Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Barbara Rudolph of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away at the Circle of Life Hospice Home in Bentonville, Ark., on Friday, June 16, 2017, surrounded by her family. Barbara was the second child born to James William Whitacre and Lois Elliott Whitacre, on Nov. 23, 1932, in Kansas City, Kan.

In August 1952, Barbara married Moss Rudolph, whom she met at the University of Missouri. They made their home in Savannah, Mo., where together they raised four children, Nancy Vanderlip (Mack) of Tulsa, Okla.; Karen (Ruth Villarreal), Chino Hills, Calif.; Sharon (Jan Pfenninger), Anchorage, Alaska; and Don (Debbie), Chesterfield, Mo.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Moss Rudolph in 1981.

She is survived by her children, brother James Robert Whitacre, Indio, Calif., and sister-in-law Marie Rudolph Saldana, Greenbrae, Calif.. Other survivors include seven grandchildren who knew her as their beloved Baba: Erik Vanderlip (Beth), Lake Oswego, Ore.; Lauren Vanderlip Lindsey (Zac), Tulsa, Okla.; John Drollinger (Rachel), Murrieta, Calif.; Susan Drollinger Forbes (Joe), Santa Rosa, Calif.; Scott Drollinger (Hanna), Atlanta, Ga.; Katelyn Rudolph, St. Charles, Mo., and Emily Rudolph, Chesterfield, Mo. Barb is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

Growing up in Kansas City, Barbara had a passion for art and music, becoming a concert pianist by the age of 17, and having artwork displayed in the Nelson Gallery of Art in Kansas City. She twice was promoted a grade early in elementary school and could have graduated high school at the age of 16, until her mother decided that she was too young to attend university and added a second senior year. Barbara entered the University of Missouri in the fall of 1950, and became a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Theta. In 1980, Barbara finished her education, attending Missouri Western State College before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri.

Barb always had a passion for life, with an infectious positive spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. In Savannah, she volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader, organized the Red Cross swim program, and taught piano lessons. She loved her Tuesday night Bridge Club and the monthly Drama Club. Her hobbies included knitting, sewing and a German paper cutting art called scherenschnitte. In Bella Vista, her residence since 1996, she knit hundreds of caps for children at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, and stayed active playing bridge and golf, while being a passionate fan of Mizzou sports. As a golfer, she entered various tournaments and leagues, and in 2003, at the age of 70, recorded a hole-in-one at Berksdale Golf Course in Bella Vista.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at Bella Vista Community Church. A gravesite service is planned for August in St. Joseph, Mo.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Moss E. Rudolph Scholarship Fund, which assists students from Northwest Missouri in attending the University of Missouri. Checks can be made payable to the University of a Missouri, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, Mo. 65211, with a note that the gift is in memory of Mrs. Barbara Rudolph. Donors can also go to giving. missouri.edu to make a contribution.

In Arkansas, memorial gifts can be made to the Circle of Life Hospice Home 1201 NE Legacy Parkway,

Bentonville, Ark. 72712.

Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista. Condolences: www.epting funeralhome.webs.com.

BELLA VISTA — Audrey

Spangenberg of Bella Vista died Friday, June 16, 2017, at her residence.

Audrey is survived by many loving relatives including her husband of 45 years, Harold Spangenberg.

A private interment will be at National Cemetery located in Fayetteville.

Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista. Condolences: www.epting funeralhome.webs.com. ELKINS — James Oscar

Green, age 57, of Elkins died Thursday, June 15, 2017, at his home. He was born June 17, 1959, in Turlock, Calif., the son of Robert and Nixola Bostrom Green. He was preceded in death by parents and a brother, Robert Green.

He served with the Military Police in the United States Air Force and with the Hughson and Waterford, Calif., Police Departments. He was employed at Walmart Optical Lab.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sarah Green; two daughters, Connor Green and her fiancé Richard Grenier, and Kindall Green, all of Elkins; a son, Cody Green of Elkins; two sisters, Patricia Hughes and her husband Larry, and Joan Green, all of Modesto, Calif., and one grandchild, Harmony Grenier.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Elkins Fire Department.

