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 — Paula Marie Sanders, 59, of Berryville, formerly of Pea Ridge, died Feb. 13, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo.

She was born March 19, 1959, in Shenandoah, Iowa, to John Hughes and Phyllis Maca Hughes. She moved to Pea Ridge in 1987 from Longview, Texas, and then to Berryville 10 years ago. She was a homemaker and was employed with Kerusso Active Wear in Berryville. She was very involved with the activities of her children and she loved spoiling her grand kids. Paula was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville.

She was preceded in death by her father, sister Debbie Edwards and brother Matt Hughes.

Survivors are her mother, Phyllis Hughes of Rogers; three sons, Shawn Woods and wife Jessica of Bella Vista, Steven Woods of Berryville, Michael Woods of Fayetteville; two daughters, Melissa Woods and Michelle Woods, both of Centerton; siblings Lee Hughes (Debbie) of Clarinda, Iowa, Linda Reed (Wayne) of Centerton, Nancy Ehlers (Jim) of Rogers, Chris Hughes (Cindy) of Red Oak, Iowa, Geri Kester (Kenny) of Red Oak, Iowa, Bruce Hughes (Peggy) of Gardner, Kan., Monica Steffen (Garry) of Tampa Bay, Fla., Bart Hughes of Red Oak, Iowa, and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 1501 W. 10th St., Little Rock, Ark., 72202, in the spirit of helping families in need. Funeral mass is set for 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville. Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. Visitation is set for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.

CENTERTON — Terry Ellen Griggs Allen, 67, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Feb. 16, 2019. She was born on Feb. 9, 1952, in Inglewood, Calif., the daughter of Alpha and Howard Griggs.

Terry worked in the financial and computer world most of her life. Most recently, she worked at Walmart’s home office for many years until 2014, when she went back to California to care for her parents. She loved to sing and was a member of the Walmart Choir. Her passion for public speaking and inspiring others led her to be an officer and active member of Toastmasters. She called Bread and Wine Church in Bentonville her local body of worship.

Terry was known for her big smiles and welcoming heart. She loved to make people laugh and listen to their stories. She enjoyed table

fellowship with others, especially when she could share her desserts, particularly her favorite, boysenberry pie. She loved her family well. Her favorite pastime was to be with her three daughters and their families. She introduced them to The Lord at early ages and modeled loving our neighbors tangibly.

Terry is survived by her children, Stephanie (Adam) Maass, Suzanne (Clark) Pappas, and Sandra (Todd) Anderson; her seven granddaughters, Jordan, Jessica, Jamison, Madison, and Hannah Maass, Willow Pappas, Aurora Anderson; and her siblings, Ruth Razook, Beth Yaros, Kerry Schreiber and Valerie Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alpha and Howard Griggs, sister Barbara Griggs and brother Howard Griggs.

A celebration of a life service will be held at Fellowship Bible Church (Training Center) on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Terry by donating to either the Help One Now Feeding Program for students and teachers at Williamson Adrien Academy in Haiti, www.purecharity.com/fundraisers/47611/fund, or the local Laundry Love (General Fund) through ServeNWA, www.servenwa.org/laundry-love. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark., 72762. Online condolences may be made to www. memorialfhspringdale.com.

CENTERTON — Walter N. Whitlatch, 89, passed away on Feb. 16, 2019, in Fayetteville. He was born in Sheridan, Iowa, on Dec. 4, 1929, to the late Ancil and Myrtle (Ewaldt) Whitlatch. He was the loving husband of Irene (Burns) Whitlach. He enjoyed a lifelong career in journalism, retiring nearly 20 years ago. Walter is survived by his wife, Irene of Centerton; son Craig Whitlatch of Gravette; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. Online condolences can be made at www. callisonlough.com.

DECUTAR — Michal Lea Montgomery, 63, of Decatur passed away Feb. 18, 2019, surrounded by her family at Circle of Life Hospice. She was born May 12, 1955, in Harrisonville, Mo., the daughter of James Lenord Hall and Dorothy Lucile Taylor.

Michal worked at Walmart’s home office. She was a member of the Decatur Assembly of God Church. Michal was preceded in death by her husband Bill Montgomery and both of her parents, James and Lucile.

