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 — Marion

DeWyze, 96, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away Sept. 5, 2017. She was born Dec. 13, 1920, in Germany to Robert and Elizabeth Mueller.

The family came to the United States in 1927, settling in Chicago. Marion was a beautician until retiring to Bella Vista in 1987 with her husband. Marion served on the board of a local AARP Chapter, and was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista for many years. She enjoyed painting and the company of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Lee DeWyze, and brother, Ralph Mueller. Marion is survived by her nephew, Howard K. Mueller and sister-in-law, Rita L. Mueller. A Remembrance Service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com. The family encourages charitable donations and prayers for Marion in lieu of flowers.

BELLA VISTA — Mrs.

Bobbie Ruth Verner Dees,

of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away Aug. 22, 2017, at the Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville, Ark. The cause of death was a stroke 10 days prior. Bobbie was born Nov. 4, 1928, in Grand Prairie, Texas, to Hugh Ethel and Clemmie Lou (Goff) Verner, the youngest of six children.

Her father, Hugh died when Bobbie was 2 years old, and her mother raised the family in Dallas, Texas. Bobbie attend Crozier Technical High School in Dallas, where her lifelong passion and talent for art emerged. She attended East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas, and there met and married her husband of nearly 70 years, Frank Lamar Dees.

Frank and Bobbie had five children, interrupting Bobbie’s education but not discouraging her dreams of a college degree. In the 70s, Bobbie obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, followed by a master’s degree in special education from the same university.

She had a long and distinguished teaching career, beginning at Eastside Elementary School in Rogers, Ark., and ending at the Mary Greet School in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she lovingly nurtured children with severe developmental disabilities.

Bobbie’s many talents were shared wherever she went. She sang, played the piano and dulcimer, painted, danced, wrote and illustrated children’s books, and in her retirement years, became a computer graphic artist. In her last years she was never far from her laptop. Bobbie was a prolific reader with deep interest in the history and culture of the western states, where she and Frank traveled extensively. Her Christian faith was always at the center of her life and commitment to a local church community was a constant.

Bobbie is survived by her husband, Frank Dees, five children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The five surviving children are Marilyn (Dees) and John Schuster of Summit, N.J., Steven Dees of Kent, Wash., Richard and Katherine (Krumwiede) Dees of Bella Vista, Ark., Andy and Yvonne ( Snow) Dees of Idaho Springs, Colo., and Los Angeles, Calif., and Robbie Sue Dees of Springdale, Ark.

A celebration of Life will be held at the Lakepoint Restaurant on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark.

BELLA VISTA—

Angeline Joann Heckel, 85, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Sept. 7, 2017, at Ozarks Community Hospital. She was born April 19, 1932, in South Heart, N.D., to Frank Huschka and Magdalene Hoffman Huschka.

She was raised and educated in North Dakota. Angie married Leo Heckel whom she met by writing to him in Korea (Leo was a friend of her brother Fritz, they were stationed together in Korea) on Sept. 21, 1954, at St. Agatha’s Catholic Church, Hope, N.D.

They lived in Hope, N.D., for 25 years and later in Finley, N.D., until moving to Bella Vista, Ark., in 1988.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leo Heckel. Left to cherish her memories are two daughters, Valerie Bergmann and Marlene Morrison; one brother, Fritz Huschka; six grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Naomi, Shawn, Piper, Katie; one great- granddaughter, Emily, and two great-grandsons, Mykel and Riley.

A Rosary will be at 9:30 a. m. and Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, One St. Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, Ark. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation.com.

BELLA VISTA — Louis

Joe Massaglia, 92, died Sep. 6, 2017, at Highlands Health Care and Rehabilitation in Bella Vista, Ark. He was born in Pittsburg, Kan., on May 19, 1925, to Michael August and Mary Velia Massaglia.

He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1942. He had a successful, 35-year career with the J.C. Penney Company where he managed stores in Oakley, Kan.; York, Neb.; Hays, Kan., and Independence, Mo. It was during his first assignment with Penney’s in Pittsburg he met his beloved wife of 59 years, Billie Nadean Martin of Weir, Kan. They were married on Feb.10, 1945.

Upon retiring from the Penney’s company in 1980 he and Billie opened the M&M Gift Shoppe in Bentonville, Ark., which they operated for 13 years until 1993. Throughout his life Louie was active in many civic/service clubs and Chamber of Commerce organizations, several in which he served as president.

Following his heart and faith, Louie and his family also actively served in various churches of the communities in which they resided. Upon their final move to Bella Vista, he and Billie joined the Bella Vista Community Church, worshiping there over 30 years, serving in various capacities including chairing the Memorial Committee.

