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 — Lorraine F. Conley, age 94, passed away in Bentonville on Oct. 9, 2017. She was born June 24, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wis., to George and Mable Luverne Mielke. At her young age, the family moved to Oshkosh, Wis. She graduated from Oskosh High School. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in accounting and business administration from the University of Jamestown, Jamestown, N.D. After graduating, she worked for the Navy Department in Washington, D.C., during World War II.

She married Franklyn “Jeff” Conley in 1946. They resided in Knoxville, Tenn.; Jamestown, N.D.; Waterloo, Iowa; Owatonna, Minn.; and Sioux City, Iowa, before moving to Bella Vista, Ark., in 1988. She was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and enjoyed playing bridge.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Robert Wakelee, Seattle, Wash.; son and daughter-inlaw, David and Kathleen Conley, Fairbanks, Alaska; and son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Lisa Conley, Newbury Park, Calif. Survivors also include 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 65 years, Franklyn; daughter, Patricia Mary; sister Lola Henjum of Minneapolis, Minn.

Memorial services will be at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. with refreshments to follow. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. Donations may be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville. www. callisonlough.com.

BELLA VISTA — William (Bill) J. Narron, 88, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away Oct. 9, 2017. He was born on May 14, 1929, in Kansas City, Mo., to Jack and Madeline Narron.

Bill moved to Blue Springs, Mo., as a small child. He worked for Adams Dairy and retired from Fleming Foods in May 1991. Moved to Bella Vista in August 1991. He was a member of Bella Vista Community Church and the Sheneman Golf Group. He loved playing golf and was rewarded with two hole-in-ones.

Watching and filling his many bird feeders was first thing on his list each morning. His family was very important to him. Bill was a gentle, thoughtful and kind man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a great grandson, Oliver Fairchild and many furry little friends that are going to run and welcome him. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Shirley; three daughters, Debbie Narron of Grain Valley, Mo., Deanna Spencer and her husband, Mike of Overland Park, Kan., and Brenda Norman of Bella Vista; a son, Steve Narron of Grain Valley, Mo.; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12 at Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Graveside services will be held later in Kansas City, Mo.

If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 5248, Bella Vista, Ark., 72714. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

BENTONVILLE — Anita Braaten of Bentonville died Oct. 10 at her home. Anita is survived by her husband; Dean Braaten, her mother, one daughter, three sisters, three loving dogs and many

close friends. Visitation: Friday, Oct. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home.

CENTERTON — Jimmy “J.R” Spurlock, 76, of Centerton, Ark., passed away Oct. 7, 2017, after a courageous threeyear battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Lorene Spurlock and his sister Anna Jean Buell. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Mary Spurlock; his children, Keith Spurlock (Rovena) of Bauxite, Gina Bell (Ken) of Mayflower, Leah King of Centerton and Bobby King; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Jimmy served his country for 30 years. He joined the Navy out of high school in 1959 and retired as a chief warrant officer four. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and many others. He traveled and lived across the globe.

Upon retiring he worked at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, Ca., teaching auto mechanics. Jimmy loved to play Texas Hold’em and going all in! He spent his last few years working on his 1972 Ford Mustang Mach II. He also loved to fish.

Jimmy was a lifetime member of the VFW and was an active member in the Bull Shoals post.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 14 at the VFW in Bull Shoals, Ark., at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Bentonville Circle of Life Hospice or the Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at: www.funeralmation.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Jane Elizabeth Nichols Steele died Oct. 4, 2017. She was the daughter of Guerdon Nichols and Dorothy McLeod Nichols. She married and settled in Little Rock where she raised her four children.

She was the first female teaching assistant in Little Rock University’s History Department. She was the leader of the first integrated Girl Scout troop in Little Rock, and an active member of the League of Women Voters.

She co-founded Wilderness Trails, a non-profit that took high school students on summer trips to the Appalachians, Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Boundary Waters. These adventures were always memorable. She took many canoe trips down the Buffalo River, starting the trip with the warning “Don’t rush to Rush!”

Jane lived in Colorado and Arizona, engrossed in the culture and history of the west. She rafted several western rivers, including the Colorado. She drove her camper alone up the Alaska-Canada Highway and back.

She designed a cabin on Beaver Lake and built it with the help of family and friends Jane loved a good project or destination. Finally, Jane returned to Fayetteville and the house she grew up in.

She is survived by John William Steele, Cynthia Steele Moss, Dr. Allison Moss Johnson, Dr. Jeff Johnson, Jack Johnson, Emily Moss Runyon, Brad Runyon, Isabella Runyon, Hannah Runyon, Karen Steele-Hart, Bill Hart, Jacquelyn Steele Lincoln, Ivy Lincoln, Naomi Mendel Stratton, Katie Stratton, Chloe Stratton, Sarah Mendel Johnson, Len Johnson, Julia Lincoln Sites, Matt Sites, Cassidy Sites, Harrison Sites, Barret Schein, Tanya Schein, Bishop Sites, Dr. Daniel Lincoln, Sarah Schwald, Ellery Lincoln, Becky Scott Roberts, Mark Roberts, Gordon Roberts, Tiffany Roberts, Megan Roberts, Marc Roberts and Chloe Roberts.

