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.

ATKINS — Shirley Pickle, age 80, of Atkins, died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at Stella Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born Nov. 14, 1937, in Atkins to Roy and Grace (Martin) Jackson. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, she was most recently a member of the 5th and Greenwich Church of Christ in Russellville. She was a teacher in the Atkins school system for more than 30 years and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society for women educators.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Frank Pickle. Survivors include her son and daughterin-law, Jon and Alice Canerday of Aiken, S.C.; a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Carolyn Jackson of Clovis, Calif.; and many other devoted relatives, friends and students.

Burial will be private in Atkins City Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Memorials may be made to the 5th and Greenwich Church of Christ Building Fund, 620 E. 5th Street, Russellville, Ark., 72801, or to Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway Suite 3, Russellville, Ark., 72801. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www. shinnfuneral.com.

BENTONVILLE — Mildred Allene Jones, 89, passed away on Dec. 8, 2017, in Gravette. She was born on March 23, 1928, to the late Edward A. Stidham and Florence L. Stidham in North Eureka Springs, Ark.

She was the wife of the late Earl V. Jones.

In the 1960s, she was the owner of Millie’s Drive In, which was in Rogers. She attended the Faith Assembly Church in Bentonville for many years. Mildred loved flowers and crocheting. She was a strong but loving woman who will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Edward Melvin Stidham.

Mildred is survived by her sons, Stephen Ferguson of Pea Ridge and Victor Jones of Bentonville; daughters, Nedra Forbes of Centerton and Lotawanna Bruner of Seligman; brother Bill Stidham of Eureka Springs; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, from 5-7 p.m., in Rollins Funeral Home Chapel. Her funeral service will be Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at 11 a.m., in Rollins Chapel with burial to follow at Ruddick Cemetery in Garfield.

Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral. com. BENTONVILLE — Billy Charles Nelson, 65, of Bentonville, passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at his home. He was born May 19, 1952, in Fayetteville, Ark., to Lloyd and Kate White Nelson.

Bill was a long haul truck driver. He retired from Tyson Foods and Willis Shaw Express. He loved truck driving, fishing and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and the mother of his children, Louise Casto; two sisters, Virginia Ellaine Nelson and Rosa Sasser.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly O’Quinn Nelson of the home; two sons, Steve Nelson of Bentonville, and David L. Nelson of Magnolia, Ark.; two daughters, Patti Meisenbacher and husband Rodney of Centerton, and Deann Skelton and husband Louie of Springdale; two brothers, Kenneth Nelson of Springdale and Donald Nelson of Lake

Texoma, Texas; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. Burial services are private. Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762, or Humane Society for Animals/Benton County, 407 E. Nursery Road, Rogers, Ark., 72758.

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

FORT SMITH — Eugene Gilbert Rapley, 88, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, at Methodist Health and Rehabilitation in Fort Smith. Gene was born in Kansas City, Mo., on July 27, 1929. He was the son of Ruth Ballman Rapley and Juba Rector Rapley.

Growing up in Fort Smith, Gene graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1947. He then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, receiving a BA in business administration and was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity where he met many lifelong friends.

At the university, Gene met Rosemary Meriwether from Paragould, Ark., and upon graduation they married. Gene and Rosemary moved to San Marcos, Texas, where Gene completed his service with the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

Gene spent his entire career in the furniture manufacturing industry in Fort Smith, an industry in which his grandfather, Emil Ballman, was a pioneer. Gene was proud of the friendships he formed and the contributions he made during his years at Ballman Cummings, Ayers Furniture and lastly, at Riverside Furniture Corporation from which he retired as senior vice president and sales manager.

Gene was a life-long member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he was baptized, confirmed and raised his family. St. John’s held a special place in his heart, a church his mother had attended since the 1890s. He loved and served his church throughout his lifetime, including years on the church’s vestry, leadership as senior warden and junior warden and in 1995 chaired a $1 million capital campaign to restore the church’s historic sanctuary which was built in 1900.

The love for his church could be felt and heard most every Sunday by his enthusiastic, unabashed volume and tone-deaf harmony filling the sanctuary which could be heard especially if you were anywhere near Gene during the service.

Gene was a member of the Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club since the 1950s and served as president in 1966. Known now as the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Gene served on the Westark Community College board of trustees for 14 years and was president of the board in 1977.

