Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — James Leo Donohue, 77, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on Feb. 17, 2019. Jim was born on May 16, 1941, in Oakland, Calif., to James and Margaret Donohue.

Jim grew up in Oakland attending Saint Mary’s high school and Chabot College in Hayward, Calif. Jim took a job with Pacific Gas and Electric Company starting as a laborer and working his way up the ladder to Gas General Foreman at Kern Division in Bakersfield, Calif., spending 33 years with the company. Jim joined the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War spending six years with his unit and attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Jim was handy with most any tool and had a General Contractor’s license. He was always repairing, replacing something or helping someone else with their projects whether it was electrical, plumbing, welding or just supervising.

After retirement, Jim did some consulting and was well respected for his knowledge in many areas of construction for venders and subcontractors hired by P.G.&E. When Jim wasn’t busy with one of his many projects he always enjoyed reading a good book and would be considered an avid reader. Jim was a lifelong Oakland Raider fan and supported them no matter what!

Jim was a devout Catholic attending Catholic Schools for 12 years. He was an active member of OLPH church in Bakersfield, Calif., while he resided there and joined Saint Bernard Parish after moving to Bella Vista.

Jim loved his home in Bella Vista where he lived the last years of his life enjoying the many lakes and wooded areas around his home. He also enjoyed watching the deer, raccoons and many species of birds roaming his back yard.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret “Bootsie” Bolin and his beloved 14-year-old Yorkie, Chloe, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge only days before Jim’s passing.

Jim is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda Donohue; son, Sean and his wife Tara, son, Bryan Dye and his wife Lisa; daughters, Colleen and Casey. Jim is also survived by eight grandchildren; sister, Colleen “Cookie” McCormack and husband Mike along with brother-in-law, Lynn Watkins and wife Cheryl. Jim also left behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Jim on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. at Saint Bernard Catholic Church located at 1 Saint Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, Ark. Interment will follow the Mass at the Saint Bernard Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Bernard Parish or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Bella

Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.

BELLA VISTA — Helen

Ann Lowe, (82), was called home Feb. 21, 2019.

A 30-year-resident of Bella Vista, Ark., Helen is survived by her husband of 62 years, George and their children Connie (Mark) Baker, Bruce (Janelle) and Bryan; grandchildren, Crystal, Blake, Kyle, Brandy Baker; great-grandchildren, Brett and Kalaina; sisters, Joyce Sande, Ellen Jensen; and brother, Don Olson.

Helen was an active member of Highlands Christian Church, Bella Vista and retired RN.

The celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Highlands Christian Church, 1500 Forest Hills Blvd., Hwy. 279, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715.

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

BENTONVILLE — Shirley Kimmell Morgan,

82, formerly of Rock Island, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, Ark. Born June 20, 1936, in St. Louis, Mo., to Harold Kimmell and Virginia (Fischer) Kimmell Scott.

The family moved to Rock Island, Ill., in 1948. She attended Rock Island High School and upon graduation received a scholarship to Western Illinois University in Macomb. Shirley was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She was married to Tom Morgan for 42 years. They had three children, daughters Cyndi and Susan, and son Thomas. She spent the last 10 years as a happy resident of The Meadows in Bentonville, where she was very active playing cards and helping with activities.

Shirley enjoyed an active lifestyle. Over the years she participated in several bowling and golf leagues. She especially loved to play golf and achieved a Hole-In-One not just once, but twice in her lifetime. For many years she was active in the German Shepherd Dog Club of the Quad Cities and over the years had several faithful companions. Shirley traveled all over the Midwest showing her prize-winning and beloved German Shepherds for many years and made many lifelong friends. Tom and Shirley held training for local police K-9 German Shepherds in their backyard on many occasions, and several dogs from their breeding program went on to have very successful careers as K-9 officers and drug detection dogs.

She worked for Eagle Foods in Milan, Ill., from 1960-1995 as an Employee Benefits Manager overseeing various retirement and pension plans for the company, along with health and life insurance. Over the years she was a champion for and inspiration to countless woman in business. She imposed no limits on her success and encouraged others to do the same.

Shirley will be remembered as a strong, caring, determined, loyal woman who was never speechless or short on opinions and quick to say exactly what was on her mind.

