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.

BERRYVILLE — Willard Ray Grigg of Berryville, Arkansas was born Dec. 11, 1953, in Huntsville, Ark., to Dell and Vella Chloe (Miller) Grigg. He departed this life on Sunday, July 8, 2018, in Berryville, Ark., at the age of 64 years.

BERRYVILLE — Connie Millsaps Johnson, 49, of Berryville, passed away at Berryville. She was a registered nurse and a missionary for many years. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Brashears Funeral Home. Cremation is under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Andrea Carol Volpa Birke, 57, of Fayetteville, Ark., joined her beloved husband’s spirit on Sunday, July 15, 2018, in Fayetteville, Ark.

A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at Greenland Church of Christ, with Glen Ludwick officiating. The service will be followed by a potluck dinner.

Andrea was born in Paradise, Calif., to Gerie Volpa and Robert Volpa on Feb. 19, 1961. She married Bruce Birke on June 6, 1985, in Searcy, Ark., after graduating from Harding University with a degree in education. Andrea worked as a teacher for Greenland School District for 20 years.

She retired in 2014 to care for her late husband, who passed in 2017 from progressive supranuclear palsy. She was a woman of incredible faith, and a dedicated member of support groups CurePSP and Celebrate Recovery.

Andrea is preceded in death by her mother, Gerie Volpa; brothers, Lance and Vince Volpa; and husband, Bruce Birke.

Andrea is survived by her three loving children, John, James and Celi Birke, daughters-in-law, Kristina Birke and Kelli Young; and grandson, Rayne Dewey Birke; as well as many friends and family members, all of whom will miss her spirited laughter, dry wit and enduring love.

Condolences may be made to beardsfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Joy Lee Kelly, age 79, of Fayetteville, died Wednesday, July 18, 2018, in Fayetteville. She was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Greenland, Ark., the daughter of Homer Odel and Alma Martin Swafford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene Kelly; and a brother, Bill Swafford.

She was a retired employee of IGA and a member of First Assembly of God in Fayetteville.

She is survived by two sisters, Virginia Madewell and her husband Bob of West Fork and Brenda Baker and her husband Ron of Springdale; a brother, Herman Swafford and his wife Shirley of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Moore’s Chapel followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Rieff Chapel Cemetery in Greenland.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Leno Cotton Lewis, 97, of Fayetteville, Ark., died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 13, 2018. She was born Dec. 4, 1920, in her family’s farm home at Cave Springs to James and Alta Boyd Bright.

She was a Christian and a faithful, longtime member of Township (formerly Winwood) Baptist Church, having taught Sunday school for 48 years.

Leno was preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister, Lanora Cully; her sister, Lavonne Clark; and her husbands, T.W. Cotton and Joe Lewis.

She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Janice Cotton of Wesley; and Delano and Ginger Cotton of Fayetteville; one stepson, Randy Lewis of Garland, Texas; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., Friday, July 20, 2018, at Township Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rustin Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Fayetteville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, or Township Baptist Church, 2400 E. Township St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703.

Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Rebecca “Becky” Smith Webb, 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. She was born in Stokes Bridge, S.C., to Harry and Katrine Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Eddie Webb. In June, she quietly celebrated what would have been her 71st wedding anniversary.

She is survived by her three sons, John Edward Webb Jr. and wife Stephanie of Atlanta, Ga., Richard Smith Webb and wife Mary of St. Louis, Mo., and Thomas “Tim” Harry Webb and wife Cindy of Fayetteville; and three grandchildren, Emily Alison Webb, Alexandra Caroline Webb of Fayetteville, and Leah Ann Webb of St. Louis.

She was a loving wife and mother, and fierce competitor in everything she pursued. She was a lover of all things golf and won numerous golf tournaments in Massachusetts, Missouri, Georgia and New Jersey. She spent her life making a home for her husband and children as the family moved across the globe. She particularly enjoyed the years she, Eddie, and the children lived in Mexico City, Sao Paolo, Brazil, Lausanne, Switzerland, and Marblehead, Mass. In retirement, she and Eddie moved to Fayetteville to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She was inquisitive, bright and not afraid to question authority. She kept many a doctor in line helping them improve their bedside manner. She was particularly adept at crossword puzzles, and completed most puzzles in minutes up until the last few days of her life. She spent time talking politics with her children.

She was most proud of her three granddaughters, Emily, Ali and Leah. She encouraged them to follow their dreams with all their might even if that meant being far away from their grandmother.

She graduated from high school at 16 years of age. She was a graduate of Coker College, Hartsville, S.C., where she was valedictorian. Before she and Eddie had children, she was a teacher in Beaufort and Linden, S.C.

Memorials may be sent to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, 72762.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FORT SMITH — Bobbie Ray “Gator Bob” Maddox, 53, of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away, Monday, July 16, 2018, at Mercy Hospital Hospice in Fort Smith.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 21, at First Christian Church, 301 1st Ave., Gravette, Ark. 72736. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. A lunch will be provided at the church from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a viewing and visitation from 1 to 2 p.m.

Bobbie was born Feb. 10, 1965, in Siloam Springs, Ark., to Jasper and Virgie (Meek) Maddox. On Sept. 22, 1986, he married his former partner, Jennifer Lynn Doyle. Bobbie was employed as a Truck Driver for more than a decade seeing all 48 contiguous United States and Canada. Before legally separating from his former wife in 1992, they had a son, Christopher, born in January 1991. When he wasn’t working, he could be found spending time with his son and late mother at her residence in Gravette, Ark. Bobbie worked for many years with a carnival where he operated the children’s ride known as the Gator which is where he found happiness working with children and having fun. It’s also where he got the nickname that he carried the rest of his life.