In 2004, Gene and Rosemary endowed scholarships to further support the mission of UAFS and its students. Gene’s passion for Fort Smith continued throughout his lifetime. His enthusiasm for all things Fort Smith was evident when he would talk about the Trolley Museum, the U.S. Marshals Museum, Chaffee Crossing, the Unexpected Murals or restaurants and coffee shops new to Fort Smith. Gene loved Fort Smith.

Gene was predeceased by his wife Rosemary who passed away on Oct. 10, 2017. They were married for 66 years.

Gene is survived by his daughter Nancy Fagan (David) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and their sons, Winston Fagan (Lauren) and Staff Sergeant Carter Fagan (USAF); and his son E. Gilbert “Gil” Rapley Jr. (Leslie) of Atlanta, Ga., and their daughters, Anna Stephens and Nancy Rapley; and one great-grandson Daniel Stephens.

A memorial service honoring the lives of both Gene and Rosemary will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene’s honor can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 215 North Sixth Street, Fort Smith, 72901, or UAFS Foundation, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, Ark., 729133649.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwards funeralhome.com.

LOWELL — Betty Sue Zimmerman, age 80, of Lowell, went to be with her Lord on Dec. 7, 2017, in Lowell. She was born July 6, 1937, in Hot Springs, Ark., the daughter of Esbond and Lena Kemp Prichard.

She was a retired telephone operator for Alltel and a member of the First Christian Church. She enjoyed doing crafts, quilting, and spending time with her family. She was preceded by her husband, James William Zimmerman, in 2000; her parents, and her siblings.

Mrs. Zimmerman is survived by one son, James Zimmerman and his wife, Mary of Springdale; two daughters, Susan McCranie of Lowell, and Kristy Unkel of Fayetteville; six grandchildren, Phillip McCranie and his wife, Danielle, Jason Zimmerman, Andrew Unkel, Brian Zimmerman, Kasey Unkel and Sarah Zimmerman; two great-grandchildren, Jake McCranie and his wife, Heather, and Kinsey McCranie.

Funeral services will be at a later date in Missouri. Cremation arrangements were under the care of Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark.,72762.

Online condolences may be made to www.memorial fhspringdale.com.

PARIS — Chester Eugene Scrivner died Dec. 7, 2017, in Paris. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris. Funeral will be 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris with burial at McKendree Cemetery in Subiaco. Online guesbook, www.roller funeralhomes.com/paris.

ROGERS — Lila Marie Anderson, age 95, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Dec. 6, 2017, in Rogers. Marie was born in Mason County, Texas, on April 26, 1922, to Robert and Lila Brewer. Marie loved her family and took pride in taking care of her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Anderson, and her siblings; Irvin Brewer, Mary Terry, Roy Brewer, and Velma Arnold.

She is survived by her brothers Malcom and Nubern Brewer, step-grandson Dana Anderson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private service to be held with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark.

ROGERS — Kace James Bradberry, infant son of Kacey Bradberry was loved and lost Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at Bentonville. He was born Oct. 12, 2017, at Rogers.

Kace is survived by his mother, Kacey Bradberry of Rogers; maternal grandparents, Sean and Julie Bradberry of Rogers; two uncles, Keegan Bradberry of Rogers, Zack Pillstrom of Rogers; one aunt, Kenadie Bradberry of Rogers; great-grandfather, Gary Bradberry of Rogers; great-grandfather, Donald DeWitt of Garfield and many extended loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lynn Bradberry, and maternal grandmother, Beverly DeWitt.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m., at Temple Baptist Church in Rogers.

A celebration of Kace’s life will be Friday at 11 a.m., at Temple Baptist Church in Rogers with Pastor Ron Fields officiating. Interment will follow at Reddick Cemetery in Garfield.

Pallbearers will be Eric Bradberry, Keegan Bradberry, Ethan Peterson, and Zack Pillstrom.

Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Condolences: www.epting funeralhome.webs.com.

ROGERS — Mrs. Jeanette Hill, age 69, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2017. She was born March 28, 1948. Jeanette loved her Lord and her friends at Sunny Side Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her father Ted Burton, and three brothers.