She is survived by sons Matt Montgomery and wife Jamie of Gentry, Ark., Rob Montgomery and partner David Magee of Decatur; one granddaughter, Mattie Montgomery; her siblings, Ellen Florer of Decatur, Pat Weide of Iola, Kan., and Steven Hall of Siloam Springs; her mother-in-law, Emily Montgomery of Decatur, and several brothers and sisters-in-law and cousins.

A celebration of Michal’s life will be Thursday, Feb. 21 at noon at the Decatur Assembly of God Church. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

ELM SPRINGS — Everett Allen Holcomb, 87, of Elm Springs passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. He was born April 23, 1931, in Fayetteville to Everett and Lena Payne Holcomb.

Allen grew up on a farm in Elm Springs. His family grew acres of strawberries and tomatoes to sell and had dairy cows and chickens. He always enjoyed having a big garden each year. He was well known for his expertise in growing the best tomatoes, always growing more than he needed and giving them to others.

He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was proud to serve our country. He served for many years on the Elm Springs City Council. He was a member of the Elm Springs United Methodist Church. He started and built a successful business in Elm Springs — Holcomb Machine Tool— providing jobs to many veterans and others throughout the years. Allen was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Bonnie Biazo.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Geneva Holcomb; one son, Glenn Holcomb and wife Betty of Elm Springs; two daughters, Carol Hill and husband Ben of Fayetteville and Ladona Holcomb of Elm Springs; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at noon at Elm Springs United Methodist Church with Rev. Jonathan Griesse officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Lev Karl Desmarais, who was known in music and other circles by his stage name, Winston Payne, died Feb. 6, 2019, at the age of 54. He was born on Aug. 29, 1964, in Madison, Wis., to Ralph H. Desmarais and Barbara G. Taylor Desmarais.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wallace C. Taylor and Margaret Payne Taylor; his paternal grandparents, Edward L. and Grace Dalton Desmarais; by his stepfather, James Jackson; and by four paternal uncles, Edward, Raymond, Richard and Robert Desmarais.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Taylor (Forrest Goddard); his father, Ralph Desmarais (Nancy); his sister, Jennifer Enos (Henry); his stepsister, Margot Jackson Lemaster (Jordan); his stepbrother, Keefe Jackson; his niece, Corinne McKimmey (Natalie Mosquera); his nephew, Nathan Enos; his niece, Kailani Enos; his paternal aunt, Mary Castonguay; his maternal aunt, Nancy Ruma (Joseph), numerous cousins and their spouses and children and many friends.

Lev spent his early years in Madison and Whitewater, Wis., and moved with his family at the age of ten to Fayetteville, Ark., where he attended Root Elementary School, Ramay Junior High School, and, at age 17, graduated from Fayetteville High School. He took computer courses at the University of Arkansas during his junior and senior years in high school.

He attended the University of Texas at Austin, for one semester, then transferred to the University of Arkansas, where he was consistently on the dean’s list, earning a bachelor of science degree in computer science and engineering. He completed post-graduate studies in computer science at the University of Texas at Dallas, and in computer science and criminal justice at Collin County Community College.

Shortly after earning his bachelor’s degree, Lev moved to the Dallas area, where he worked as a computer engineer for Texas Instruments and later worked or served as a consultant for other domestic and international IT companies, including DSC Communications, Alacatel, Siemens, Fujitsu, Raytheon, the U.S. Department of Energy, Cobham Defense Electronics, Interstate Electronics, Parametric Technology and Axis Technologies. He became a specialist in enterprise engineering document management systems. He was a member of the Association for Software Engineering Excellence and the National Management Association.

In junior high and high school, Lev appeared in a number of University of Arkansas theater productions, including Pippin, in which he juggled while riding a unicycle. His love of theater continued into adulthood and he appeared in several productions with the Plano Community Theater.

Lev’s first musical instrument was the euphonium, but when he was 15, during a float trip through the Grand Canyon, he heard a blues harmonica and couldn’t wait to get his own. He soon added bass guitar, and accumulated an extensive collection of stringed instruments, ranging from a ukulele to an upright bass, and he accumulated an even larger collection of harmonicas. While he was in Dallas, he played with the band G.T. Texas.

