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 — Elsie Parkinson of Bella Vista, and formerly of Harrison, Ark., passed from this life on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Highland Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bella Vista, Ark. She was 98 years old. The daughter of Edwin and Naomi (Vesterby) Granseth was born on June 12, 1920, in Ottosen, Iowa.

Elsie was a two-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Harrison and was very active in the church. She was a member of the P.E.O. Club and worked as a secretary for the Harrison schools for several years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; and her parents.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Crase of Bella Vista and Susan Parkinson of Germany.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

BENTONVILLE — Ruby Canoy, 90, of Bentonville died Tuesday at Bradford House Nursing and Rehab. She was born Sept. 27, 1928. Survivors are husband David; brother Howard Shaffer; sisters Lorie Hollaway, Lula Gacs, Marie Main. Service is 1 p.m. Friday at Sisco Funeral Home Chapel in Pea Ridge. Burial at Ruddick Cemetery.

FAYETTEVILLE — Claude Harrison Lower, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in Fayetteville. He was born Jan. 29, 1936, in Fayetteville the son of Clarence and Lowell Salsbury Lower.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Helen Baker and Dortha Linglbach and two brothers Clyde and Phillip Lower.

He worked since the mid 1960s to keep up Son’s Chapel Cemetery in Fayetteville. He also enjoyed watching softball games and would help anybody that needed it.

His is survived by his sister, Hazel Stevens and her husband Jerral and a brother, James Lower of Fayetteville.

Visitation will be held 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Thursday Nov. 29, 2018, at Moore’s Chapel with funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Son’s Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.moores funeralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Robert Charles “Bob” Oswald, age 89, died Nov. 26, 2018. He was born in Melrose Park, Ill., to Robert Clifford and Mildred Dunteman Oswald.

He retired from Shell Mining Company as a senior staff minerals geologist and moved to the Fayetteville, Ark., area from Houston, Texas, in 1987.

Bob was a 65-plus year Mason and a member of Cypress Lodge No. 1423 of Cypress, Texas, the York Rite, and University City Chapter No. 495, OES. An avid railroad fan, he was a director of the National Railway Historical Society from 1987 through 2002. He enjoyed being a conductor on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad as well as playing percussion in the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band for several years.

He served as an engineering officer on a U.S. Navy destroyer during the Korean War and was a member of the USS DeHaven Sailors Association and the Tin Can Sailors. Bob was also a member of the Scottish Society of Northwest Arkansas and the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale.

Bob is survived by Annie, his loving wife of 64 years; two sons and daughters-inlaw, Robert Clifford and Mary Oswald of Colorado, and Andrew and Shannon Oswald of Texas, and one daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Oswald and Hikmet Luleci of Oregon; and two granddaughters, Lily Oswald and Molly DuCharme.

Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. Masonic Rites will be by Washington Lodge No. 1, F&AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, 100 S. Gutensohn Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762, or the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 1033 Long Prairie Road, Suite 5, Flower Mound, Texas, 75022.

To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FORDYCE — Larry

Wilson Roark, 74, of Fordyce, Ark., and his beloved schnauzer best friend, Dexter, both passed away Nov. 20, 2018, in his cabin, that he called his “heaven on earth” at Tri-County lake just outside Fordyce. He was born to the late I.W. “Pete” and Eula Roark on March 2, 1944, in Warren, Ark.

Larry spent his childhood in Warren, Ark., and on the Saline River near Moore’s Mill. In 1958 he moved to Fordyce, Ark., where he met his future wife, Westy (Wynne), for the first time. At 14, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, making him one of the youngest to ever do so in Arkansas. Upon graduating from Fordyce High School in 1962, where he was a member of the Redbug Band and president of the senior class, Larry enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he played trombone in the Hog-Wild Band and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

At a time when the nation was drafting men all around the country for the war in Vietnam, Larry chose to proactively enlist in the US Marines rather than wait for his draft number to be called. Before he was to be shipped out to Vietnam, he drove to Dallas, Texas in order to pick up his first love, Westy, and the two eloped to Poteau, Okla., and were married on September 3, 1964. Shortly after, he spent the next 18 months in Vietnam as Lance Corporal of the 3rd Marine division, 9th transport battalion stationed in Dong Ha.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Larry joined his father in the family business in Fordyce, Ace Hardware, and later was appointed as the 13th Judicial District juvenile probation officer. Larry also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, as an elder in the Presbyterian Church (and later a member of Fordyce First United Methodist), a Scout leader, and 25-year veteran of the Fordyce Fire Department, and 32nd-degree Mason. A larger than life character, he found a friend in everyone he encountered and was often heard bragging of being the last man in Arkansas to legally wrestle a bear … and survive!

Larry is preceded in death by his parents I. W. “Pete” and Eula Roark.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Westy Wynne Roark; four kids and nine grandchildren, Rynne Roark of Fordyce and her son Christian, Robin Roark and his wife Amanda of White Hall (Reid, Bryce, Reese, Brock), Ryan Roark and his wife Wendy of Fayetteville, Ark., (Ryan Thomas and Ryleigh Starr) and Ramy Roark Zimmerebner and her husband Daniel of Little Rock, Ark., (Stecks and Julie Wynne). He is also survived by his brother, I.B. “Benny” Roark and his wife Sherry of Fordyce; sister Nancy Newcomb and her husband Robert of Little Rock and a host of other family and friends.

For those who know who they are, the codeword is “Bismarck” and the operation is a go. Service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Fordyce First United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Fordyce Volunteer Fire Department or the Dallas County Museum. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register, visit www. bentonfuneralhome.net.