Jeanette is survived by her mother Jerry Burton, her daughter Jenny Spencer, and her grandson Tristian, and a host of many other friends and family.

Online condolences can be left at bentoncountymemorial park.com.

ROGERS — Joyce “Mary” Lawson, 89, of Rogers, passed away Dec. 9, 2017.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Burkshed Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers.

ROGERS — Verna Rae Thompson, 72 of Rogers formally of Fayetteville passed away Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. She was born Sept. 6, 1945, in Fayetteville to James Arbuckle and Rachel Taylor-Arbuckle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters and two brothers.

Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Jerry Thompson of the home; children, Robert, Debarh, Olen, Crystal and Misty; two sisters, Owana and Joyce; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at the funeral home, 199 Harmony Road, Huntsville with Pastor Johnny Lee Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Crosses. Funeral Services are under the direction of Madison County Funeral Service of Huntsville. Please visit www.madisoncounty funeralservice.com to leave the family an online condolence.

RUSSELLVILLE — Arlene Jo (Smith) Sheppard, age 87, died Dec. 6, 2017, at Legacy Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Russellville. A daughter of Horace Clyde Smith and Norma Melinda (Rachel) Smith, she was born June 17, 1930, in Russellville.

She married Charles Spurgeon Sheppard Jr. on Aug. 20, 1950, and together they owned & operated Sheppard’s Jewelry in downtown Russellville for 40 years.

Arlene was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Russellville. She loved and was keenly interested in studies of genealogy and family history, encouraging her membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution; the Plantagenet Society in right of lineal descent from the Plantagenet Kings of England; the Society of Descendants of Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter; the National Society Magna Charta Dames; the Sovereign Colonial Society Americans of Royal Descent; the Colonial Order of the Crown in right of accredited lineal descent from the Emperor Charlemagne. She also enjoyed antique collecting, songwriting and poetry.

Mrs. Sheppard was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband & partner of 65 years, Charles Sheppard; two step-sisters, Helen Evans (Buddy), and Agnes Smith; and a step-brother, Wilson Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Charles Richard Sheppard (Linda) of Russellville and Gary Michael Sheppard (Kimberly) of Grandbury, Texas; two loving grandchildren, Sydney Wren Sheppard of Texas and Charles Jackson Sheppard of Oregon; two sisters, Wanda Lou Bailey (Paul) of Russellville and Glennette Price (Darwin) of London; a very special friend, Elva Knight and many other nieces, nephews and relatives.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at Humphrey Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Gail Baldwin officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 304 South Commerce, Russellville, Ark., 72801. Internet obituary and online guest book are available at www.humphrey funeral.com.

SPRINGDALE — David Glenn Collins, 65, of Springdale, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. He was born July 16, 1952, in Fullerton, Calif., to Donald Glenn and Barbara Evelyn Johnston Collins.

David worked in retail sales for over 30 years and umpired youth baseball games in Springdale, Rogers and Siloam Springs. He was preceded in death by his mother in 2016.

In addition to his father, David is survived by his wife, Debbie Collins; three children, Rachael Rudolph, her husband Brandon, and their daughter, Rylee, Stacy Carlson, her husband Ben, and their children, Jordon and Sydnee, Derrick Collins and his son, Dace; three step-children, Jason Edwards, his wife Cassandra, and their daughters, Mary and Amanda, Sleeta Curry and her children, Corbin, Gracie, Aiden and Madison, and Kaysie Griffin, her husband Matt, and their children, Klaudia, Benton, and Lilly and one brother, Steve Collins and his wife, Tara.

A private family service will be held. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online guestbook at www.heritageofnwa.com.

SPRINGDALE — James F. Cross was born Dec. 23, 1932, in Pine Bluff, Ark., to parents, James H. Cross and Lou Verion E. Cross.

He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1951 and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a bachelor’s degree in 1955. James was also a graduate of Culver Summer Naval School of Culver, Ind., in 1950. He attended North Carolina State for post graduate classes.

He was a member of the First Methodist Church and taught Sunday school, served on the Board of Stewards and was Sunday school superintendent for one year. In 1968, James was appointed by former Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller to the LP Gas Board and subsequently to the Workmen’s Compensation Commission as the business representative commissioner from 1970-1974.

