Obituaries

FAYETTEVILLE — Deanna Classen Canfield (Dee), 65, passed away on Aug. 3. Dee was born March 27, 1954, and was the fifth of six children born to Linda Wiens Classen and Isaac Classen.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three of her siblings.

As a child, Dee brought joy and happiness to her family. At an early age she committed her life to her Lord, a decision which would influence her life — education, work, whom she would marry and the family she would raise.

After completing public education in Wichita, Kan., Dee attended Moody Bible Institute and Oak Hills Bible School. Dee went on to be the first in her family to earn a college degree, which she received from Friends University in Wichita. She volunteered at World Impact and was a full-time staff member of Youth for Christ, working with Junior High Clubs. In the fall of 1975, she met Ken Canfield, whom she married May 28, 1976. Together they would raise five children, and upon at passing they were blessed to have twelve grandchildren.

Dee was known for her kindness, her organization skills, and her love for music and worship. She was a naturally gifted counselor and furthered her education by completing an MA in counseling later in life.

Dee was very supportive of her husband’s work, which led to them living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Manhattan, Kan., Kansas City, Los Angeles and finally in Fayetteville, Ark. Dee enjoyed travel, helping families establish strong marriages and being engaged in Bible studies.

Her love for the Bible — particularly the books of James and Proverbs, and her life verse, Romans 8:28 — provided strong reference points for living. Dee was always involved in a local church and had rich fellowship with others.

Dee is survived by Ken, her husband of 43 years, and the joys of her life, her children — Hannah Mabie, Sarah Heimer, Joel Canfield, Micah Canfield and Rachel Miller — along with her three sons-in-law, Ted Mabie, Justin Heimer, Adam Miller, and daughter-in-law Brigitta Canfield. She found great delight and satisfaction in being Nana to Noah, Blythe, Grace, Pierce, Rose, Tenley, Flora, Saylor, Urban, Andrews, Ridley, and Royal!

Funeral services for Dee will be at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Overland Park,

Kan., Aug. 17 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Dee the family has established a memorial at Veronica’s Voice (a ministry to young women who have been trapped in sex trafficking). Send gifts in her honor to Veronica’s Voice, P.O Box 172472, Kansas City, Kan., 66117, or give on line at www. veronicasvoice.org/donate. Online condolences www. WestfieldChapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Dwight David Laningham,

73, of Fayetteville, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, in Fayetteville. He was born on Jan. 30, 1946, in Wesley, Ark., to O.A. and Ethelma Laningham (Crow).

Dwight worked as a boiler operator at Cox Medical Center in Springfield, Mo., for 26 years. He also served his country as a specialist in the Army. Upon retirement, Dwight worked at the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Fayetteville where he made lifelong family friends and earned the title “Poppy/ Papa.” He was faithful member of The Church of Arkansas, a loyal Cardinals fan and a lover of Southern Gospel Music.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, sister Hazel Marie, sister Norma June, sister Maryann and brother Dale.

He is survived by brother Doug and his wife Mary of Summers, Ark.; brother Allan and wife Bonnie of St. Louis, Mo.; sister Roberta and husband Bill of Huntsville, Ark.; brother Stanley of Huntsville, Ark., and brother Dan of Springfield, Mo.; and multiple nephews and nieces. Dwight loved nine grandchildren, all of Fayetteville, Ark.: Mary Kate, Caroline, Jack Bertalotto; Jacob, Rachel, Libby Reindl; and McClain, Abby and Lily Hocklander.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Bertalotto, McClain Hocklander, Michael Hocklander, Brian Reindl, Jacob Reindl and Jerry Weathers. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Laningham and Shawn Whorton.

Visitation will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at Brashears Funeral Home with services to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Drakes Creek Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Billy Joe Short, 92 of Fayetteville passed away Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born Jan. 11, 1927, in Pioneer, Texas, to Theodore and Myrtle Nall Short.

He served in the Army during World War II. During this time he met his late wife, Love, while stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He served on the Greenland City Council, the Greenland School Board, was a member of the Lions Club and a supporter of 4-H. During retirement he and his wife traveled the United States. He was passionate about life, politics, reading, his family, friends and his beloved pets. He most enjoyed spending time with his precious Anna Belle and Dixie Stevens.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Love Roussel Short, parents, brothers George Short and James Short, sister Undine Grisham and son Daniel Short. Survivors include daughters Kathy Short and Donna Daniels, both of Fayetteville and daughter-in-law Connie Clemons Short of Bella Vista.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at 3 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benefit Veterans, c/o Bo’s Blessings, P.O. 8558, Springdale, Ark., 72766. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

GOSHEN — Sharon Bowerman, age 72, of Goshen went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in Fayetteville. She was born April 21, 1947, in Khartoum, Sudan, the daughter of Marvin and Wanda Mouttet Eck.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Eileen Grace and Coralee Faith.

