Obituaries
Vivian Chernousko
Vivian Chernousko, nee Cates, passed peacefully into heaven April 16, 2017.
Vivian was born in Hot Springs, Ark., to Samuel and Mary Cates. She moved to California as a young girl. She met and married George Chernousko, the love of her life. She and George resided in California for the next 40 years, where they raised two daughters, Deborah and Georgette. They relocated after retirement to Hot Springs.
Her family will miss her greatly. Vivian is predeceased by her husband, George, and daughter, Deborah.
Vivian is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Keith and Georgette Stephens. She adored her grandchildren, Jeramy Stephens, Nadia Owen, Tempe Buck, Justin Stephens, Odessa Morgan and Joseph Stephens. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, followed by interment at Mountain Valley Cemetery.
Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.
Maggie M. Harrison
Maggie Mae (Peggy) Harrison, age 90, of Hot Springs, formerly of Houston, passed from this life on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, at National Park Medical Center.
She was born on May 1, 1926, the third daughter of the late Helmer and Nettie Bryant. She is preceded in death by her husband, Heartsill Ragon Harrison; grandson, Matthew Harrison Snipes; sisters, Eloise Hill and Elmer Lee Vaught.
Survivors are her daughters, Jennifer Joanne (Terry) Smith, of Hot Springs, and Gayla Huskey, of North Little Rock; grandson, Scott Connaway; great-granddaughter, Madison Connaway, both of Hot Springs; sister, Vernice Rice, of Little Rock; brother, Sylvester Bryant, of Indiana; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Maggie’s greatest loves were her church and her daughters. She was a devoted member of the First Assembly of God Church in Little Rock, participating in many activities. She loved to sew, quilt and cook for her family and friends. After retirement, she and her late husband, Heartsill Harrison relocated to Houston, Ark., where Maggie continued her service to her church, family and friends.
Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, followed immediately with a celebration of Maggie’s life at 2 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 1325 Oak St., Morrilton, Ark. The Revs. John Chapman and Stanley Wallace will be officiating. Interment will be in May Cemetery at Houston, Ark. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the organization of choice.
Online guestbook: http:// www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
Mickey Henthorn
PEARCY — Mickey Henthorn, 69, of Pearcy, joined his beloved “girl” Becky on Sunday, April 16, 2017, surrounded by loving family.
He was born Nov. 24, 1947, in Amity, to Alvin A. and Lois (Craig) Henthorn. Mickey traveled for a bit before settling in Arkansas. He retired from WalMart and was a mechanic, both small engines and automotive for many years.
He is predeceased by his wife, Becky Henthorn; parents, infant sister, and brothers, Alex, Clayborn, Raymond and Jimmy Henthorn.
Survivors include brothers, Dallas and Jackie Henthorn; sons, John Henthorn (Paula), Wes Henthorn (Brandy), James Michaud Jr. and Otis Michaud (Kim); daughters, Kitty Conrad (Chris), and Laura Johnston (Mickey); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Honorary pallbearers include Mike Burnett, CHI St. Vincent Hospitalist Group; Arkansas Hospice, Dr. Kyle Roper and Dr. Irfan Rama.
A gathering for family and friends in Mickey’s honor will be 6-8 p.m. today at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.
Edith E. Higelmire
ROYAL — Edith Evelyn Higelmire, 93, of Royal, died Monday, April 17, 2017.
Arrangements will be announced by Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.
Rose A. Jepko
JACKSONVILLE — Rose A. Jepko, of Jacksonville, died Monday, April 17, 2017.
Arrangements are with Gross Funeral Home.
DUBLIN, Ohio — David told his first joke to St. Peter Jan. 4, 2017. “Have time for a smile?” David punctuated most visits with humor and could lift a heavy situation with a joke, a targeted pun or use of an apropos spoonerism.
Born April 5, 1929, in Chicago, to Frieda and Edwin Lundberg, David graduated salutatorian from Chicago Vocational School. David’s electronics teacher introduced him to classical music. David attended the American Conservatory of Music, but left before completing his degree; at age 78, he returned, completing requirements for a BS degree in piano performance at age 80.
David moved to Dallas after best friend and present Hot Springs resident Bob Draper convinced him to move. David had already worked in Chicago, Toronto and London.
David married Sherry Addington and raised his children, Keith and Karen, in Dallas. David put his love of music into singing in the DSO Chorus and serving on nonprofit arts boards. He started and ran several successful insurance businesses, including The Charter Group, and was known for his business ethics and his sound business practices.