He was later appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee in 1997 to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee 11 West where his term ended in January 2001. James was active with the Pine Bluff Jaycees and elected vice president in 1961 and outstanding Jaycee in 1962. He was stage manager, set designer and lighting director for several of the Miss Pine Bluff Pageants and a member of the Kiwanis Club and Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

In 1961, he made an unsuccessful race for the 6th District Congressional seat in a special election called as a result of the death of Congressman Norrell.

James worked as a cotton broker from 1956-1969. He was also a past president of the Pine Bluff Cotton Exchange and a real estate broker from 1974-1982. He developed sub-divisions in Jefferson, Grant and Lincoln counties.

James was married to Gail Cargill of Lewisville, Ark., and they had four children.

James is survived by one son, Jim Cross (Jerene), and daughters, Jan Cross, Linda Gilmore (Rick), and Carol Palmer. He has nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. June C. Nichol.

A private family burial is planned. Donations in his honor may be made to the Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, Ark., 72503-3984, (870) 793-6841 ,ext. 300. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 W. Walnut, Rogers.

SPRINGDALE — Wayne Gass departed this life on Dec. 7, 2017, at the age of 78 years old. Wayne was born July 25, 1939, in Harrison, Ark., to Coy and Tressa Gass.

Wayne was one of six siblings and graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1957. After graduation he began a career in retail sales with TG&Y and

continued in that field until he began a career in insurance in 1974. Wayne started a State Farm agency in Eufaula, Okla., in 1974 that flourished until his retirement in 2001.

On May 3, 1959, Wayne married Mary Ann Burleson. He later married Debbie Sue Morgan on Aug. 20, 1981. They were happily married for 24 years when Debbie passed away on Feb. 28, 2006. In 2008, Wayne married Mary Montgomery.

Throughout his years as a businessman in Eufaula, Wayne made many good friends that he loved and cherished. Wayne was a member of the Eufaula Church of Christ. He was mechanically inclined and loved to mess with tractors and woodwork.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of the home; his children, Charles Gass of Yukon, Elizabeth Jenkins and husband Don of Cave Springs, Ark., Chad Morgan and Todd Morgan both of Eufaula, and Deserea Crawley and husband Jason of Eufaula; Mary’s children, Renee Duke, Steven Montgomery and Bryan Montgomery all of Eufaula; his sisters, Virginia Sullivan, Sue Sublett, and Betty Lynch; his grandchildren, Chastity Maloney, Leisha Lohse, Addison Gass, Payton Crawley, McKenzie Crawley, Easton Crawley, Gavin Morgan, Garrison Morgan, Riley Morgan and Ella Morgan, and one great-grandson, Oliver. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Harold and L.C. Gass.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at the Church of Christ with Minister Charlie Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery with Chris Larkin, Calvin Shackelford, Jason Newton, Troy Dodd, Lyndell Byrd, and Don Jenkins. Walter McDonald will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Services are under the direction of Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hbmfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Circle of Care Hospice, 911 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2448 E. 81st St., Ste 3000, Tulsa, Okla., 74137.

WESLEY — Marilyn Ann Pitts, 66, of Wesley, died Dec. 8, 2017.

Survivors: husband, Bobby; children, Josh Pitts, LuAnn (Todd) Lyne, Sarah Glenn and Lisa (Travis) Harris; five siblings; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services 10 a.m. Wednesday, Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville www. brashearsfuneralhome.net. Interment Cherry Creek Cemetery. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, at Brashears.

LITTLE ROCK — Alejandro (Alex) Franco Montez passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday morning, Nov. 22, 2017, at the age of 90.

He is survived by his six children, Alex Montez Jr., Gregg Montez, Dr. Carmella Montez Knoernschild (Doug Knoernschild), Marcos Montez (Laura Goodwin Montez), Berardo Montez and Luciana Montez Angelini; his 11 grandchildren, Maura, Alexa and Stuart Montez; Byron and Gabriel Montez; Ciarra and Isabella Knoernschild; Joshua Montez; Autumn and Ashlyn Angelini; Hunter Hammond.

