Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Heaven gained the most precious baby boy, as Kyle “Rhett” McKaughan

passed away Thursday, Nov. 23 in his home, peacefully in his sleep. From the day he was born on Aug. 1, 2017, at 6 lbs 5 oz and measuring at 19.5 inches long, Rhett was perfect in every way.

His life on earth was not reflected in the short time we on Earth had with him, but in the love and joy he brought every person who met him while he was here. His smile captivated the world in his short time, and will continue to shine in the arms of our Lord in Heaven.

Rhett is the son of Dax and Summer McKaughan and the brother of Mason, Maddie and Lyli. He was an answered prayer to the family and loved smiling at his siblings, cuddling and cooing with his Mommy and learning the “ways of a McKaughan man” with his Daddy.

He also held a very special place in the hearts of his grandparents, Kyle and Tonya McKaughan and Janet Guyll and Robert Guyll. He was born into the most loving family, with an abundance of aunts, uncles and cousins and many other extended family members. He touched the lives of all who met him and will continue to be a Guardian Angel in Heaven over those who loved him.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to Taylor McKeen Shelton Foundation.

BENTONVILLE — Terry

D. Dewey, 81, passed away on Nov. 1, 2017, at his home in Bentonville. He was born on Dec. 28, 1935, in Independence, Kan., to Theiron Dewey and Cleda (Thompson) Dewey.

He was the husband of 59 years to Thelma (Kolb) Dewey.

First and foremost, Terry, also known as “Big Daddy,” loved his family. He also loved to golf and spent countless hours out on the course. He took every opportunity he could to enjoy a round of 18 with friends and participated in tournaments on a regular basis.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to Jazz music. Other hobbies included bowling and collecting stamps and coins. He was also a member of the Lions Club and Shriners organizations for many years.

Terry owned his own electrical business for 30 years. Prior to that, he managed Safeway stores and was a partner in Convenient Food Marts in Joplin, Mo. and Muskogee, Okla.

Terry is survived by his wife, Thelma; son, Mark Dewey and wife, Karin of Bentonville; daughter, Dena Tanksley and husband, Curtis of Bentonville; grandson, Evan Dewey and wife, Lisa of Bentonville; brother, Jene Dewey and wife, Nancy of Oklahoma;

and great-grandsons, Michael, Christian and Ian of Bentonville.

A memorial celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2017, in New Life Christian Church, 103 Riordan Road, Bella Vista. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate.

FAYETTEVILLE — John

William “Bill” Rollins of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away on Nov. 26, 2017, in Fayetteville. He was born in Wheeler, Ark., to the late Thomas and Dora Porter Rollins.

He retired as sales manager for Heekin Can Company and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He is survived by his wife Ruby Jo, his son Gregg Rollins and his daughter, Connie Gail Dorman. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas E. Rollins, Herchel Lee Rollins and a sister Francis Balint. He is also survived by five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.

Memorial donations may be made to: TeachBeyond, c/o the Ministry of David Christians, P.O. Box 610, Downers Grove, Ill., 60515-0610, give. teachbeyond.org.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 1 at Cross Church Chapel in Springdale from noon until 1 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the church at 1 p.m. Interment will at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Fayetteville following the service. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers.

FORT SMITH — Douglas O. Smith Jr. of Fort Smith, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at Sparks Regional Medical Center, under its Hospice care. Doug was born Feb. 2, 1935, in Birmingham, Ala., to Douglas O. Smith Sr. and Ople Beeler Smith.

He was reared in Fort Smith, where he attended Fort Smith Public Schools, graduating from Fort Smith High School in 1952. He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in 1956 at the University of Arkansas. While at the university, he was a member and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa.

Doug obtained his law degree from Yale Law School in 1959, and after passing the Arkansas Bar examination that year, entered into active practice at Warner, Warner and Ragon. Doug practiced law in Fort Smith for the ensuing 51 years until his retirement from active practice. He continued to use his considerable ability as a member of the board of directors of Hanna Oil and Gas Company.

Doug Smith was a gifted and accomplished lawyer, a mentor to his colleagues of the Bar, both within and without his firm, a scholar of the law, and a worthy advocate. He represented his clients with ability, and always had a practical approach to solving the many problems he encountered on their behalf. Highly respected, he was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, membership in which is limited to no more than 1% of lawyers in any given state.

Doug had a unique combination of extraordinary intelligence, a sense of fairness, and an ability to communicate. He recognized the value of compromise, and was always able when necessary to disagree without being disagreeable. He was a trusted advisor and confidant to his many friends. His many partners at Warner, Smith & Harris valued his leadership of the firm through their legal careers.

Doug Smith devoted significant time and attention to improvement of the law and the administration of justice. Along with his close friend, Brad Jesson, Doug served as legislative liaison for then Governor Dale Bumpers.

He was a member of the American, Arkansas and Sebastian County Bar Associations, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and served by appointment of the Arkansas Supreme Court on the Arkansas Code Revision Commission.