To sign the online guest book visit www.moores funeralchapel.com. FAYETTEVILLE — Harold Simpson Bemis

peacefully crossed the bar at his home in Fayetteville, Ark., on May 10, 2017. He was 73 years young and left us much too soon.

A private family gathering to celebrate his life was held in Fayetteville immediately after his passing.

He is survived by his daughter, Lara Bemis Killgore and her two sons, John and Charlie of Jupiter, Fla.; his son, Harold Simpson Bemis Jr. (Chip) with wife Amy and their four children, Shiloh, Benjamin, Kessiah and Oliver of Fayetteville, Ark.; sister, Katherine Bemis Piper of St. Louis, Mo.; sister, Marita Bemis Parrish and husband Angelo of Houston, Texas; brother, Edward Bemis and wife Linda of Olathe, Kan.; and brother, Andrew Bemis of Rome, Georgia.

Harold was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend. Happily going by his many monikers of Pop, Poppy, Brother, Uncle Harold and Uncle Cowboy, he was dearly

loved by all who truly knew him.

A graduate of Western Military Academy in Alton, Ill., and later the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., Harold’s respect for the law and prowess for debate led him to become an attorney who practiced law in both Ohio and Arkansas over the course of his professional career.

However, his passion for adventure took him in many different directions — to the bottom of the sea as a master scuba diver, behind the captain’s wheel of his Bayfield 25 Sloop, even to the dojo mat as a black belt in White Tiger Kenpo Karate. He traveled the globe in search of burgeoning entrepreneurial endeavors but also relished the simplicity of hiking and canoeing the mountains and streams closer to home in Arkansas. Even though his adventures led him to places far and wide, his favorite place to be at any given time was wherever his grandchildren were. His most cherished roles were that of father and grandfather and he thoroughly enjoyed basking in the love and laughter of his family.

Whether at his childhood home in Prescott, Ark., for holidays, or the porch at 509 Belvedere in the summertime, his sister’s home in Houston for Thanksgiving in recent years, or his children’s homes in both Fayetteville and Jupiter, Harold always enjoyed and appreciated the time he was able to spend with family.

He loved to laugh with his siblings and their outlaws, he constantly conspired to outwit his nieces and nephews, he loved to JUICE! his grandchildren and he remained wholly devoted to his children thru all the twisting and turning life’s winding roads can take — standing by their side both relishing their successes and softening their stumbles. He was a quietly proud and loving father and a delightfully adoring grandfather. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.

Harold was a juxtaposed mix of conservative politics and esoteric spirituality, a lover of books and gadgetry, a prankster and tinkerer.

He was a shy man who shared cautiously but loved deeply. He will be well remembered for the kindness of his nature, the twinkle in his eye, the mischief in his spirit and the glow in his heart.

Just as Love was the greatest legacy left to him by his parents, James Rosborough and Jane Simpson Bemis, so is Love the greatest legacy he leaves behind for all of us. It’s the legacy we will carry forward. He will be forever our Pop, our Poppy, our Brother, our Uncle Harold and our Uncle Cowboy. The mysteries of the universe that so fascinated him are mysteries no more. He will live in our hearts always and we know his soul is soaring. So, be peaceful, Pop, and be free. And one last time for you, Pop, as you would always tell your grandchildren each night you were with them — with one more hug before they retired to bed after long, full, adventurous days — JUICE to you! And goodnight and pleasant dreams…

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.moores funeralchapel.com. ––––– Y ––––– FAYETTEVILLE — Susan Driver, a woman of great spirit and conviction, who brought light, laughter and a genuine interest to everything and everyone she touched, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2017; she was 65.

