Obituaries

FAYETTEVILLE — Janice

Faye Bunch, age 82, of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Fayetteville. She was born Sept. 18, 1936, in Combs, Ark., to Dave and Ruby Rogers Thornberry. She was a member of Sequoyah United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. She was preceded in death by her son, John Bunch Jr. Janice married John Bunch Sr. on June 21, 1955, in Elkins, Ark. She worked for the University of Arkansas for 34 years.

She is survived by her husband, John Bunch Sr.; daughter, Carol Milanowski and her husband Brad of Tulsa, Okla.; one son, Jason Bunch of Tampa, Fla.; two sisters, Francis Collins of Fayetteville, Ann Adams of Blunt of South Dakota; one brother, David Thornberry of Pocahontas, Ark.; five grandchildren, Joel Bunch, Ashley Milanowski, John Milanowski, Josh Bunch and Lily Bunch.

Visitation will be 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. Burial of ashes will be in Stokenbury Cemetery in Elkins. To place an online tribute visit www.moores funeralchapel.com.

FORT SMITH — Dorothy K . (Dot) Rappeport

of Fort Smith, passed away on Oct. 16, 2018. She was born on Feb. 1, 1927, in Fort Smith to Rose and Sander Katzer.

Dot worked tirelessly throughout her adult life to improve the human condition in our community, state and region. She made a difference in the lives of many, including empowering girls and women to reach for their dreams and goals they may have never thought possible.

She taught psychology, philosophy and education classes at UAFS (formerly Westark Community College) for 25-plus years; she took a leave from teaching to become the commissioner of the Department of Social Services from 1981 to 1983; she was a past president of the United Way of Fort Smith Area for nine years. Dot also taught education classes at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

In the past, Dot was a member of the Arkansas Endowment for the Humanities, president of Comprehensive Juvenile Services, a member of the Sebastian County Quorum Court, and a Sebastian County Justice of the Peace. Dot led programs to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Smith, promoted programs to improve public transportation, and programs designed to ensure every child entering school is prepared to learn. Dot served on and/or lead many additional organizations focused on improvement in the region.

Throughout her work, Dot has received many awards including Who’s Who of American Women; Two Thousand Women of Achievement; Horizons: Arkansas 100 Women of Achievement; Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year; Sertoma Service to Mankind Award; a special award presented by the Inspector General of the United States for efforts toward the reduction of Medicaid waste, fraud and abuse; Boys & Girls Club of Fort Smith, Hall of Fame Award; and the Jack White Leadership Fort Smith Award.

Dot did all the above while being a wonderful wife, mother and sister to members of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Maurice Katzer of Fort Smith and Ben Katzer of Searcy and Fort Smith. Survivors include her loving husband of 70 years, Myron H. Rappeport; two sons, Stephen

Rappeport and wife Kelly of Fort Smith; Mike Rappeport and wife Jane of Fort Smith along with Dot’s grandsons, Lt. Sam Rappeport of Naples, Italy, and Jack Rappeport of Rogers, Ark.; and her daughter Kay and husband Brent Franks of Dallas, Texas.

Cremation was done under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Dot will be committed at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, followed by a memorial service honoring Dot’s life to be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, at Roebuck Chapel at First Methodist Church in Fort Smith.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Arkansas Chapter, 5506 W. Walsh Lane, Suite 212, Rogers, Ark., 72758, or the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, 4905 North ‘O’ Street, Fort Smith, Ark., 72904, or United Way of Fort Smith, P.O. Box 2300, Fort Smith, Ark., 72902-2300. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneral home.com.

GARFIELD — Robert

Hamilton, 88, of Garfield died Thursday. He was a retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Dorothy Hamilton. Surviving is a daughter, Kathrine LeAnn Hamilton of Garfield. Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.

HINDSVILLE —

Verna Mae Bisom Bell, 90, of Hindsville, Ark., died Oct. 15, 2018, at Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville. She was born Feb. 4, 1928, at Whitener, Ark., to Orin Nelson and Velva Mayfield Bisom.