She is survived by her sister, Joy Bennett McGuire (Ed); and daughters, Cyndi Handley (Len) and Susan Sagers (Don); five grandchildren, Beth Grashorn (Tom), Scott Carlson (Kristy), Bryan Cathelyn, Roseanna Morgan, and Angel Morgan, five great-grandchildren, Alex and Matthew Grashorn, Thomas and Ava Knochenmus and Alijah Morgan; and nephew, Scott Bennett (Paula). Shirley is also survived by two very special friends, Penny Carr and Joe Whitley.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Virginia; husband Tom; infant son, Thomas; brother-in-law, Charles “Bud” Bennett; and niece Kim Bennett.

Per Shirley’s wishes, there will be no services. She prefers everyone remember her as she was. Shirley’s favorite song sums up the way she lived. We will love you forever and miss you always. Until we meet again.

“I’ve lived a life that’s full. I’ve traveled each and every highway. And more, much more than this. I did it my way.” — Frank Sinatra.

BENTONVILLE — Kha

Nguyen, 61, of Bentonville died Feb. 22 at Northwest Medical Center. He was born in Vietnam on Aug. 13, 1957.

Kha is survived by many friends and family.

Viewing will be Monday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Epting Funeral Home Bentonville.

BENTONVILLE — In loving memory, Charlotte Ellen (Hammon) Vinson,

91, of Bentonville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 19, 2019, at the Bradford House Nursing and Rehab in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Sept. 2, 1927, in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Darrell E Vinson; her parents, Theodore Cecil and Laura Mae Hammon; a grandson, Shane Bowden; a great-grandson, Fisher Ray Vinson; and a great-granddaughter, Parker Rae Vinson.

Charlotte is survived by two sons, Robert Vinson and wife Sondra and Ronald Vinson and wife Brenda; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Donnie Hammon and wife Phillis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Life started for Charlotte in Oklahoma, then she went on to marry Darrell and had two sons. She was a housewife and a loving mother. In 1959 she worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a key punch operator for several years. She moved with her family to Missouri in 1962 to farm and worked for the U.S. Forest Service for several years. In 1984 she and Darrell moved to Arkansas to spend time and be close to her family. When living in Arkansas she was actively involved in the Red Hat Society, served in several different officer positions of the Liberty Bell Extension Club and was a judge for the Washington County Fair, for crafts and canning goods. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports and spending time with them. She will be missed dearly by family and friends and will always be in our hearts.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, at Center Street Church of Christ with Jack English officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.

There is no scheduled visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5506 Walsh Lane Suite 212, Rogers, Ark., 72758.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

EUREKA SPRINGS — Joanie Kathryn Swarthout,

69, was born on Nov. 14, 1949, to Marion and Harlowe Swarthout in Toledo, Ohio. She died on Feb. 13, 2019, peacefully in her home. In 1976, she graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. of education in art, and in 1996, earned a B.S. in occupational therapy from Colorado State University. During her careers, she has worked mainly with children.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, C. Lewis Jones; three exceptional children; one fabulous son-inlaw; one remarkable daughter-in-law; and three terrific grandchildren. Also surviving her is a wonderful extended family and an amazing group of friends.

I have lived a truly blessed life by adhering to the following advice. “Live not in the resentments of yesterday nor the expectations of tomorrow. Live in the present and find the joys therein.”

A Celebration of Life for Joanie Kathryn Swarthout will be held Sunday, March 10, 2019, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunshine School and Development Center, 3400 Woods Lane, Rogers, Ark. 72756.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Michigan, Detroit Chapter, 2265 Livernois, Suite 410, Troy, Mich. 48083. Attn: Great Strides/Victory for Violet or to: Sunshine School and Development Center. www. nwasunshineschool.org.

FARMINGTON — Edman Eugene “Gene”

Ward, age 85, of Farmington, went to be with his Savior on Feb. 21, 2019.

Gene was a skilled finish and trim carpenter for over 55 years, and he built beautiful cabinets and spiral staircases in many Northwest Arkansas homes. He was a Freewill Baptist, and was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Fayetteville for most of his life. In his later years, he attended the Farmington Baptist Church on Main Street as health permitted. Gene enjoyed eating a good meal, telling the tales of his youth, and singing bass in a local gospel quartet. His greatest loves were the Lord and his family, and he was fiercely devoted to both.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zellous Ward and Flossie Fern Ward (née Wood), and sisters Bethel Myers, Melba Lou Ward, and Nadine Ward. He was also predeceased by his brotherin-law, Bob Myers, and his sweet daughter-in-law, Pauline Ward.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Betty Lou Ward (née Brink) of the home; daughter, Jeannie Watts and husband Greg of Odessa, Texas; daughter Susan Dake and husband Roger of Springfield, Mo.; son, Dan Ward and wife Margie of Fayetteville, Ark.; son, Ed Ward of Fayetteville, Ark.; and daughter Linda Ward of Fort Smith, Ark. He is also survived by his siblings, Don Ward and wife Marilyn of Fayetteville, Richard Ward of Springdale, Gerald Ward and wife Donna of Fayetteville, Christine Rogers and husband Woody of Lincoln, and Judy Ward of Springdale. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren (Mica Cook, Mark Watts, Robert Dake, Kristi Dake, Rachel Dake, Aaron Ward, Jennifer McKinney, Bobbi Beckett, Isaac Ward, Kendall Ward, and Ammie Cochran), and by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, at Moore’s Chapel followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A brief graveside service will be held at McCord Cemetery following the funeral.