After returning to Fayetteville in 2013, Lev continued to work as an IT consultant. He enjoyed playing music and serving as a DJ for weddings, parties and other events. He volunteered with Washington Regional Medical Center’s hospice program, playing music with his friend Pat Hall at nursing homes and retirement centers. He loved dogs, especially dachshunds, fostering and adopting many while he lived in Texas. In Fayetteville, he volunteered with the Fayetteville Animal Shelter, bringing dogs to the square during Farmers Market to meet potential adopters. He worked on computers as a volunteer with Free Geek and helped friends and family with their computers.

Lev was a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville. A memorial celebration will be held at the fellowship, 901 Cleveland St., on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lev’s memory may be made to the Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville, 72701, or to Fayetteville Animal Services, 1640 S. Armstrong Ave., Fayetteville, 72701.

FAYETTEVILLE — Vicki L. (Smiley) McMillan, 66, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in Fayetteville. She was born on Jan. 17, 1953, in Athens, Texas, to Robert Thomas and Jocelyn (Mahuria) Smiley.

Vicki was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Roy McMillan, parents and two brothers, Benny Smiley and John Thomas Smiley, sister Janie (Smiley) Halbrooks.

One son survives her, Lee Roy McMillan II; four stepchildren, Rusty and wife Alicia McMillan of Honduras, La Vonn Foreman and husband Danny of Decatur, Ronda Vaughan and husband Kenneth of Bethel Heights and Dennis and wife Tessy McMillan of Rogers; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Vicki has two living brothers, Harold Smiley and wife of Muldrow, Okla., and Bobby Smiley and wife of Grand Prairie, Texas.

Services for Vicki will be Feb. 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Fayetteville National Cemetery. All guests are asked to meet at Beard’s Funeral Chapel 10:30 a.m. The procession will leave at 10:45 a.m. for the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Arkansas Support Network of Springdale, Ark., www.supports.org (scroll down for donations). Arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Darrel Wayne McGarrah, 62, of Fayetteville, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Darrel served in the Air Force, was a diesel mechanic and enjoyed fishing. A memorial service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Hickory Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online obituary and guestbook at www. heritageofnwa.com.

HARRISON — Willis Ray Tate, 91, of Harrison, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. He was born Dec. 14, 1927, in Amagon, Ark., to Chester and Gladys (Balch) Tate.

He graduated from Newport High School and attended Arkansas State University. He served one year in the Air Force.

Willis married Noble Faye Kimes, on Nov. 17, 1952. He worked for Bankers Life and Casualty for 31 years. He was a 63-year member at Eagle Heights Baptist Church and a Gideon. He loved the Razorbacks! After retiring Willis and Noble Faye built and ran Creekwood Apartments in Harrison. When Noble Faye died in 1992, Willis married another incredible woman, Ruth Goodwin, on May 22, 1993, and they continued running Creekwood Apartments.

Willis is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Susan Virnig (James) of Harrison, Debbie Finkbeiner (Oscar) of Little Rock, and Bill Tate (Belinda) of Conway; sister Betty Hoffie (Ken) of Harrison; sisters-in-law Essie Tate of Harrison and Carol Tate of Indiana; and step-children, Roy Goodwin (Jody), David Goodwin (Kathy), Diane Lyman and Sandy Vanderzanden. He’s also survived by nine grandchildren, Sarah, Matt, and Zach Virnig, Tate Finkbeiner of Benton, Becca Wright of Bryant, and Melia Hill and Mallory Lefler of Conway; eight great-grandchildren; and an abundance of step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Jim and Thomas Tate and Rita Czech, and his first wife, Noble Faye Tate.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Funeral is 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Bro. Glenn Crenshaw officiating. Interment is in Maplewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Matt and Zach Virnig, Tate Finkbeiner, Zackery Hill, Chance Lefler, Randy Wright, David Goodwin and Kevin Trock. Honorary pallbearers are Tom and Dorothy Dinean, his granddaughters, and the nursing staff at Mount Vista E Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eagle Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, 703 E. Walters Ave., Harrison, Ark., 72601. Online Guestbook: www.roller funeralhomes.com/harrison.

HINDSVILLE — Jeri Lynn Ward, 59, of Hindsville, died Feb. 15, 2019, at Hindsville. Jeri is survived by her daughter, Laura Nodine; son Jason Hagar; husband Harvey Ward; mother Hazel Strebel; and six grandchildren. No services are scheduled. Cremation is entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

HUNTSVILLE — Peter Atherton Bowers, 71, passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019. Peter was born Aug. 26, 1947, in Cordova, Alaska. His family moved to Chico, Calif., when he was a child and he remained in the area, making his home in Oroville until 2006, when he and his wife, Lynda, relocated to Arkansas.