Susan was born a fiery, red-headed Texas rose. She lived life to the fullest — riding in on a stallion, and out after beating you in one of the many games at which she excelled, leaving you wanting more of her knowledge, time, laughter and wisdom. She was an avid reader — always ready with a list of recommendations and analysis of the author and story. She was a lover of words and Scrabble; you could never get an inadmissible word past her. She was a die-hard tennis player who loved a family doubles match. She was a skilled card player — be it Bridge, Spades, or Canasta, she would beat you and give you some pointers along the way. She had a remarkable green thumb, growing Blackeyed Susans towering 10 feet in height. And she was a great lover of road-trips, racking up miles across America and never letting anyone else drive. She was generous with her love, pragmatic and candid with her advice, and convicted in her beliefs, which in the 1990s led her to galvanize support for a sales tax to fund improvements to Wilson Park and the broader Fayetteville Parks & Trails system. She was a creative and committed 4th grade teacher, who balked at the constraints of new standards, because she knew that sometimes teaching math through a kick-ball game was the best way to reach the kids.

Susan leaves a great many people here, honoring and keeping her spirit alive, including her children, Sara, Nathan and Kya; her grandchildren, Emylia, Scarlett, Lola, Burch and Mason; her siblings, John, Dan, Steve and Sara; her numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews; and her large family of friends.

In lieu of gifts, please donate to Heifer International or volunteer with Fayetteville Parks & Rec.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE —

Helen P. Reed, 65, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Thursday, June 15, 2017, in Fayetteville. She was born March 12, 1952, in County Tipperary, Ireland, to Thomas Butler and Mary Josephine (Murphy) Butler.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Reed; one son, Owen Reed of Memphis, Tenn.; one daughter, Tina Gabbard of Fayetteville, Ark.; one sister, Mary Veronica (Monica) Butler Shannon of Bergenfield, N.J.; one brother, Thomas Joseph Butler of County Kildale, Ireland; and three grandchildren, Carmen Olivia Reed and Ethan Graham Reed, both of Memphis, Tenn., and Katherine Greenlee Gabbard of Fayetteville.

A Celebration of Helen’s life will be held 11 a.m., Monday, June 19, in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of The Ozarks 1020 South One Mile Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72704.

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

FAYETTEVILLE —

Herbert Neil Serenson, 83, died in Fayetteville, Ark., May 24, 2017, from complications of Alzheimer’s. Born Feb. 22, 1934, in the Bronx, N.Y., he resided in Hartsdale, N.Y., Oakton, Va., and Fayetteville, Ark.

Herbert was a mathematician, computer scientist, with a BS in mathematics from CCNY, Magna Cum Laude and MS from NYU in mathematics and statistics. He retired as a Director of Operations after 30 years from IBM Yorktown Heights Research Center. His previous positions were in the aircraft industry in mathematical engineering which included missile design during the Korean War. Herbert was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

He enjoyed gardening, tennis, birdwatching, nature and long walks, puzzles and reading books. He enjoyed mentoring young people in many fields. Herbert was a loving father and grandfather who treasured his family.

Survivors include his daughters Diane Serenson-Ungar of Fayetteville, Ark., Linda Colet of Oakton, Va.; sister, Eve Aron of Fort Myers, Fla.; grandkids, Rachel and Maya Ungar, and Lance and Julia Colet; and extended family and friends.

Preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Levitin Serenson; his mother, Edith Gitelson Serenson; father, Max Serenson; and brother, Alfred Serenson.

Services were held on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at Schwartz Funeral Home, followed by burial at Mt. Hebron Jewish Cemetery in Queens, N.Y.

We thank his personal care aides and the Fayetteville Health Care and Rehab Center for his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Alzheimer’s association at Alz.org.

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

FAYETTEVILLE —

Jessica Velasco–Aragon, 24, of Fayetteville passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017. She was born March 11, 1993, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Arturo and Rosa Velasco.

She graduated Fayetteville High school in 2011 and was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Antonia Garcia and aunt, Olga Aragon.

