to provide a much needed source of continuing income for the Pet Shelter.

One of Polly’s favorite quotes sums up her philosophy and life; “Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny.” — Tyrone Edwards.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. In Lieu of Flowers please send your donation to the Madison County Pet Shelter, 2075 Madison 6555, P.O. Box 364, Huntsville, Ark., 72740, or simply go to: www.thepetshelter.org/ donate.html.