GARFIELD — Ramona Beard, 73, of Garfield died Nov. 26, 2018, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. Service is set for 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Pea Ridge. Burial will be in Ruddick Cemetery. No Visitation. Online condolences may be at siscofuneralhome.net.

HUNTSVILLE — Jesse McClelland Comer, 88, of Huntsville, passed away Nov. 25, 2018, at Meadowview Health and Rehab in Huntsville. He was born Sept. 9, 1930, in Hot Springs, N.M.; to Jesse and Iva Jones Comer.

Jess married Dorothy Kelley in Reno, Nev. They were married 72 years and were parents to five sons. He was a farmer, and had retired from Daisy & Anderson Propane.

Jess was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, his sisters, and one son, Jesse Comer Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of the home; his sons and daughters-in-law, Roger and Karen Comer of Hindsville, Lee and Gayle Comer of Huntsville, Kenny and Peggy Comer of Huntsville, and Carson and Patty Comer of Fontana, Kan.; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

There is no formal visitation. Jess will be in state from 3-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Brashears Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory with Dwayne Lane and Jim Kelley officiating. Pallbearers will be Michael Comer, Casey Comer, Christoper Comer, Jack Comer, Heath Comer, Anthony Giffin, Hesston Comer, and Jerrod Comer. Interment will immediately follow at Union Chapel Cemetery in Garfield. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jess’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fla. 17, Chicago, Ill., 60601.

LOWELL — Penny Witherspoon, 53, of Lowell went to be with the Lord on Nov. 22 with family holding her hands at Mercy Medical Center, Rogers. Penny was born Feb. 18, 1965, in Kansas City, Mo., to Frank McKay and Vera Lawson McKay (Huffman).

Services will be held at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at noon with Pastor Leon Gentry officiating. The burial will be a private family event held at Burkshed Cemetery.

Penny accepted Christ into her heart as a child and she knew her sins were forgiven because Jesus died on the cross for her. She lived by faith in Him and stood on His word.

Penny loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter. Siblings say she was the perfect sister. She loved and was loved by all who knew her. Co-workers loved Penny’s positive, loving attitude. She worked for the government as a USDA consumer safety inspector for over 25 years.

Penny was an amazing woman of God who most of all loved spending time with family. She also enjoyed hiking, biking, cooking, eating, traveling, craft projects, and fishing. She was very much loved and will be dearly missed.

Penny was united in marriage to James Rankin on July 2, 1983. Two beautiful daughters were born to this marriage. Penny was united in marriage to Jimmy Witherspoon Nov. 10, 2012.

Penny was preceded in death by one daughter, Jennifer LeBouef.

She is survived by her husband, James Witherspoon; daughter Crystal McKay; stepson Levin Thornton; mother Vera Lawson Huffman; two brothers and their spouses, Frank and Lora McKay, Tom and Elizabeth McKay; three sisters and their spouses, Sandy and Chip Lore, Bonnie and Tim Hill, Brenda Crawford and Melissa Fairbanks; three step-brothers, Ronnie, Robert, and James Phillips; seven grandchildren, Harley, Logan, South, Jadyn, MaryJane, Shana, Savannah; in-laws Lois, Patrick, and Erick McClard and Mema Mason.

Memorials may be made to the Penny Witherspoon Memorial Fund through any Arvest Bank. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com.

ROGERS — Buena Mae Beller, age 81, passed away in Rogers, Ark., on Nov. 25, 2018. She was born in Casa Grande, Ariz., on April 13, 1937, to Forere and Lois (Langston) Tarpley.

She is survived by her husband, John “Frank” Beller; son, John Beller and wife Elizabeth of Federal Way, Wash.; daughter, Jennifer Joy of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother, Don Tarpley of Tulsa, Okla.; sister, Eunice Pickard of Rogers, Ark., and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Rollins Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Free Will Baptist Church of Rogers on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery of Fayetteville at 2 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home. www.RollinsFuneral.com.

ROGERS — Madonna (Donna) Marie Butcher, 84, of Rogers passed away Nov. 4, 2018, in Bentonville. She was born Aug. 24, 1934, in Yankton, S.D., to the late Joseph and Charlotte Tank Stransky.

Early in her career she worked for WAEO TV in Rhinelander, Wis. Donna raced snowmobiles with the television station under the sponsorship of Arctic Cat. She was an administration assistant for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. After moving to Rogers, she worked at the Benton County Courthouse and attended the United Methodist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jasper Butcher and grandson, Garrett Rasmussen, a fallen firefighter.

She is survived by her children, Doug Rasmussen, Tim Rasmussen, Tom Rasmussen, LaRae (Mark) Frohmader; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at the Bland Chapel United Methodist Church, Rogers, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bland Chapel United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers, Ark. Online condolences can be sent to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

ROGERS — Glena Johnson died Nov. 24, 2018, the adopted daughter of Don and Lucille Suttie. Survivors include husband Larry; son Jay; and daughter Cindy. Memorial visitation: 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Chapel. Memorial service: 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers. Arrangements: Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services. Condolences: stockdalemoodyfs.com.

ROGERS — Coach Gary

Pitt “Blackie” Bond passed away at his home in Rogers, Ark., surrounded by his family on Nov. 24, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Ozark, Ark., to Pitt and Hester Law Bond on March 30, 1936.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sara; two wonderful children, son John and wife Jenny, and daughter Lynn. He was fortunate to be Papa to three grandchildren, Mackenzie, Mallory and Brody; two brothers, Bobby Bond of Ozark and Vince Bond of Little Rock, and several nieces and nephews.

“Blackie” loved his family, his God, his church, his football and his outdoor hobbies, fishing and hunting.

Visitation service will be 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 3364 W. Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers. Private interment at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.