Pete was well loved by everyone who knew him. He was a mentor to many and an entertainer to anyone who would listen. He loved music and practical jokes and was always looking for a reason to laugh. Though he battled serious health issues for several years, he could always find a reason to smile and the time to do something kind.

Pete is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lynda; sons, Scott Tracy (Theresa), and Dallas Bowers (Brandi); daughter J’Anna Alstad (Mark); grandchildren, J’Lynn Alstad, Sunny Tracy and Samantha Bowers; sister Joan Partal (Tony); and nieces Jan Pierson and Seana Honeywell. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Living Faith Church, 1351 S. Morningside Drive in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Living Faith Church or live plants can be donated to Pete’s Memorial Garden. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online obituary and guestbook at www.heritageofnwa. com.

OMAHA — Gary Paul “Gilbo” Gilbert, 68, Omaha, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. No service is planned as were Gary’s wishes. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Gilbert; children Ginger (Todd) Vaughn and Grant Gilbert; “honorary” daughter-in-law Kristina Hale; and daughter-in-law Angela Gilbert. Arrangements by Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Online Guestbook:

www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/ harrison.

SILOAM SPRINGS — Virginia Marie Harp, 94, of Siloam Springs, Ark., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 15, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale, Ark. Born Jan. 4, 1925, in St. Louis, Mo., she was the daughter of Earnest Alonzo Kite and Marie Moensh Kite.

Virginia grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and, upon graduating high school, worked in the office of The Spool Cotton Company. She attended Immanuel Baptist Church in St. Louis, where she met Gene Harp. Virginia and Gene were married Aug. 10, 1945.

After the birth of their first child, Bob, they moved to Siloam Springs, Ark., where Gene taught mechanical engineering at John Brown University. It was during this time that Ron and Ralph were born. In 1951 the family moved to Wichita, Kan., where Gene was employed as an industrial engineer for Boeing Airplane Company.

In 1960, Gene received an offer to move back to Siloam Springs to set up a manufacturing facility for Waukesha Cutting Tool Inc. Gene managed the company and Virginia was the bookkeeper and payroll clerk. In 1975, Gene started his own machine shop, Frontier Machine and Tool, where Virginia continued to assist him in clerical duties until Gene retired in 1984.

She was a devoted wife and they celebrated 66 years of marriage. Her favorite role was being a homemaker, mother, and grandma. She loved to sew and enjoyed supporting Gene’s passion for antique tool collecting. Virginia was an active member of First Baptist Church, Siloam Springs, Ark., and a member of the Quail Hoppers Auxiliary, a volunteer group of the Quail Ridge Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, sons Robert and Ralph Harp, brothers Earl and Russell Kite and sister Florence Kite Norman.

Survivors include her son, Ron Harp and wife Paula of Siloam Springs, Ark.; daughter-in-law Jamae Harp of Hennessey, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Kite of St. Louis, Mo.; sister-in-law Deanie Harp Davis and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at First Baptist Church, Siloam Springs, Ark., with Dr. Steve Abbott officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, abchomes.org/ways-togive. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark.

SILOAM SPRINGS — Gary W. LeRoy, 66, of Siloam Springs died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at Washington Regional Center of Fayetteville. He was born Aug. 16, 1952, in Siloam Springs. Survivors include his wife, Shirley LeRoy and many loving relatives and friends. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Gravette. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

SPRINGDALE — Wanda Dean Doffin, 85, of Springdale died Monday, Feb. 18 at her home. Survivors include Roy Evans, Myron Doffin, Bryan Doffin, Kevin Doffin, Sandra Hayes, Gala Miller, Myra Thayer; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services Friday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Elm Springs Cemetery. www.siscofuneral.com.

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Raymond L. Crowe, age 92, of Cassville, Mo., passed away at his home on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019. Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Mo. Please visit our website at www.whitefuneralhome.org for online condolences and obituaries.

TULSA, Okla. — Lawrence “Larry” Edward Helm, 74, of Tulsa, died Feb. 15, 2019. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Feb. 20, 2019, in the Bruce Brashears Memorial Chapel of Brashears Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Fayetteville National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.