Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Homer

Hiatt Phillips passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 17. He was born on May 26, 1926, to Edna Hiatt Phillips and Walter Harrison Phillips at their farm home north of Centerville, Iowa.

He attended country schools and graduated from Centerville High School in 1943. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served until the end of World War II. He was a Navy gunner on a merchant marine victory ship making trips to the South Pacific with war supplies and food. After his discharge, he returned to Centerville and farmed with his father and brother.

He married Barbara Espy in January of 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa and to this union four children were born. He and Barbara bought a farm north of Centerville in 1948 and lived there until 1995. He worked at various times for John Morrel’s in Ottumwa, Iowa. He started his own construction company in approximately 1960 and continued that business until 1995. He was an active Farm Bureau member for many years, also an active member of the Lions Club both in Centerville and Bella Vista, Ark.

One of the delights of his life was flying airplanes. He was in partnership with three others in a Cessna for many years. He also belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years keeping his membership after he moved to Bella Vista.

In 1995, he and Barbara retired to Bella Vista, Ark., where he built their dream home, returning to Iowa in the summer of 1996 to build a home in Altoona for his youngest son. After returning to Bella Vista, he became very involved with Habitat for Humanity helping to build several houses in Bentonville, Ark. He then started to work for the Property Owners Association of Bella Vista at the Highlands Golf Course.

He and Barbara attended Dale Church north of Centerville, the First Baptist Church of Centerville, Iowa, and Bella Vista Community Church in Arkansas serving on various boards in all churches. He also attended Vaughn Presbyterian.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara; brother, Wilbur and sister-inlaw Betty Phillips; half-sister Elrene Holsey; and grandson Judd Phillips.

He is survived by children and spouses, grandchildren and spouses, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Services have yet to be determined.

Memorials may be made to the Barbara Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund, 6371 NE 27th Ave, Altoona, Iowa, 50009.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

BENTONVILLE —

Sidney Kay Bender, 72, peacefully entered her eternal rest Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

She was born in Bentonville, June 2, 1944, to the late Sidney and Mary Grayce Hogue Mullins. A 1962 honor graduate from Rogers High School, she was quick-witted and known for a sharp tongue. Sidney was a fixture in the area running a shirt shop in Bentonville and well recognized for her astounding artistic talents which included art lessons, painting, quilting, doll making and sewing. She loved to spend time listening to music, watching birds and especially overfeeding her dog, Ned. Most of all, she was a dedicated wife and loving mother.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years, Jim Bender and her loyal dog, Ned; daughter, Niki Spitzer and son Mike Bender, both of Bentonville; four grandchildren, Ashlynn, Kayla, Katie and Breanne; four sisters, Joyce Stanfield of Springdale, Janie Allridge of Pea Ridge, Vicki Morris of Pea Ridge, Debbie Patterson of Oklahoma; three brothers, Donnie Mullins of Ohio, John Mullins of Oklahoma, and Ronald Mullins of Pea Ridge; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Melinda Gay Mullins; and one brother, Steve Mullins.

A private family service was held Thursday, May 18, 2017. Memorial service will be Tuesday; May 23, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. with visitation following until 7:30 p.m. at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 North 4th St., Rogers, Ark. www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association, Arkansas Chapter.

The family also asks that you spend time with your children, take a walk with your loved ones, and make a toast to enduring friendships lifelong and beyond.

BENTONVILLE —

Margaret Sue Davis of Bentonville passed away on May 17, 2017. She was born on Oct. 23, 1930, in Bentonville to the late Henry and Nettie Kehmeier. She was the beloved wife of 61 years of Chuck Davis.

Sue will be remembered as a devoted Christian woman who was proud of the family she raised. She was a lifelong Bentonville resident and a graduate of Bentonville High School. She worked as a secretary for the Bentonville Public Schools for 25 years. After retirement, she spent much of her time caring for her grandchildren. Sue and her husband were members of First Baptist Church of Bentonville.

Survivors include her husband; her children, Debbie Campbell and husband Scott of Rogers, Steve Davis and wife Sandy of Bentonville; grandchildren, Joshua Campbell, Austin Campbell, Dalton Davis, Kaylin Davis; and brother, C.L. Kehmeier. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their children, whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Etta Webb.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 22, in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Bentonville, where she and Chuck were married. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice at 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762.

Arrangements are by Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at www.RollinsFuneral.com.