Alex was born on Jan. 2, 1927, in Pima, Ariz. At the age of 15, Alex left home to move to Long Beach, Calif. In the early 1950s, Alex moved to Fresno, Calif., where he was a chef at Stan’s Restaurant, one of the highest grossing restaurants in the state of California at the time. It was there that he met Jarvis Jean “JJ” Foster whom he married in 1954.

Alex was a pioneering restaurateur, and seeing the opportunities in Northwest Arkansas, moved with his family to Fayetteville, in 1961. Together, JJ and Alex opened Casa Montez Mexican Food Restaurant on College Avenue, where another iconic restaurant establishment, Herman’s Rib House, still stands today. Alex and JJ brought an authentic, family style Mexican cuisine and hospitality to Northwest Arkansas that remained popular for 27 years. Over the course of the next three decades, Alex opened restaurants in Joplin and Springfield, Mo.; Bentonville and Little Rock, Ark.

Alex was passionate about his love of family, cooking for family and friends, music and colorful story telling. Wednesdays were designated as special nights in the Montez home where family and friends would gather, eat an amazing meal prepared by Alex and listen to stories that reflected Alex’s keen sense of humor and genuine approach to life. Often the sounds of Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz and Louis Prima could be heard playing in the background.

Alex was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle and friend. He was loving, generous of spirit and authentic to his core.

A family graveside service will be held on the morning of Dec. 16, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas, 219 W. 15th St., Fayetteville, Ark., 72701, in memory of Alex F. Montez. Or, online at: www.nwasalvationarmy.org/montezmemorial.

Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/ chenal.

COLCORD, Okla. — Robert H. Hall, age 83, of Colcord, Okla., passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, in Fayetteville. He was born Sept. 22, 1934, in Bartlesville, Okla., to James Michael and Helen Saylor Hall.

He served in the U.S. Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice Marlene Hall and his brother, Mike Hall.

He was very family oriented and loved his family and took great pride in making sure his family was taken care of. Robert loved all sports, playing golf and was a very good bowler. He especially loved watching sports with his son Darin.

He is survived by his daughter, Regina Hudgins and her husband Joel of Colcord, Okla.; one son, Darin Hall and his wife Jennifer of Broken Arrow, Okla.; one sister, Mary Leemhuis of Alaska; two brothers, Ray Hall of Oklahoma and Henry Hall of Texas; one granddaughter, Jessica Sanders and her husband Jesse of Springdale, Ark.; three great-grandchildren, Megan Sanders, Rebekah Lamb, Dean Sanders and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Okla., under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan., 666758517.

To place an online tribute visit www.nelsonberna.com.

TULSA, Okla. — Joyce Dean Clapper returned to her Heavenly Father on Nov. 19, 2017, at the age of 78 at Montereau Retirement Community in Tulsa, Okla. Joyce was born May 4, 1939, in Jane, Mo., to Jerry Henry Clapper and Dixie (McCool) Clapper.

She graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1957 and the University of Tulsa with her bachelor of science in accounting after which she became a CPA.

Joyce’s working career included Mid-Continent Casualty, Sooner Pipe & Supply and U.S. Steel Corp., after which she retired from Tulsa Community College where she taught finance.

Joyce married Glenn Louis Martin on Jan. 3, 1993. Joyce was a long time member of First Baptist Church, Tulsa, and later attended South Tulsa Baptist Church with her husband, Glenn. In 2014, Joyce and Glenn moved to Montereau Retirement Community in Tulsa, Okla., where Joyce’s dementia could be cared for.

Joyce Dean is predeceased by her husband and is survived by one brother, Jerry Dale Clapper of Modesto, Calif. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Dec. 16 at the Word of Life Church, 808 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, Ark.

TULSA, Okla. — Margaret (Peggy) Nolen Wallis passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 4, 2017, in Tulsa, Okla., at age 91. She was born in Sand Springs, Okla., on St. Patrick’s Day 1926, the eldest of four children born to Leonard Nolen and Elizabeth Moore Nolen.

She attended public schools in Tulsa during the Great Depression and graduated from Central High School in 1943. The following year, while a student at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark., she met Ralph David Wallis who called her Peggy. They married in January 1945 as he was being drafted into the Army during WWII.

Months later she was expecting their first child when he shipped out as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany and she gave birth to and nurtured a son with the support of her parents, siblings, and an aunt who was a nurse.