She retired from Arkansas Western Gas. She was heavily involved in local churches, serving in many different aspects. She loved to garden and can her vegetables in which she shared with family, friends and neighbors. Her greatest love of all though, was her children and grandchildren and was always present at their activities. She was a woman who truly showed the love of Christ wherever she went.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Joe Bowerman, whom she dearly loved; sons Dallas Bowerman and wife Sheila of Watts, Okla., and Brian Bowerman and wife Carol of West Fork; grandchildren Hannah, Briant, Avery and Olivia; brothers Gareth Eck and wife Cheryl of Fayetteville and Stephen Eck and wife Darlene of Terlton, Okla.; sister Marilyn Muehler of Mountain Home, Ark., and a host of other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Unity Covenant Church in West Fork, with funeral service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Springdale under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a ministry of your choice. To leave an online tribute please visit www. nelsonberna.com.

HUNTSVILLE — Violet Leona Todd (Granny) Byars, 95, of Huntsville; departed for her Heavenly home on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at Huntsville. She was born Monday, March 24, 1924, at Withee, Wis.; to Andrew and Jessie French Todd.

Violet was well known to almost everyone as “Granny.” Her first love was for the Heavenly Father and she lived her life showing others how much He meant to her by using her ministry of writing songs and singing them to witness to others through her songs.

At age 85, Violet started crocheting stocking caps for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock; donating over 1,500 caps to the hospital over the last 10 years. Violet loved to travel and through the years, has visited many states. She loved her family and friends and always let them know she cared about them. She had a smile, hug, or a kiss for everyone she met. Her love of life impacted many people throughout the years and she always let them know that her smile and love was from her Heavenly Father.

Violet was predeceased by her parents, husbands Herchel Perry and Elda Byars, sons Paul Cryar and Raymond Perry, daughters Joelene Perry, Maxine Wyler, Mable Greer, Mariel Wilson and Mittie Wilder, brothers Elmer Todd, Clarence Todd, Ralph Todd, Bill Todd and Mark Todd sisters Ruth Klauer and Esther Maze, son-inlaw Glenn Shannon and six grandchildren.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Leona and Leon Davidson of Hindsville, Wanda and Paul Foster of Marble, Nella Shannon of Forum, Dortha and John Metcalf of Rogers, Ina and Myron Dudelston of Lincoln, Marla and David Cousins of Kingston, Freda and Carl Yates of Fayetteville; son Hap Perry of Clifty; 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Velma Todd of Michigan; daughter-in-law Cathy Gunther of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, at Brashears Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at Clifty Chapel Free Will Baptist with Dwayne Lane officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Interment will immediately follow services at Woodline Cemetery in Clifty. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

ROGERS — Lois Ann Newell, 85, of Rogers, passed away Aug. 5, 2019, at her home. She was born May 17, 1934, in Audubon, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Mary Ludwig Akers.

She was a member and attended the Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Newell. She is survived by daughtera Donna (Mike) Webb of Rogers and Mary Mayne of Rogers; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Visitation services will be 12-2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers, Ark. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Interment will be at the Bentonville Cemetery, Bentonville, Ark. Online condolences can be made a www.bentoncounty funeralhome.com.

ROGERS — Sharon Lynn Kerr, 67, of Rogers passed away Aug. 5, 2019, in Bentonville. She was born Nov. 2, 1951, in Canoga Park, Calif., the daughter of Wesley and Dorothy Hanner Miller.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Brian Kerr. She is survived by her children, Kelli Kelley, Christi Woodard, Keith Kerr, and Kevin Kerr; siblings Walter Miller and Diane Young; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation services will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers, Ark. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Bentonville Cemetery, Bentonville, Ark. Online condolences can be sent to www.Bentoncountyfuneral home.com.

SPRINGDALE — William “Bill” George Stafford, 84, of Springdale, Ark., passed away at his home Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. Bill was born on March 5, 1935, in Parks, Ark., a son of Madison Stafford and Ada Belle Isom Stafford.

He married Loretta Knapton on Feb. 18, 1961, in Fayetteville, Ark. He worked for 23 years for the Daisy Manufacturing in Bentonville and later also did lawn maintenance. He enjoyed watching TV especially Westerns, taking care of his yard, reading and playing with his best friend, his dog Rocky. He and Loretta attended the Springdale Missionary Baptist Church.

Bill served honorably in the Army.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Stafford, of the home; daughter Cindy Wolf of the home; son Jeff Stafford of Springdale; sister Verna Wallace of Paul’s Valley, Okla.; grandchildren Marcus Lackey, Chris Lackey and Jacie Wolf.

He was preceded in death by son Darrel Stafford in 2003, four brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral chapel on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at 2 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Springdale. To sign the online guest book please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte. com.

FORT LEWIS, Wash. — Staff Sgt. Jason Varner, 41, of Fort Lewis, Wash., died July 31, 2019. Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Aug. 8, 2019, at Brashears Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Aug. 9, at Brashears with interment in Fayetteville National Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.