FAYETTEVILLE —

Nancy Catherine Foster,

age 93, a longtime resident of Fayetteville passed away Friday, May 19, 2017, at the Maples at Harber Meadows in Springdale. She was born Dec. 4, 1923, on the Shreve farm in Farmington, Ark., the daughter of Ralph and Janie Bell Wilson Shreve.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Waurika Porter and Joan Pruett; her brothers, William F. Shreve and Ralph Shreve Jr.

She was employed by Campbell Soup for many years and after her time there she worked at Hancock Fabrics. She was of the Christian faith and was a charter member of the University Baptist Church in Fayetteville. She was hard working, generous and very proud of her Cherokee heritage. She made hundreds of handmade quilts for family and friends and donated many to raffles for charity as well as the Cherokee children’s orphanage.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Billie D. Foster; her daughter, Nancy Blew Israel and husband Ben of Fayetteville; her daughtersin-law, Mava Gilley Blew of Fayetteville and Rita Ragland Blew of Junction, Texas; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Moore’s Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Second Mile Ministries at University Baptist Church 333 W. Maple St in Fayetteville, Ark. 72701, or 7 Hills Homeless Center 1031 N College Ave. Fayetteville, Ark. 72701.

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

FAYETTEVILLE —

Chalen Edward Newby,

age 49, of Fayetteville, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017. He was born on May 9, 1968, in Springdale, Ark., to Everett and Dora Stacks Newby. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Chalen had a big heart. He loved the outdoors, including hunting and ATV riding.

He is survived by his loving wife, Audrea Newby of the home; his son, Gavin Newby of the home; his daughter, Demi Jones of Carthage, Mo.; his stepson, Cameron Barnes of Huntsville; his stepdaughter, Holly Wall of Fayetteville; his brother, Darwin Newby and wife JoAnn of Prairie Grove; and his three step-grandchildren, Odin, Thorin and Silas.

A visitation will be held from 1–2 p.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Interment will follow at White Oak Cemetery in Tontitown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Susan G. Koman breast cancer foundation at http://ww5.komen. org.

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

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

HUNTSVILLE — Mark

Albert Reeves, 53, of Huntsville died May 17, 2017, at his home. Survivors: mother, Mary Lee Reeves; son, Dakota Matthew Reeves; daughter; Ashley Michelle (James Earl) Waters; brother Jeffery (Sara) Reeves; sister, Vicki Church; four grandchildren. Services 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, Brashears Funeral Home, Huntsville. Interment Alabam Cemetery.

ROGERS — Arvid L.

Bailey, 84, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017, at his home in Rogers.

Survivors are his wife, Beverly; his sisters, Lee Ellen and Darlene; his children, Renae, Aaron, Shelly, Arland, Shona, Donya and Shalena; his 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

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

ROGERS — Joseph

Charles Dixon, 74, of Rogers passed away Wednesday, May 17. He was born Sept. 12, 1942, in Baton Rouge, La., to the late Johnny Freddie Dixon and Estelle Louise Jefferies Dixon. His brother, Johnny “Dickie” Dixon also preceded him.

Joseph enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling and football on TV and the time he shared with his family. He was a hard-working man, often with three jobs at a time to provide for his wife and family.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Rosa Dixon; daughter, Melissa Morrison (Michael Staggs) of Rogers; two sons, Joe Dixon (Dee) of Louisiana and Rickey Dixon of Rogers; brother, James Dixon (Mary) of Pea Ridge; three sisters, Margaret Rojas of Rogers, Peggy Hampton and Patricia Rivette (Ronald) of Louisiana; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.

ROGERS — Dora

Goodell, 79, of Rogers passed away on May 17, 2017, in Rogers. She was born in Fresno, Calif., to Loren and Dorothy Johnson.

She received her schooling in Boulder City, Nev., living close Hoover Dam where her father was employed.

She graduated from college at Arizona State University. She became a teacher for the Department of Defense in Germany. She also taught many year in San Jose, Calif. After moving to Rogers, she was a Title 1 instructor at Northside Elementary and Bonnie Grimes Elementary.

Survived by her husband Don, of the home, and many cousins.

Memorial services 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at Jamestown Health and Rehab. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers.

ROGERS — Makayla

Grace McVay, 2-month-old daughter of Jonathan and Telissa McVay passed away May 14, 2017, in Bentonville. She was born Feb. 22, 2017 in Rogers.