He served our country as a member of the Arkansas Air National Guard from 19591965, and was activated by the U.S. Air Force in 1961-1962. He generously gave his time and talent to many local organizations, with service as a member and president of the Fort Smith School Board; the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Foundation; and the boards of Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, Girls Club, Harbor House, Bost School, Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, and the Arkansas Health Planning Commission.

Doug also served for years as a member of the board of directors of Sparks Hospital. At the U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit Judicial Conference in May 2016, Doug Smith was honored with the Richard S. Arnold Award for distinguished service and lifetime achievement.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents and by a son, Douglas O. Smith, III. He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie, a daughter, Sara Smith Fant of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., three granddaughters, Adair, Hutton and Emily Fant, a sister and brother-inlaw, Beth and Jim Turtle of Manhattan, Kan., and a brother-in-law, Robb Christopher, of Moab, Utah.

He was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Fort Smith, where he served as a member of the Vestry and senior warden, lay reader, usher and chancellor.

Memorial service will be Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at 11 a.m. with inurnment in the St. John’s Columbarium following the memorial. The family will greet friends in the Parish Hall of St. John’s following the inurnment.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Foundation, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, Ark., 72913, or St. John’s Episcopal Church, 214 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark., 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwards funerlahome.com. LOWELL — Joy Lucille

Tackel, 82, of Lowell, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at her home. She was born March 31, 1935, in Kingston to Richard Bird and Mary Virginia Lou (Cross) Deatherage.

She is survived by five children, John Leslie Tackel and wife Patti of Mountainburg, LaVonna Ritter and husband Mike of Chelsea, Okla., John Tackel, Jr. and former wife Tammy of Springdale, Rebecca Wilson and husband Jimmy of Centerton, Denise Vinsant and husband Jesse of Lowell; grandchildren, Tyler, Libby, Megan, Avery, Amaya, Amy, Michael, Nick, Holly, Joshua, Christopher, Gregory Allen, Sherrie, Gregory, Emily, Melinda, LaVonna Renea, Felicia, Jeffery, Tanner, Chase, Katie; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter, Addison Kaylee Grace Foskitt.

She is also loved by many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by nine siblings, Earl, Jewel, Evie, Berl, Margaret, Lilly, Bert, Vestel, Fannie; seven children, Lana, Floyd, Kelly Jo, Charlie, Eric, Derek and Gregory Dean; and a granddaughter, Jessicca.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a funeral at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Friendship Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.heritageofnwa.com.

ROGERS — Lyric Francis

Edwards, 59, of Rogers, Ark., died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 20, 1958, to Francis and Shirley Edwards.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1976-1980 and was proud of his service. On Sept. 25, 1988, he married Michelle Broek.

He and his wife ran Edwards Optical in Downtown Rogers for 20 years. Lyric loved helping people and optics was his passion. He will be missed greatly. Lyric loved fishing, boating, traveling and living on Beaver Lake.

Lyric is survived by his wife, Michelle of the home; a brother, Lloyd Edwards and wife, Gail; a niece, Rachel Edwards; a nephew, Seth Edwards and wife, Stephanie and their children, Ty and Sadie; all of Siler City, N.C.; two aunts, Auleen Barlow and husband, Donald and Jeannette Daughtry and husband, Al, both of North Carolica; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, that he cherished, and friends-too numerous to name them though he loved them all dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services, 2898, W. Walnut Rogers, Ark., 72756.

ROGERS — Vernon L.

Engstrom, 78, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. He was born in Toronto, Kan., to Robert and Fern Engstrom who preceded him in death.

Vernon loved life, he loved God, his family, and his church family. He was generous with his time and talents and could build and fix anything; he was always helping family and friends in need.

He met his future wife Honey while in the Army stationed in Berlin, Germany, and they made their home in Wichita, Kan. After friends came to NW Arkansas and told Vernon about the trees and hills and the lake, he began bringing his family here to play. It then became his dream to live on Beaver Lake and it came true in 2001.

Vernon loved to drive, he loved boating and skiing, camping, traveling and any adventures were up for discovery. Vernon and Honey travelled the world together, whether back home to Germany, to see her parents or jumping in the motorhome to see the United States of which he was so proud.

He is survived by his wife, Hannelore (Honey) with whom he would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on Nov. 24. He is also survived by his only child, daughter, Brigitta (Brie) Engstrom-Rogoff and her husband Robert of Wesley, Ark., his brother, Raymond Engstrom and his wife Jeannie, of Rogers, Ark., his sister, Zelma (Zee) Thompson and her husband Ray, of Tulsa, Okla, his nieces Kathryn Hotchkiss and her husband Dennis, of Rogers, Ark., Debra Kraigbaum and her husband John, of Abilene, Kan., Raejean Lause and her husband Eric, from Washington, Mo., as well as a host of cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and many who loved and adored him deeply.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at Rogers Christian Church, 2501 West Oak, Rogers Ark., 72758, on Saturday Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rogers Christian Church. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N 4th, Rogers.