Louie was a lifelong music enthusiast — in his youth having played lead trumpet professionally in two bands during the “Big Band Era.” Throughout his life music and dancing were amongst his greatest joys and hobbies often quoting “Life isn’t worth living if you aren’t having fun.”

In 1984, Louie and Billie organized, planned and hosted the first M&M Gift Shoppe Family Gathering, which became known as “The Tourney.” They continued to plan and host the event which has an average attendance of 50 family members, until 2012 when Louie moved to Brookfield Assisted Living Center. The Tourney lives on and celebrated its 33rd consecutive year last July.

Louis was a hardworking, intelligent, humorous, dedicated Christian family man who cared deeply for his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Louie was predeceased in death by his father, Michael; mother, Mary; brother, Leonard; wife, Billie; son, Martin Louis and daughter-in-law Jacqueline, Darlene. Louie is survived by his sons: Michael and wife, Vivian of Bella Vista; Mark and wife, Amy of Windsor, Conn.; Matthew of Hays, Kan., and daughterinlaw, Kay of Royersford, Pa.; his grandchildren, Amy, Todd, Tony, Anne, Emily, Natalie, Lucas, Michael, Troy, Max, Steven, Brina and 16 great-grandchildren, Adrian, Anthony, Alexander, Erin, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jacksen, Julian, Katie, Louis, Michael August III, Miles, Myra, Oliver, Shelby and Sophie.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

BENTONVILLE — After a courageous battle with

cancer, Mark Anthony Witcher

passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, at his home in Bentonville, Ark., at the age of 48. Mark was born on Jan. 14, 1969, in Little Rock, Ark., to David and Marilyn Witcher.

He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa Witcher; his daughter, Taylor Witcher Christenson; his son-inlaw, Daniel Christenson; his granddaughter, Aubrey Christenson; his mother, Marilyn Witcher; his sister, Stacey Witcher Lough; and 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2017, at That Church at 901 E Keihl Ave., Sherwood, Ark., 72120. Mark was cremated, so in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Mark Witcher Memorial Fund at www.youcaring.com/ Mark Witch er Memorial Fund. To sign the online guest book please visit www. moores funeralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Leslie

Katherine Dunsworth, age 67, of Fayetteville passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at Westwood Health & Rehab. She wa s born Aug. 10, 1950, in Morrilton, Ark., to Henry Harrison and Maxine Fornash Dunsworth.

She was of the Church of Christ faith and attended the Downtown church of Christ in Morrilton and later the North Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville.

Leslie was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents, Dowen and Cara Hogan Dunsworth and Fred C. and Leta Stroud Fornash of Morrilton. Also, a sister-in-law, Linda Hutchens Dunsworth.

She is survived by her sister, Jane Murphy and husband Tim of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; two brothers, Alan Dunsworth of Fayetteville and Shawn Dunsworth and wife Jeanette of Farmington, Ark.; three nieces, Hailey Dunsworth of New Orleans, La., Ciarra Murphy and Ashlyn Murphy both of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; two nephews, Andrew Dunsworth of Fayetteville and Michael Offenbacker of Shoreline, Wash.

Leslie attended the Morrilton Public Schools until January 1965. The family then moved to Fayetteville, where her father became manager of the Oberman Mfg./Levi’s factory. She was a 1968 graduate of Fayetteville High School and attended the University of Arkansas.

Leslie enjoyed gardening, cross-stitch, knitting, collecting dolls, and was very interested in family history. She was a big fan of the Razorbacks, the Fayetteville High Purple Bulldogs, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

She was a great- greatgreat-great granddaughter of Thomas and Sabina Greer, who were the first settlers of Conway County, Ark., in 1813. She was a great-great granddaughter of James and Annie Morgan Stroud, pioneer settlers of Van Buren County, Ark., in the 1840s.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. Private family memorial will be at a later date at Jerusalem Cedar Creek Cemetery, northwest of Morrilton, Ark. Memorials can be made to Southern Christian Home, 100 West Harding Street, Morrilton, Ark., 72110; UAMS, 4301 W. Markham St., Slot 716, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, or Arkansas Children’s Hospital-Northwest, giving@archildrens.org. To place an online tribute visit www. moores funeralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE —

Robert “Bob” Hicks, age 63, of Fayetteville, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017. He was born Oct. 15, 1953, in Ann Arbor, Mich., the son of Dr. Henry H. Hicks Jr. and Jeanne Marie Hicks.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He was a lifelong scholar of the arts and sciences, and demonstrated a keen interest and knowledge of both, and was able to converse with authority on almost all subjects. His hobbies and interests included science and technology, history, photography, electronics, music and philosophy, model craft, and other related subjects.