She is survived by her parents; her siblings, Amberlyn, Rebekkah, Jonathan and Lindy McVay; grandparents, Sharon and Duane McVay.

Services 10 a.m. Wednesday at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Interment Rogers Cemetery.

SPRINGDALE —

Dorothy Marie Meeks, 97, of Springdale died May 18, 2017, at Huntsville. Survivors: daughters, Sondra Marie Duncan, Barbara Joann (Allen) Carlson; brother, Conley Clark; sisters, Delores Varner, Wanda Larson; four grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren. Services 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Brashears Funeral Home, Huntsville. Interment Carlson Family Cemetery.

SPRINGDALE — Norma

Jean Wood, age 78, of Springdale journeyed back home on May 11, 2017, in Springdale. She was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Flagstaff, Ariz., the daughter of Cleve and Pearl Wood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Cleo Fay and Johnnie Edwards and two half-sisters Nettie Weldy and Ruth Sowers.

A highly praised actress of the New York and Los Angeles stage, Norma Jean also acted, directed and produced hit shows in Chicago, Minneapolis and New York City. She wrote for television, including “B.L Stryker” and “Magnum, P.I.”.

Since returning to the Springdale area, Norma Jean authored several novels including a love story, a dramatic portrayal of Oklahoma life in White Trash and Indians; a children’s book, Addie’s American Dream, Cadaver, Dream Interpretation According to Norma Jean and a screenplay, “Crossfires”. She was in the process of writing a screenplay about the strife of the modern American Indian.

She is survived by a niece, Bonnie Wadley and her husband Ricky of Tulsa, Okla.; grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

Norma Jean was a loving, spiritual person, she leaves us with one request “CELEBRATE MY LIFE”.

Cremation is under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.

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

LAMAR, Mo. — William

“Bill” Curtsinger, 76, Lamar, Mo., passed away May 18. He was raised and attended school in Prairie Grove, Ark.

Visitation: 3-4 p.m., Sunday, May 21; service: 10 a.m., Monday, May 22, at Konantz Warden Funeral Home, Lamar, Mo. Condolences can be left and full obit at www. konantzwarden.com. GROVE, Okla. —

Danny Varner, age 66, died on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in Tulsa, Okla. He was born Dec. 31, 1950, in Gravette, Ark., to Finis Varner and Ruie Branstuder Varner.

Danny graduated from Gravette High School. For more than 30 years, he served and protected the people of Benton County as a law enforcement officer. Danny retired in 2005 as a sergeant in the Bella Vista Criminal Investigations division.

Danny is survived by his wife and companion of 31 years, Sallie Stroud, of the home; a daughter, Brandi Varner of Jonesboro, Ark.; step-daughters, Melissa Williams of Springdale, Ark., and HannaH Savage of Fayetteville, Ark.; nine grandchildren; Bailey, Dane, Mollie, Shelbye, Jax, Loren, Graden, Olivia and Anna; four sisters, Ona Foster and Cleta Schaapveld of Oklahoma City, Okla., Jackie Burgess of Carrolton, Texas, and Monnie Woolard of Sulphur Springs, Ark.; a brother; Clinton Dale Jordon of Colcord, Okla.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Joseph Varner of Gravette, Ark.; a brother. Johnny Varner of Gravette, Ark.; a daughter, Britthney Varner of Bono, Ark.; and a grandson Shannon Williams Jr. of Bentonville, Ark.

Services will be held at the Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72715 on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. A visitation with family and friends will begin at 1 p.m. There will be no viewing or graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at any Arvest bank to the Bright Futures Gravette account, with giver’s name and address.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.

SEATTLE, Wash. —

William G. Mason, 93, of Seattle, formerly of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Seattle. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Robert and Augusta Goldman.

He was an engineer in the aerospace industry, a former member of New Heights Church in Fayetteville, and authored two devotional series books entitled “His Word From Above” and “His Living Word”.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Jean Mason.

He is survived by his son, Robb Mason of Seattle; daughter, Faith Mason of Colorado Springs; five grandchildren: grandson, Daniel Hayward of St. Louis, granddaughters, Jaime and Karen Hayward of Colorado Springs, Stephanie Steber of Austin, Texas, and Christine Haines of Yelm, Wash., and one great-granddaughter, Charlie.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter.

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