Survivors include her parents, Arturo and Rosa Velasco of Fayetteville; brother, Johnny Velasco of Fayetteville; grandmother, Martha Velasco of Farmington; grandfathers, Rodolfo Aragon and Policarpio Velasco, both of Mexico; special aunts, Beatriz Aragon of Mexico and Lydia Velasco of West Fork; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville from noon–1:30 p.m. with a rosary to follow. A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. with Father Eliseo Noel officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Gardens..

Funeral services are under the direction of Madison County Funeral Service of Huntsville. Please visit www.madisoncountyfuneral service.com to leave the family an online condolence.

FORT SMITH — Edward

J. Borengasser, 96, of Fort Smith died on Thursday.

Rosary Service: 7 p.m., on Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fort Smith.

Funeral Mass: 10 a.m., on Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fort Smith by Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Complete obituary at www.rollerfuneral homes.com/paris.

GARFIELD — Ryder Nathaniel Ray Beck,

4-month-old son of Haley Pitts and Wade Beck was born Feb. 6, 2017. He passed away June 15, 2017, in Garfield.

Survivors: his parents, Haley Pitts and stepfather David Rust, Wade Beck; siblings, Aaliyah Pitts, Kimberly Pitts-Feliciano and Brooke Rust; grandparents, Rebecca Pitts and Johnny Butler, Warren Pitts, David Williams, Ann Williams; great-grandparents, Shirley tenBensel and David tenBensel, Tommy Fortner, and Patsy Pitts; and uncles, Blake and Austin Pitts.

Graveside service 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery, Rogers. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers.

GRAVETTE — Charles

R. Griffin Jr., 80, of Gravette, Ark., passed away on June 7, 2017.

Charles was born in 1936 in Tampa, Fla., to Charles and Lucie (Scott) Griffin. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 and was stationed in Lubbock, Texas.

He married Mary Phillips in 1961.

He worked industrial sales, as a truck driver and owned a video store in Gravette.

He was a member of Gravette American Legion Post 25 for over 30 years. He was member of Masonic Fellowship Lodge 345 in Joplin, Mo., for over 50 years.

Charles did not know a stranger and enjoyed visiting with everyone. He enjoyed being a part of the Gravette community.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his infant twins.

Charles is survived by his wife, Mary of Gravette, Ark.; four children, Kathleen of Saint Petersburg, Fla., Rodgers (Melinda) of Sulphur Springs, Ark., Tim of Fayetteville, Ark., Jason Hahn (Angela) of Jackson, Miss.; and two grandchildren, Zachary Griffin of Fayetteville, Ark., and Sydni Griffin of Pittsburg, Kan.

A gathering of friends and family will be held Friday, June 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 24, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette, Ark., with Pastor Jheri Roberts officiating.

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

JAPTON — Kayla Brooke Dotson, 16, of Japton, Ark., went to be with her Savior on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Washington Regional Medical Center. Kayla was born on May 16, 2001, in Johnson, Ark., to Jeremy and Ginger Dotson.

Kayla attended Huntsville Missionary Baptist Church. Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the most important thing to her, and she spent most evenings studying her Bible. She loved her friends dearly and loved to spend as much time with them as possible. She loved her family with all her heart, and also loved shopping, the beach and the lake. She was a straight A student in school and loved to buy her family and friends little gifts frequently to brighten their day.

On July 27, 2010, Kayla received a second chance at life when she received a heart transplant. She was very thankful for the donor’s family and Kayla lived each day to the fullest. She was a big supporter of organ donation and frequently posted messages on social media asking everyone to become a donor.

Kayla is survived by her parents; her brother ,Jacob Dotson of Fayetteville, Ark.; sister, Emily Dotson of the home; brother, Devin Dotson of the home; grandparents, Dennis and Patricia Rogers of Japton, Ark., and Terry and Glenna Dotson of Huntsville, Ark.; great-grandfather, Delbert Clark of Huntsville, Ark.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Brashears Funeral Home on Sunday, June 18, from 3-5 p.m. Services will be held at Huntsville Missionary Baptist Church, Monday, June 19, at 2 p.m. with Brother Bud Pulley and Brother Coy Siegrest officiating. Interment will be at Drakes Creek Cemetery under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home www.brashearsfuneralhome.net of Huntsville, Ark.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Rogers, Bryan Rogers, Aaron Rogers, Landon Rogers, Coy Siegrest and Phillip Hoskins.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, Ark. 72203-9984.