Verna was a graduate of Huntsville State Vocational School, class of 1944 a charter member of Crossroads Community Church. She was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, oil painting, and singing. The joy of her life was her church and family. She said, “I have always loved the Lord and believe in Him.”

She was predeceased by her parents and husband of 74 years, Richard Bell. Verna is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Danna Bell, Rocky and Lori Bell, and Ronnie and Debbie Bell all of Hindsville; one daughter and son-inlaw, Shirley and Bob Parks of Hindsville; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory in Huntsville. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, at Crossroads Community Church with Minster Charles Bell and Pastor Rocky Bell officiating.

Pallbearers will be Chris Bell, Chuck Bell, Craig Bell, Jamie Parks, Richie Bell, Kyle Bell, Austin Bell. Honorary pallbearers will be Joel Cottle, Tom Hinkle, Chris Bedwell, Chuck Huskey, Paul Corlett, and A.T. Smith. Interment will immediately follow the service at Langley Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory. www.brashearsfuneralhome. net.

HINDSVILLE — James

R. Jones of Hindsville died Oct. 12, 2018, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jones, children, Brenda Templeton, LaDonna Hollingsworth, Reba Collins, Clifford Marbut and Debbie Bice and numerous grandchildren. Services will be Saturday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Brashears Funeral Home.

ROGERS — Holland Jane Courtney, age 13, of Rogers, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Oct. 16, 2018. She was born April 8, 2005, in Bentonville, Ark., the daughter of Brent Courtney and Sheila Rhodes Cooper.

Holland was a student at the Arkansas Arts Academy. She was part of the local theater community and loved performing arts and the theater. Holland was full of energy and had the gift to make people smile.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Gerald Courtney.

She is survived by her mother, Sheila Cooper and husband Jon of Rogers, Ark.; brothers, Utah Courtney and Payton Cooper of Rogers, Ark.; paternal grandmother, Deonn Courtney of Greenland, Ark.; maternal grandparents, Bo and Janie Elkins of Bella Vista, Ark., several aunts, uncles and cousins and a host of friends.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, at the Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 S. 2nd Street, Rogers, Ark., 72756. Services were entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark., 72762. Online condolences may be made to www.memorial fhspringdale.com.

ROGERS — Laura Mae

Miller-Sypult, age 91, of Rogers, passed away Oct. 15, 2018. Laura was born Sept. 26, 1927, in Smackover, Ark., to parents Linard Willis and Omey Rowell Willis.

She was united in marriage to Zern T. Miller and they enjoyed many years of marriage with Zern passing away in 1979. Laura married Robert Sypult in 1985 and he passed away in 2009. Laura enjoyed crafts, sewing, quilting, camping and gardening. Laura was also a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Zern Miller and second husband, Robert Sypult; one son, Randall Miller; brother, Leon Willis and sister, Irene Hess. Laura is survived by her son, Kirby Miller and wife Donna of Greenville, S.C.; daughters, Laurie Miller of Rogers, Naomi Brown and husband Marty of Pea Ridge, Kathy Wilks of Springfield, Mo.; two sisters, Margie Pitcock and Dorothy Whitaker; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family wishes to thank Superior Senior Care and Arkansas Hospice for their excellent care. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Graveside services are set for 2 p.m. Monday at the Benton County Memorial Park. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home of Rogers.

SPRINGDALE — Bertha

Louise Hayes quietly and peacefully went to her heavenly reward on Oct. 16, 2018, from her home in Springdale, Ark. She was blessed with 92 years of life, leaving behind a large loving family spanning four-generations.

Bertha loved her family, her God, and the great people of Arkansas. She was a devoted mother who always provided for her family. Bertha was a gentle spirit and always gave more than she received without complaint or the need for recognition.