The family thanks all those who supported Jane during her life. Memorials can be made to Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, Washington Regional Medical Center Hospice or Southern Poverty Law Center. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel. com.

GENTRY — Brian McCormick, 41, died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Gentry. Brian was born Oct. 31, 1975, in Van Buren to Everett and Mary Howe McCormick. He is preceded in death by his father and stepfather, Robert Ross and survived by his mother, Mary Ross of Altus; son, Brian Cline; sisters, Marilyn Owens, Melodie Dotson and Jennifer Salazar; brother, Dustin Ross; and maternal grandmother, Melba Howe. Private memorial.

GENTRY — Retha Jane Severn, 62-year-old resident of Gentry, Ark., died Oct. 9, 2017, at Circle of Life at Legacy Village, Bentonville, Ark. Born June 10, 1955, in Gravette, Ark., she was the daughter of Ray Hudson and Martha Nance Hudson.

Retha married Frank Severn on Oct. 22, 1988, in Gentry, Ark. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Decatur, Ark.

Retha was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Margaret Land. Survivors include her husband, Frank of the home; sons, Curtis Severn of Gentry, Ark., and Robert Severn and wife Tammi of Rogers, Ark.; daughter, Tammy Skaggs of Lowell, Ark.; four grandchildren, Yvonne Severn, Jennifer Edwards, Ashley Skaggs and Micayla Severn; four great-grandchildren; sister, Eva Jean Duncan and husband Lester of Rogers, Arkansas; and brother, James Hudson of Maysville, Ark.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Wasson Memorial Chapel, Siloam Springs, Ark. Burial will follow at Springtown Cemetery, Springtown, Ark. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark. To sign the online guestbook, visit www. wassonfuneralhome.com.

GRAVETTE — Rose Marie Mitchell Crose, 79, of Gravette died Oct. 9, 2017. Rose Crose was born the daughter of William and Edna Mitchell on Nov. 30, 1937, in Beloit, Kan. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12 at Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

HUNTSVILLE — Larry Gene Lynch, 64, of Huntsville, died Oct. 8, 2017. Survivors: wife, Lisa Lynch; son, Lecile Lynch; daughter, Lacey Marie (Stacy) Stephens; brother, Donald Lynch; sister, Renae Sinor; two granddaughters. Services 1 p.m. Thursday, Friendship Cemetery-Springdale by Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville. www.brashearsfuneralhome. net of Huntsville, Ark. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Brashears. LOWELL — Jackie Lea Summit, age 89, of Lowell, passed away on Sept. 30, 2017, from stage 4 lung cancer. Jackie was born on April 4, 1928, in Goodnight, Okla., to parents John and Nancy Davis.

On Feb. 15, 1947, she married the love of her life, Clemeth Davis Summit, in Fallbrook, Calif., and worked hard making a home for their family. After living in Fallbrook and Redding, Calif., for several years, Clemeth and Jackie moved to Ozark, Ark., to live closer to Clemeth’s brother, Sabe.

In 2011, Jackie’s husband of 62 years passed away. She moved to NW Arkansas in 2013 to live closer to her grandson, David, and his family. She enjoyed all the family involvement, especially attending the many performances of her great-granddaughter, Madison, and was recently baptized as a member of the First United Methodist Church of Springdale.

Jackie was preceded in death not only by her husband, but also by her sisters, Iris and Juanita, her brother, Edwin and her two eldest sons, Sheldon Keith and Clemeth Duane. She is survived by her son, James Ray; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that frequently kept in touch with her via Facebook.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her laugh and love at a Memorial Service on Oct. 16, 2017, to be held at the Lowell Senior Apartments, 303 Robinson Ave., Lowell, in their Community Room at 11 a.m. Cremation was handled by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 West Walnut, Rogers.

ROGERS — Roy Allan Miller, 82, of Rogers, Ark., was born Sept. 13, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Harry and Hilda Miller. Roy entered heaven Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harry Miller; a sister, Donna Holm; first wife, Dorothy Hanson and a stepson, Douglas Going. Roy is survived by his wife, Betty, whom he shared 47 years of life, laughter and love with; seven children; 13 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one sister.

We rejoice in Roy’s long awaited homecoming, while we grieve his departure.

Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 1051 W Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, Ark., 72758. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services. Memories may be shared at stockdalefuneral.com.

ROGERS — Perry Lee Payne Sr. of Rogers died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. Survivors: his best friend and mother of his children; Rebecca Payne, of Bella Vista, two sons, two daughters, two brothers, two sisters, and 10 grandchildren. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Robert Phillips, 89, of Sulphur Springs passed away Oct. 7, 2017. He was born Oct. 27, 1927, in Kenderickson, Mo., the son of Lewis and Mary Malaqun Phillips.