His manner was elegant without being condescending, and he displayed a sharpness of wit that has been compared to the writings of American author Mark Twain. He was an ROTC cadet in high school, and was employed at a variety of occupations throughout his life, including construction, theater projectionist, railroad mechanic, and heavy toolmaking.

He is survived by four brothers, Andrew Hicks of Little Rock, William “Bill” Hicks of Fayetteville, Lloyd Hicks of Fayetteville and John Hicks of Los Angeles; three sisters, Peggy Ayling of Siloam Springs, Nancy McCollum of Cottage Grove, Ore., and Mary Elizabeth Nevin of Fayetteville; and cousins Jim Murphy of Mayflower and David Parks of Prairie Grove.

Visitation will be 1–2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Visitation will be 1–2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., in the chapel. Graveside service will be 1 p.m., Tuesday at Lonoke Cemetery in Lonoke, Ark., under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. To sign the online guest book, visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE —

Carolyn Lee Moulton, age 71, of Fayetteville passed away Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in Fayetteville. She was born June 1, 1946, in Fayetteville the daughter of Zara Lee and Mary Carolyn Crouch Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She loved to grow flowers, dance and loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her two sons John Moulton and his wife Siena of West Fork, Ark., and David Patterson and his wife Kitty Marie Lane of Jacksonville, Ark.; one daughter Lee Ann Patterson of Lincoln, Ark.; two grandchildren Dixie Laine Moulton and Linley Lee Glenn; two brothers Michael Joe Thomas and Gerald Dale Thomas both of Fayetteville and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Monday Sept. 11, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral Service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday at Moore’s Chapel with interment to follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery. To sign the online guest book visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Sandra Lynn Schultz, 55, of Fayet teville passed away Friday, Sept., 2017, at her home. She was born Nov. 17, 1961, in Fairfax, Va., to Don and Edith McEntire Guthrie.

She was retired from Walmart. Sandra was an avid football fan. Her favorite team was the Chicago Bears. She enjoyed NASCAR and the ocean. Her grandchildren, her cat, Doodlebug and her family were loved very much by her.

Survivors include one son, Derek Schultz and wife Nikki of Harrison; two daughters, Darcee Grindstaff and husband Nate of Springdale and Danielle Wilson and wife Brianne of Springdale; her father, Don Guthrie of Gassville, Ark.; her mother, Edith Korcheck and her husband Gerald of Harrison; two sisters, Jennifer Konemann and husband Charles of Oklahoma City and Donetta Mareth and husband Pat of Lowell; five grandchildren, Tyler and Dylan Wilson, Madison and Ethan Grandstaff and Caydn Schultz.

A visitation will be on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, from 5-7 p. m., at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale.

Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral. com.

HINDSVILLE — Patricia Ann Dobbs, 72, of Hindsville went to be with the Lord on Sept. 8, 2017. She was born Oct. 4, 1944, in Norman, Okla., the daughter of the late Gene and Verlon Kemp Wynn.

She was a member of the House of Worship Church. She was a beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics for over 20 years. She had fought and successfully concurred a cancer diagnosis in 2012.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Wayne Dobbs in 2016; son, Lloyd Eugene Dobbs; brothers, Billy Wynn and Joe Wynn and granddaughter, Julie Robison.

She is survived by: sons, George Wayne Dobbs Jr. of Hindsville, Ark., and Ronnie Watkins of Huntsville, Ark.; daughters, Mary Foster and husband David of Claremore, Okla., and Shannon Bussell and husband Lyle of Huntsville, Ark. Brothers, Alden Wynn and Lee Wynn; sisters, Jane Birks, Betty Bartholomew, Pam Carpenter, Judy Wynn and Dawn Phillips. Five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in the chapel of Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark., 72762, with Brother Bill Williams and Brother Dee Bartholomew officiating with burial following at Elm Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Monday, Sept, 11, 2017, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Davis Foster, Lyle Bussell, Ronnie Watkins, Jeff Johnson, Cole Foster and Bradley Foster. Online condolences may be made to www.memorial fhspringdale.com.

LAMAR — Danny Lee Havener, 52, of Lamar, Ark., passed form this life Sept. 6, 2017, in Fort Smith. He was born June 15, 1965, in Ozark, Ark., to Arnold Dean and Inez (Mayes) Havener. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Roller Cox Funeral Home.