Being married to a disabled military veteran, she supported the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark., through the VA Volunteer Services until she could physically no longer serve. Over her volunteer “career,” Bertha provided more than 10,000 hours of service and lots of baked goods to our Veteran men and women. While busy with her volunteer work at the VA, she always maintained her loving and caring nature and belief in God while nurturing the ever expanding generations of her family.

Bertha was preceded in passing by her parents, her brothers and sisters, husbands Howard Sams and Judge Hayes, sons Ray and Danny Sams, daughter Margaret (Hayes) Hattabaugh, and two grandchildren. Bertha’s surviving children are son Bill Hayes and wife Laurie, daughter Mary Hayes, son Howard Hayes and wife Ruth, and son Rockie Hayes and wife Rhonda. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. with the funeral service beginning immediately thereafter at 11 a.m. The final recognition of this beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend will be at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale with Pastor Terry Slinker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bertha’s name can be made to her cherished VA Volunteer Services in Fayetteville, Ark., at www.fayettevillear.va.gov/giving/ or calling (479) 444-5060. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — On Oct. 12, 2018, A.G. Russell exchanged his earthly life for eternal peace with his Lord Jesus Christ. During what was supposed to be a routine angiogram to check for blockage in a coronary artery, AG. Russell’s heart gave out and he left this world.

As recently as Wednesday, Oct. 10, A.G. spent a big part of most business days in the office working with Phil Gibbs on knife designs and talking to customers in our store. Saturdays were especially important to him. He would spend most of the six hours that the store was open on that day, talking to customers. He especially enjoyed the little ones.

While his physical presence will no longer be here, the force that was A.G. Russell will always be with his family, the A.G. Russell Knives staff members, his friends and the knife community around the world.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at Westfield Chapel Funeral Home in Springdale. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church on Hwy. 264 between Lowell and Cave Springs. The family is requesting donations be made to military and veterans organizations that we will list here shortly in lieu of flowers. If it is your preference to send flowers, that may be arranged at the Heartfelt Sympathies Store online. Please visit A.G. Russell’s online memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

WESLEY — Roy Dale

Eaton, 63, of Wesley, Ark., passed away Oct. 17, 2018, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayettevile, Ark. He was born Nov. 3, 1954, in Huntsville, Ark., the son of Ira and Lillie Fields Eaton.

He married Brenda Kaye Thomas at Drakes Creek, Ark., on Oct. 1, 1982, and was a carpenter.

He was predeceased by his parents; one granddaughter, Shelby Rae Dotson; three brothers, Gary Eaton, Rayburn Eaton, and Arvis Eaton; and one sister, Nell Sloan.

R.D. is survived by his wife of 36 years, Brenda Kaye Thomas Eaton; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Travis and Jamie Eaton of Hunts- ville, Ark., and Scotty Eaton of Wesley, Ark.; one daughter and son-in-law, Brittany and Mathew Sparks of Huntsville, Ark.; three grandchildren, Hayden Dotson, Brinkley Sparks and Gracie Rae Sparks; one brother, Winford Eaton; seven sisters, Joyce Bunch, Sharon Carter, Norma Marshall, Linda Baxter, Janice Torbett, Pat Plaster, and Sandra Bowman.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in the Bruce Brashears Memorial Chapel of Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 North Gaskill St., Huntsville, Ark. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in the Bruce Brashears Memorial Chapel, 509 North Gaskill St., Huntsville, Ark. with Lyndell Thomas, Glen Thomas and Jasper Hankins officiating.

Pallbearers will be Harlan Harriman, Bob Neal, Eugene Boatright, Lanny “Spot” Samuels, Carl Sloan, Mike Ferguson, Tony Bowerman, and Ed Oneal. Honorary pallbearers will be Hayden Dotson, Ted Oneal, Fred Oneal, Gary Chaney, Jeff Eaton, Billy Mayes, Jerry Whittmore, and Herbie Jordan. Interment will be in the Sparks Cemetery, Huntsville, Ark., immediately following the service. Services by Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory, Huntville, Arkansas.