He was a farmer and formerly worked at Emerson Electric for 19 years, and a security guard for Glad Manufacturing for 2½ years. Robert was a member of the Church of Christ and served in the U.S. Air Force. Robert played the guitar in several local country bands.

Preceded in death three sons James, Donald and Charley Phillips. He is survived by his children, Pat Misener of the home, Robert Phillips, Jr. of Garfield, David Phillips of Clifty; 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Robert’s life will be 4 p.m. Sunday; Oct. 15, 2017, at the Veterans Park Pavilion, I and Olrich St., Rogers. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

OWASSO, Okla. — Peggy Sue Taylor, 81, of Owasso, Okla., passed away Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at St. John Hospital in Tulsa surrounded by her family. Services have been entrusted to the care of Dighton-Moore Funeral Home in Owasso, Okla.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Dighton-Moore Funeral Service chapel in Owasso.

Pallbearers will be Walker Whitten, Austin Whitten, Dalton Taylor, and Zachery Taylor. Interment will follow at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Okla. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, at the funeral home with family greeting guests from 6 p.m. to p.m.

Peggy was born May 13, 1936, in Bentonville, Ark., to Edward and Agnes (Vinson) Dickey. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include one daughter, Donna Whitten and husband Ike of Ozona, Texas; one son, David Taylor and wife Patty of Owasso, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Austin Whitten of San Marcos, Texas, Walker Whitten of San Angelo, Texas, Cassie Taylor of Owasso, Okla., Brandy Cotton and husband Bruce of Skiatook, Okla., Courtney Wilkens and husband Kevin of Owasso, Okla., Dalton Taylor of Owasso, Okla., Zachery Taylor of Stillwater, Okla., and Katelynn Taylor of Claremore, Okla.; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry in 2011.

POLLOK, Texas — A funeral service for Billy Burkett Fortune, retired U.S. Air Force colonel, 93, of Pollok, Texas, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in the chapel of Downs Funeral Home, Marshall, Texas, with Rev. John McGuire officiating. Interment will follow the service in Andrews Cemetery, Karnack, Texas. Visitation with family and friends will take place Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Downs Funeral Home from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Mr. Fortune passed away Saturday, Oct. 07, 2017, at his home.

Billy Burkett Fortune was born June 3, 1924, in Smithville, Texas, to Ray and Ella Mae Burkett Fortune. He was a graduate of Mineola High School’s class of 1942. While in high school Billy enjoyed and excelled in sports, specifically football. After graduation he attended Texas A&M University from 1942–1944.

In 1945 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Billy attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he graduated as 2nd lieutenant. Early on, Billy realized his love of flying, his love of country and those two things together shaped much of his future.

After his graduation from the academy, Billy relocated to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., where he served as a pilot instructor. It was during this time his life would forever change. Billy met a beautiful young lady and his future bride, Betsy Jane Hartzo. In 1947 he was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, and Korea.

Every day overseas Billy had two missions, to serve his country honorably and return to Betsy. He succeeded at both and on April 23, 1948, Billy married the love of his life at Karnack Baptist Church.

Shortly after their marriage they relocated to San Antonio where Billy was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. He then became a flight instructor at Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman, Texas. In 1950 he was discharged from the Air Force but remained active in the Air Force Reserve.

After Billy’s active military discharge, which would not be the end of his military career, Billy and Betsy relocated to Fayetteville, Ark., where Billy studied industrial engineering. He graduated in January 1953 and immediately went to work for the Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company in their planning and distribution department in Shreveport, La. During this time while still active in the Air Force Reserve, Billy was promoted to colonel and served as the squadron commander for the 917th Combat Support Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base.

In 1972, Billy and Betsy relocated to Little Rock, Ark., where he assumed the role of planning and distribution for the state of Arkansas at the Arkla Gas Company. At the time of his retirement from Arkla Gas in 1982, Billy was a registered engineer in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. Following retirement Billy continued to work in the oil and gas industry forming small independent oil and gas companies.

Two years after his civilian retirement, in 1984, Billy retired from the U.S. Air Force after a lifetime of respectable and honorable service to his country. At the time of his retirement Billy had obtained the rank of colonel. Prior to his retirement Billy had the opportunity to participate in a once in a life time experience. Billy was the co-pilot of the first military plane flown into a hurricane. He would later recount the story stating, it was like flying a plane under water.

After many years of hard work and dedicated service to his country Billy would begin

to settle into retirement with his wife Betsy. They began to travel the states and abroad. They loved their trips to the Hawaiian island of Maui, Europe, and Israel. While Billy and Betsy enjoyed their travels, the memories made with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the best and most cherished of all.

The family would like to thank Renee, Trisha and Charlotte, the Visiting Angels and his caretaker, Amber and the members of Hospice of the Pines all of whom were very caring and attentive to Mr. Fortune’s needs.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC., 20090-7251, or the University of Arkansas Engineering Scholarship Fund, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701-1201. Online condolences may be made at www.downsfuneralhome.com.