Another call from Bob Draper enticed David, then retired, to give Hot Springs a try and he came in 1998 to sing in the Music Festival. Then married to Katherine Freeman, he made Hot Springs their new home, and involved full-time in philanthropic, community and arts activities (FAC and Art on the Corner, Garvan Woodland Gardens, QCC, ACF, Arkansas Opera Theatre, Youth Arts Advisory Committee and first love, HS Music Festival).
David was delighted to discover a daughter in Canada, Lisa-Anne Spencer (and five granddaughters). Lisa hadn’t known about him either and it was a journey of joyful discovery, including David’s other nowgrown children, Keith and Karen.
David and Katherine moved to Columbus, Ohio, when she became Director of Education at Glenmont School of Christian Science Nursing. He taught classes on relationship dynamics, tutored reading and was an avid CSO supporter.
A wonderful, devoted father to children Keith Lundberg, Karen Sanderson, both of Dallas; Lisa Spencer of British Columbia; Katherine’s son, Jake Freeman, of Dallas, David is also survived by Katherine and 10 1/2 grand/ great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Allison and niece, Chris Swan.
There will be a celebration of life from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at The Muses Cultural Arts Center, 428 Orange St., Hot Springs. Denise and Stephen Edds will sing.
Larry Martin
Larry Martin, age 79, of Hot Springs, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017.
He was born Oct. 18, 1937, in Tulsa, Okla., to Rex and Marion Martin.
He was a self-employed machine tool salesman and was a member of the Machinery Dealers National Association. He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Springs Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Hot Springs, Ark.
Survivors include his wife and best friend of 56 years, Penny Martin; his brother, Bob Martin and wife, Wendy; his sister, Linda Martin; his five children, J. Rodney Martin, D. Garrett Martin, Vicki Martin Alexander and husband Wayne, Stephen B. Martin, Scott A. Martin and wife Dani; five grandchildren, Connor Alexander, Brooks Alexander, Kallie Martin, Tinsley Martin, Grace Michelli; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, May 4, at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville, Fla. A memorial will be held at a later date in Hot Springs. Details to follow at Ashby Funeral Home.
James H. Mayhan
LITTLE ROCK — James Homer Mayhan, 46, of Little Rock, passed away Thursday, April 13,
2017, in Little Rock with his wife, Suzanne Mayhan.
James was born in Sherwood, to James Edward and Barbara Tanner Mayhan on Sept. 21,
1970, as the youngest of three children.
He graduated from Central Arkansas Christian Schools in North Little Rock in 1989. He graduated from UALR with a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science in 2010. He owned his own computer security business for seven years. He married Suzanne Sawyer Smith on June
7, 2014, in New Orleans, La. He was a member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock, was an Eagle Scout, was an active parliamentarian, was involved in Toastmasters, and was the president of the neighborhood Homeowners Association. He is remembered fondly for his love of ballroom dancing, seersucker suits and beagles.
James is preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Jean Hughes; his parents, James and Barbara Mayhan; and his grandparents, Homer and Leona Tanner and Chris and Nettie Mayhan.
James is survived by his stepchildren, Melissa (Kendall) Schenkel, of Pueblo West, Colo., and William Kimball, of Stuttgart, Germany; his sister, Debra (Mark) Blasco, of Waconda, Ill.; his niece, Terri, his niece, Jodie (Berto) Rayes and their children, Alex, Gabi and Steven, his nephew, Mike, his nephew, Matt, and his daughter, Layla, all of Waconda, Ill.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs, with Father Danny Schieffler officiating.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in James’ name be made to the National Park College Foundation, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Suzanne S. Mayhan
LITTLE ROCK — Suzanne Sawyer Mayhan, 47, of Little Rock, departed this earthly life on Thursday, April 13, 2017, with her husband, James Mayhan.
Suzanne was born Jan. 12,
1970, to Tom Sawyer and Janis (Mixon) Sawyer at Fort Smith.
Suzy was the second of three children, graduated from St. Benedict at Auburndale High School in Cordova, Tenn., in
1988. She had two children, Melissa and William, by her first marriage. She married her second husband, James Smith, on Dec. 18, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nev. She graduated from National Park Community College in
2008. She worked as a Registered Nurse for seven years. After the death of her second husband in 2012, she met James Mayhan. They were married on June 7, 2014, in New Orleans, La. She was a member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock. She is remembered fondly for her love of animals, traveling and fine cuisine.
She was predeceased in death by her second husband, James Jackson Smith, and her grandparents, Aaron and Martha Mixon, and Lela Prince.