LOWELL — Movadene Cooper, 95, of Springdale, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 7, 2017. She was born on July 31, 1922, in Carnegie, Okla., to Thomas and Bessie Crawford. Movadene married the love of her life, Eldon “Bud” Cooper, on April 18, 1941. She was a precious woman who was loved by all who knew her. Her faith in the Lord was inspiring.

Movadene is preceded in death by her husband, Eldon “Bud” Cooper; her parents, Thomas and Bessie Crawford; and a grandson, Shane Bowden. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Sondra Vinson and husband Bob of Lowell. A visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 10 at Westfield Chapel funeral home in Springdale. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., on Monday at Bluff Cemetery in Springdale.

Please visit Movadene’s memorial at www.Westfield Chapel.com.

MOUNTAIN VIEW — Joe A. Ralston, 81, of Mountain View, Ark . , formerly of Springdale, Ark., passed away Sept. 7, 2017, in Batesv il l e, A rk . He was born M a rc h 25, 1936, in Cave Springs to the late Fay and Ruth Ralston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Reba Flatt Ralston; a sister, Barbara Musteen; a grandson, Toby Phillips and a great-grandson, Clayton Embry.

Joe was survived by his daughters, Kerry Ball-Phillips and husband, Don and Kay Murray; a son, Rick Ralston and wife, Sandy; eight grandchildren, Jerry Don Ball ( Amanda), Angela Wood (Matt), Jennifer Ralston, Marcus Murray, Sarah Saintignon, Megan Robison (Anthony), Mindy Murray and Misty Embry (Matt) and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Chapel. A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Roger. Online condolences may be made to stockdalefuneral. com.

ROGERS — James T. Coles, 73 of Rogers passed away Sept. 6, 2017, in Rogers. He was born June 30, 1944, in Columbus, Wis., the son of Gerald and Leta Thornsen Coles.

James was a landscaper and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers. He also served in the U.S. Army.

James was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Peter Coles. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Lynch Coles of the home; five children, Corina Haschke, Jesicca Wilson, Jimmy, Christina and Ryan Coles; six grandchildren Cole, Cade, Cody, Dylan, Alex and Kayleigh. Visitation 4-6 p.m. Wednesday; Sept. 13, 2017, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www. bentoncountyfuneralhome. com.

ROGERS — Hurley Eugene Webb, 82, was born Nov. 11, 1934 in Tulsa, Okla.; to Eugene Amos Web and Jennie Martha Webb and went to his Lord and Savior on Sept. 1, 2017, while in the loving care of Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville.

He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division during the Korean War Era and returned to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He worked in the oil and gas industry for many years, was an entrepreneur and retired cattle rancher.

Survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue Webb of Rogers; two sons, Anthony Webb, of Bentonville, Ted Garrett, of Gravette; two daughters, Diana Dum of Victoria, Texas, Kathleen Garrett, of Victoria, Texas; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; sister; Mary Lee Burchardt, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held to Honor and Remembrance at Chapel of the Creeks in Rogers, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers a donation to Circle of Life Hospice or Alzheimer’s Institute can be made.

He will always be remembered and loved as a true patriot and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Condolences: www.epting funeralhome.webs.com.

SPRINGDALE — Johnnie Mae Culberson, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, in Springdale. Born Sept. 21, 1923. Survivors: one son, David Culberson and wife Judy of Springdale; one grandson, James Culberson and one great- grandchild, Julis Culberson. Graveside: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, 10 a.m., Ural Cemetery near Elk City, Okla. www.siscofuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Janice Marie Wray, 69, of Springdale, died Aug. 16, 2017, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. She was born Dec. 10, 1947, in Winnemucca, Nev. She is survived by her son Chad Frantz and her daughter Jennifer Frantz.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Peter Bassett Rooke-Ley died Sept. 7, 2017, in Albuquerque, N.M. He was born Nov. 28, 1934. He was the son of Peter Hilaire and Linda Bassett Rooke-Ley, and later the step-son of Richard A. Morse.

Peter was an inspired architect. He received an A.B. from Harvard College and a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. He practiced architecture for 35 years in San Francisco and 10 years in the Southwest, including Tucson and Albuquerque. The Deerfield Academy (Massachusetts) alumnus loved to read, watch sports and travel.

He is survived by his wife, Rhea Shelton Rooke-Ley, formerly of Fayetteville, Ark., and two children, Andrea Terris Rooke-Ley and Joshua Morse Rooke-Ley, and a brother, Michael Rooke-Ley. He has four grandchildren, Penelope, Atticus, Elliott, and Mabel.