Ralph returned stateside in late 1946 and they bought a small home in Tulsa on the GI Bill as he began a job with Tulsa Paper Company. A second son was born in 1947 and in 1953 a daughter completed her family as Margaret embraced her role as a homemaker.

In 1956, Ralph relocated the family to Bartlesville, Okla., where their home was a suburban three-bedroom ranch style house. The children remember an idyllic “Leave It to Beaver” life although their mother did not wear pearls and heels while doing housework like June Cleaver. Margaret was perfectly happy with a simple house dress from JC Penney.

As the boys reached college age she entered the work force as an office worker for a small local company to help with household expenses. Then, in 1968, Ralph and Margaret moved to Bentonville, Ark., where he began a successful career in real estate. In Arkansas, she became better known as Peggy, as she helped administer the food stamp program in Benton County. Ralph bought her a beautiful home in Bentonville which included an attached greenhouse in which she spent countless hours puttering and showing off her green thumb.

She was known by many as “the bear lady” for her collection of stuffed bears that she enjoyed dressing in seasonal costume for display in the front window or front yard of their home on Central Ave. Ralph and Peggy were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Bentonville, supporting many worthwhile causes through the church and in the community.

Retirement included some travel and several winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. After Ralph suffered a stroke in 2009 and needed long term care Peggy moved into an assisted living facility nearby. In the fullness of time they both moved into a nice facility in Tulsa near their daughter.

After 68 years of marriage Ralph died in 2013 and now his devoted wife Peggy, a faithful Christian woman, has been reunited with him in God’s heavenly kingdom.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and younger siblings, Betty Ann Nolen Grigsby, Leonard Page (Sonny) Nolen, Martha Sue Nolen RoBards and her husband, Ralph.

She is survived by her children, Ralph David Wallis Jr. (Bonnie) of Corvallis, Ore., Storm Nolen Wallis (Marsha) of Inola, Okla., Elizabeth Susan (Libby) Wallis Russell (Bud) of Tulsa; grandchildren Jason David Wallis (Susan) of Corvallis, Ore., Jennifer Leigh Elizabeth Hart (Jeff) of Peachtree City, Ga., and William Michael Wallis of Inola, Okla., as well as great-grandchildren, Katie, Tyler, Jessica, and Lucas Hart and Jaxon Wallis, along with many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Two memorial services will be held in Margaret’s honor, one in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma. The first will be at First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, Ark., on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at 2 p.m. The second memorial service will be at First Presbyterian Church, Sand Springs, Okla., on Jan. 6, 2018, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 901 NE J Street, Bentonville, Ark., 72712 or Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum, 9 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, Okla., 74063.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers.

Words of comfort may be expressed or memories shared at stockdalefuneral. com.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Mrs. Beverly Jean Guthrie McIntire, age 75, wife of Arvel W. “Mac” McIntire of Spartanburg, S.C., passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at Regional Hospice Home.

Mrs. McIntire was born, March 9, 1942, a daughter of the late Clarence V. Guthrie and Gloria June Holland Guthrie. She was a graduate of North Kansas City High School and married her high school sweetheart Mac in 1960.

She retired from the Weiss Paper Company in Pennsylvania. After her husband’s retirement they moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where she held a position at the GMC Buick dealership as customer service concierge. She was a member of Cross Church in Rogers, Ark., and was involved in many activities in the village including golf, quilting and gardening.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Audry Coddington and husband Jim of Lake Winnebago, Mo., and Kimberlee Sanchez and husband Dr. Anthony “Tony” Sanchez of Spartanburg, S.C.; one son, Doug McIntire and wife Tina of Bella Vista, Ark.; four grandsons, Corey Coddington, Drew Sanchez, Reed Sanchez and Cole Sanchez; two brothers, Larry Guthrie of Indiana and Dennis Guthrie of Kansas City, Mo.; one sister, Marge DeHart of Wimberling, Texas, and two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Autumn Coddington.

She was predeceased by a brother, Clarence V. Guthrie, Jr.

A celebration of life service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church conducted by Father Rob Brown. The family will receive friends from noon-1 p.m., Friday at the church prior to the services.

Memorials may be made to the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Dr., Spartanburg, S.C., 29303. S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home is directing the services. www.holcombe funeralhomes.com