ROGERS — Francis Harvey went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2017. He was born on Jan. 20, 1927, in Pinegrove, Pa. He was preceded in death by four brothers, and one sister. Left to cherish his memories are his wife Dolly, 12 children, 24 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Visitation was at Charter Funeral Home, 77 NE 72nd St., Gladstone, Mo., on Friday June 16, at 11 a.m., service followed at noon; interment at Terrace Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Mo. Also, visitation will be held Tuesday, June 20, from 6-7 p.m., with service to follow at Global Outreach Center, Rogers, Ark.

SPRINGDALE — Linda N. Johnson, after a lengthy illness, expired May 14, 2017, at the Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale, Ark.

Ms. Johnson was a 1965 graduate of the University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, Ark., and Sparks Hospital Medical Technology School, Fort Smith, Ark. Ms. Johnson, at the time, scored the highest score ever recorded on the National Medical Technology Registry Examination. Ms. Johnson also attended the University of Texas Pan American, Edinburg, Texas, and Texas A&M University, College Station and Galveston, Texas.

During her professional life, Ms. Johnson worked in innumerable medical labs and was senior head of a private medical laboratory in Dallas, Texas. Later, she was Head, Chemistry Department, the Marine Military Academy, Harlingen, Texas.

At the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., she was an Advancement and Development administrative associate, during the Academy’s $25,000,000 Capital Campaign.

A 45-year member of PEO, Ms. Johnson had been an active member of several PEO Chapters across the width and breadth of the nation.

Most recently she was a member of the PEO Chapter BH, Fayetteville, Ark.

Ms. Johnson is survived by her husband, James and four children, Jay Patterson, James Johnson, Robert Johnson and Sharon Patterson, and a brother, Jerry D. Nichols.

An Episcopalian and member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Ark., a Memorial Service will be held at Saint Paul’s at 11 a.m., on Saturday, June 24. Ms. Johnson, requested no flowers, but if so inclined, suggested a Memorial Gift to the University of the Ozarks, 415 College Street, Clarksville, Ark. 72830. Commitment invitation will take place later in the Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. To sign the online guest book, visit www.nelson berna.com.

WALDRON — Chester Alden Robertson Jr., age 62, of Waldron, died, Friday, June 16, 2017.

He is survived by two daughters, Lea Robertson of Fayetteville and Kathryn Snow of Little Rock; one brother, Gene Robertson (Fran) of Pearcy; one sister, Alice Sullivan of Ruskin, Fla.; and two grandsons.

Guest registry at www. davis-smith.com.

WEST FORK — Bobbie Dee Frazier, 86, of West Fork, died Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Springdale. She was born Jan. 17, 1931, in Coal Hill, Ark., the daughter of Truman Anson and Edna Pearl Forbus Bartlett.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Frazier and a daughter, Judy.

She was a retired lineworker. She is survived by five daughters, Archie Ann and her husband Bud, Peggy and her husband Frank, Becky and her husband Richard, Marsha and Donna Sue; a son, Jesse and his wife Joann; eleven grandchildren, Faith, Mandy and her husband Brandon, Jake and his wife Kaletta, Scottie and his wife Eva, Clay and his wife Kira, Luke and his wife Nina, Kaylea, Chris, Andrea and her wife Brenda, Chance and Taylor; fifteen great-grandchildren, Dylan, Aspen, Kloie, Colton, Katie, Tabitha, Hunter, Derek, Alexandria, Xavier, Katelynn, Riley, Aiden, Elaina Pearl and Kaylynn Delaney.

Graveside service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Fayetteville National Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. To sign the online guest book, visit www.moores funeralchapel.com.