Bobbie is survived by his son, Christopher Maddox and his wife, Ashley of Gravette, Ark.; one grandchild, Bryan Maddox; his sister, Leta (Maddox) Secrest of Pocahontas, Ark.; and brother, Jay Dee Maddox of Springfield, Mo.; along with several nieces and nephews, Derek, Nathan, Elizabeth, Phillip, Patrick, Samantha, and Tucker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper in 1993 and Virgie in 2012.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

HOT SPRINGS — Mary Ann Franzmeier, age 96, of Hot Springs, formerly of Fayetteville, died Monday, July 16, 2018. She was born on Oct. 18, 1921, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, the daughter of Willie Green and Alma Miller Green. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Elmer Albert Franzmeier; her parents; one brother, Weldon Green; and one sister, Myra Hambley.

Mary was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fayetteville and a homemaker. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she was active in Wyman Community activities.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Andrea Franzmeier of Fayetteville; her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Tommy Trantham of Royal; five grandchildren, Angie Trantham, Wendy and Shane Harris, Terri Trantham, Jeremy and Shannon Bright and Suzanne and Donny Kindt; seven great-grandchildren, Whit Janske, Alexi Alan Janske, Jonah Bright, Wylyn Harris, Charter Harris, Cooper Kindt and Porter Kindt; numerous nieces, nephews; and a host of friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Guest registry is at www. davis-smith.com.

MORROW — Kenneth Joe Butler, age 86, a resident of Morrow, Ark., went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Circle of Life Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. He was born Jan. 8, 1932, in Christie, Okla., the son of Lawrence and Pearl (White) Butler.

Kenneth served in the United States Air Force for 11 years in the Strategic Air Command. He retired as an Air Traffic Controller for Drake Field Airport. He obtained his private pilots license while working as an Air Traffic Controller.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Joyce Butler and four brothers and sisters, Opal, L.D., Carol and Dewey.

Survivors include two sons, Kenny Butler and wife Debbie and Danny Butler and wife Carla; two daughters, Peggy Phillips and husband Gerald and Rhonda Springstead and husband Alan; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2018, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove. Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery. There will be no graveside service held.

Memorials may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762. Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.

ROGERS — Deborah Karen Boyett of Rogers passed away on July 15, 2018. She was born on Feb. 22, 1955. Deborah was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She leaves behind several extended family and close friends. She will be buried with full military honors at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 20, in Fayetteville National Cemetery.

ROGERS — Roger Nyberg Sr., 67, of Rogers, died July 17. Service set for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Sisco Funeral Home Chapel in Pea Ridge. Burial will be in Buttram Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. July 20 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at sisco funeralhome.net.

ROGERS — Mr. Howard Babe Pennington of Rogers, Ark., passed away July 18, 2018, at his home in Rogers, Ark. He spent most of his life as a painter in Wichita, Kan., and Rogers, Ark. He was born July 16, 1933, in Wichita, Kan., to Hershel Lee Pennington and his wife Ethel Pennington.

Survivors are his wife, Marilyn Pennington; one son, Randy L. Pennington and his wife Sue and daughter, Danyel; one grandson, Nathan L. Pennington and his wife Kristen; great-grandson, Case; one sister, Wanda Winn of Granada Hills, Calif.; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Cremation arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home of Rogers, Ark. A family gathering may be held at a later date.

In Howard’s honor, donations can be made to the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116, attention donations.

WEST FORK — Mr. John Edward Fields, 89, of West Fork, Ark., passed away July 14, 2018. He was baptized at the age of 18 in 1947 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He spent his life working as a Master Carpenter.

Born May 5, 1929, to Louis H. and Nora E. Fields. Survivors are his wife, Geraldine J. Fields; four sons; one daughter; one stepson and one step-daughter; one sister, Eleanor Spinks; and many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial service is set for 2 p.m., Friday, July 20, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 454 North Centennial Ave., West Fork, Ark. 72774.

Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark.

LADSON, S.C. — Walter Ely Brooks, 97, of Ladson, S.C., died Saturday, July 14, 2018, peacefully at home. He was born on May 31, 1921, in Cottageville, S.C., to Walter and Mary (Peirce) Brooks.

He graduated from the College of Charleston and entered the Medical College in 1941 graduating in three years as a First Lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps, then finishing his military career with the National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel. He practiced urology in Charleston for 15 years before moving his practice to Northwest Arkansas, retiring 18 years later.

His contributions and accomplishments were numerous including President of the College of Charleston Alumni Association and President of the Arkansas Urology Association, memberships to the Sertoma Club, The American Medical Association and the American Urological Association.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Judith; children: Barry Brooks Bennett, Walter Ely Brooks Jr. (Jeannie), Thomas Brotherton Brooks ( Nancy), Michael David Brooks (Stacey), Robert Craig Brooks, Sam Peirce Brooks (Elizabeth), Jill Brooks Lumbard (Matthew); and grandchildren: Robbie, John, Amber, Stephen, Rylan, Logan, Cashion, Austin, Tatum, Ely, Megan, Cody, Legare, Abigail, Estella.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Elvin Brooks; his mother, Mary Ruth Brooks; and his brother, William G. Brooks.

The family will receive friends on July 23, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., 29464.

The funeral service will be July 24, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St., Sullivans Island, S.C., 29482. A burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1308 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College of Charleston Alumni Association and the Stella Maris Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted to www.mcalister-smith. com. Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464, 843-884-3833. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/ obituaries/charleston.