To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com. FAYETTEVILLE — Paula

Hill Parker “Gigi” Mays, 84, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Fayetteville. She was born Jan. 2, 1935, in Knoxville, Tenn., to Paul Milton Parker and Evelyn (Hill) Parker.

She was a retired administrator for Swan’s Bakery in Knoxville, Tenn. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, she worked for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Harold Dean (Dadger) Mays.

She is survived by one daughter, Tracey Mays Stehlik and husband Wayne of Fayetteville, Ark.; one son, Keith Mays and his partner Leticia Martinez of Denver, Colo.; and her “girls”, granddaughters, Mollie and Maggie Stehlik, also of Fayetteville, Ark., and a cousin, Janet Hill Keefer and husband of Joe Pittsboro, N.C.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Knoxville, Tenn.

Gigi was a lifelong Tennessee Vols Fan, an animal lover and an advocate of rescue and adoption. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter or the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation for Alzheimer’s Support.

The family wishes to thank all the staff of Avenir Memory Care for their loving care of Gigi over the last year.

To sign the online guest book, please visit www. nelsonberna.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — J.O.

“Buddy” Williamson of Fayetteville, passed away on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at 83 years old. He was born Sept. 18, 1935, in El Dorado, Ark., to Albert and Lou (Pearson) Williamson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son James Owen Williamson Jr.

Buddy was a veteran of the United States Army. He was an avid hunter and fisherman for many years, and enjoyed being outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sara Williamson of Fayetteville, and daughter Carolyn Williamson of Fayetteville.

A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville at 2 p.m. under the direction of Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home.

The family has asked that instead of sending flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity. Condolences may be given online at www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FORT SMITH — John

David Breedlove, 77, of Fort Smith passed away on Feb. 13, 2019, in Maryland after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was born Feb. 23, 1941, in Muldrow, Okla., to Mattie Nell (Johnston) and Walton David “Bud” Breedlove, Jr.

He grew up with seven siblings, many cousins and lifelong friends. One adventure was biking from Muldrow to Fort Smith in the early 1950s with a small group of friends and brothers to ride bikes in a rodeo parade to earn free tickets to the rodeo. A few years later he and a friend paid for a flight in a small plane over Fort Smith, then walked home using a railroad bridge, barely missing a runin with a train. He had another scare after returning from Boy Scout Camp one summer when he couldn’t find his house because it had burned down while he was away. His family had forgotten to send someone to meet the bus to let him know everyone had survived.

His earliest jobs included working on his grandfather’s land and in his parents’ restaurant and bar, and various small ventures like selling handmade fishing lures, animal furs, and running errands for poker players. After high school, he drove west on Route 66 with friends to work in California, having another close call while working on a friend’s ’55 Chevy, which fell off the jack onto his head. He joined the Army, which took him to France and Belgium, and met his future wife, an English nurse, at the American Hospital in Paris, where he worked as an Army personnel administrator. They married in England in 1968 and moved back to Muldrow. It was a short-lived union but resulted in a lasting friendship and two daughters who inherited his appreciation for his deep roots and community in Oklahoma.

He earned enough credits to graduate from U of A - Fayetteville, but found he was more interested in taking classes in subjects he wanted to learn rather than classes required for graduation. In the 1970s, he was a swing shift supervisor at Gould Battery, then worked with his brother until retirement as an electronics technician on video games, juke boxes, pinball machines and other equipment. He was mostly self-taught in electronics but reached a level where he was able to design a new and improved version of a basketball scoring game which was bought as far away as Kuwait.

In middle-age he took up dancing after learning to tango for a dance with his exwife at a daughter’s wedding. Favorite pastimes in his mid to later years included bowling doubles with his mother, golf and road trips with his