ROGERS — Ozella

Moore, 79, of Rogers passed away Nov. 27, 2017. She was born on May 10, 1938, in Hurley, Wis., to the late Victor and Antoinette Lauren.

Ozella will be remembered as a woman of many talents. She worked for many years as an electrical engineering technician for NASA. She was also an avid writer, with her published works including novels for children and young adults, and poetry. She advocated passionately for children with special needs in the public school system. Ozella was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers.

Survivors include her son, Timothy; brother, Glenn; and sisters, Laverne and Marie. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hurley; and daughter, Rebecca.

A graveside service will be conducted at noon on Thursday, Nov. 30 in Rogers Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle of Life Hospice at http://nwacircleoflife.com/ donatesupport/.

SPRINGDALE — Violet “Janey” Edmonson-Payne,

54, of Springdale, Ark., passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, at the Northwest Medical Center in Springdale.

Janey was born on March 19, 1963, in Rogers, Ark., a daughter of James Edward Edmonson and Zora (Seigal) Edmonson. She was a loving mother, grandmother (Mema), aunt and sister. The joy of her life was her grandchildren, she will be remembered for her soft heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Lloyd and Violet Edmonson and Audie and Mrytle Seigal; one brother, Steven Lee Edmonson; one sister, Elizabeth Ann Edmonson; and her husband, James Oscar Payne. Janey is survived by her children, Jessie Edward Payne and wife Krystle of Springdale, Ark., Timmy Ray Payne of Malvern, Ark., and Manda Elizabeth Blueford and husband Edward of Springdale, Ark.; extended children, Robin Strawhacker, Jeannie Warner, Casper Smith all of the home and Trenton Warner of Houston, Texas; four siblings, Tim Seigal and wife Judy of Huntsville, Ark., Elda Jean Edmonson-Faulkner of the home, James Ray Edmonson and wife Dianna of Huntsville, Ark., and Kay Miller and husband Lonnie of Huntsville, Ark.; nine grandchildren; and host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Chapel in Springdale, Ark., from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral service will held at the funeral home on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at 10 a.m. Committal service to follow at the Austin Cemetery. To sign the online guest book please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.

WEST FORK — Beatrice Frances (Bagby) (Ruble)

Pershall, 85, of West Fork, Arkansas passed away on Nov. 22, 2017, in Fayetteville. Bea was born on March 20, 1932, around Chewey, Okla. to Sadie Belle and Pete Bagby, who preceded her in death, as did all six brothers and her Navy veteran husband James Pershall.

Bea’s brothers nicknamed her “John” so she could be one of the boys.

Bea considered herself to be a “tough old bird”, especially being a Depression baby, that is until a major stroke showed up in January 2014, which left her wheelchair bound, without the use of her left side. Everyone always expressed that she didn’t lose her sense of humor and quick wit, even when she sadly stated she wasn’t as tough as she used to be. She had fun getting reactions when saying “Life’s short, dessert first!” Her favorite jobs included her first one at Bear Brand Hosiery in Siloam Springs and her last one as a companion at Butterfield Trail Village.

Bea was very fond of colorful flowers, country music classics, Elvis, mystery books/ movies, her unique collection of earrings and pins, traveling, shopping, catfish and an occasional Dr. Pepper. Bea loved breakfast and could enjoy it for every meal! She was a caring friend and a loving mother, who has now escaped her broken body in favor of a light-filled one with wings. After her stroke, Bea was proud to introduce her daughter as her Guardian Angel. Now, after the second recent stroke, she has Bea-come our Guardian Angel!

Bea urges everyone to act on their priorities before it’s too late. Everyone 18 and older should get their POA(s), will/trust, and living will documents in place ASAP, keeping them updated as necessary. Everyone will likely be happier for it, with much less drama, in the long run.

A special thanks goes out to the Mobility Program at the WR Center for Exercise, especially Tabitha Davis and her wonderful interns, who allowed Miss Bea to feel normal again, as she received her physical therapy while floating in the warm water.

Beatrice is survived by daughter, Linda (Ruble) Ralston and husband Phil of Fayetteville, sons, Gary Ruble and wife Wendy, and Terry Ruble in Benton County. “Bea’ma” absolutely loved her three grandchildren, Jace, Wesley, and Kami; also beautiful great-grandbabies, Bella, (“little Bea”), Grady, and Clayton. Also several nieces, nephews, sister and brothersin-law, former husband Phil Ruble of Rogers, and her sweet Okie cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11-11:30 a.m. this Friday, Dec. 1 at National Cemetery in Fayetteville. Wear blue in honor of Bea, her most favorite color. Assisting those with critical needs in lieu of flowers encouraged. Visit Beatrice’s memorial at www. WestfieldChapel.com.