She is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Kendall) Schenkel, of Pueblo West, Colo.; her son, William Kimball, of Stuttgart, Germany; her parents, Tom and Janis Sawyer, of Hot Springs; her sister, Jennifer (Terry) Goulder and their children, Alex, Cameron and Madison, of Santa Clarita, Calif.; her brother, Daniel (Marcy) Sawyer and their daughter, Lily, of San Francisco, Calif.; and many cousins, friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs, with Father Danny Schieffler officiating.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Suzanne’s name be made to the National Park College Foundation, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR
71913.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Leon Millsap
Leon Millsap, 85, of Hot Springs, Ark., went to be with the Lord April 18, 2017.
He was born March 18, 1932, in Lost Corner, Ark., to Oscar and Edna (Brown) Millsap.
In 1948, Leon graduated Danville High School at the age of 16 and started keeping books for the school. He overcame hardship as a young boy to become the remarkable man he was … a kind, generous and well-respected man. In 1959, he completed studies at the University of Georgia’s Center for Continued Education.
As a pioneer in the poultry industry, he revolutionized the industry through his dedication and leadership. He became successful through self-education, hard work and determination. In 1951, Leon began directing all operations for Joe Ray Farms in Danville, Ark., and continued in that management position until 1969 when he became the youngest person ever to assume the position of Complex Manager of Continental Grain Company, which was a fully integrated poultry operation. In 1981, he opened Petit Jean Poultry, assuming duties as President and Chief Operating Officer with one further processing plant in Danville. Leon was successful in the acquisition of poultry plants in Arkadelphia and Rogers, Ark., as well as plants in Buffalo and Wheaton, Mo. He also built a further processing plant in Stillwell, Okla., that was later sold to Tyson Foods. Leon processed poultry in all plants for Tyson Foods, employing some 2,500 employees with a payroll of $30,000,000 annually. Once a course was set in procedure at Petit Jean Poultry, Leon had an innate ability to delegate authority responsibly. He welcomed new challenges and persevered to emerge victorious. This dedication to excellence was an underlying theme in all aspects of his life. Many times he was asked about his successful business career and he would state, “Timing is everything. Success can’t be accomplished without cooperation and support. Also, being in the right place at the right time is of the utmost importance.”
Leon served two terms as president of the Arkansas Poultry Federation of the State of Arkansas. In 1995, Leon was inducted into the Poultry Science Hall of Fame at the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in recognition of his contribution and leadership in the poultry industry.
Leon was a philanthropist who has provided generous support to vast civic and charitable organizations. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Society and Towers of Old Main in recognition of his support of the University of Arkansas through Garvan Woodland Gardens.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hot Springs and founded a scholarship fund for graduating seniors and has served as Chairman of the Finance Committee. He was a remarkable man whose gifts and talents were many. His kindness and generosity to those who knew him and many who did not know him were abundant.
He was involved in the thoroughbred horse business for many years and owned Millsap Stables. Leon owned a stallion, Storm and a Half, who took the State of Arkansas by “STORM.” The major factor in Storm and a Half’s favor was that he was by sire of all sires, Storm Cat. Leon was one of three executive board members of the Racetrack Chaplaincy Organization who were instrumental in building a chapel on the backside of Oaklawn Park.
Leon was a loving husband, devoted father, caring grandfather and faithful friend. To all of us he is a role model of integrity and honor. He was loved dearly and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include wife, Betty Millsap; sons, Rick Millsap (Sandra), Steve Millsap, Mark Millsap; grandchildren, Matthew Millsap, Sarah Creamer, Zachary Millsap, Adrianna Millsap, Asa Millsap; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
A celebration of Leon’s life will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church with Pastor John McCallum officiating.
Pallbearers include Doug Ervin, Billy Ward, Matthew Millsap, Les Warren, Johnny Chambers and Stuart Creamer.
Honorary pallbearers are Beans and David Whited, Sharon Carr, Ervin Adult Sunday School Class, Pete Davenport and Wick Stapleton.
There are so many people to thank: The Ervin Adult Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, the many caregivers at Dierksen Hospice, and so many faithful and caring friends. We could not have made it through these last years of Leon’s life without their prayers and wonderful support and love.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Garvan Woodland Gardens, or a charity of your choice.
Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com. Amy Mrozinski
Amy Mrozinski, 51, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, in a local hospital.
Arrangements are by Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services. Susan M. Perry
Susan M. Perry, age 56, of Hot Springs, died Sunday April 9, 2017.
She was born in Waukegan, Ill., to Eileene Mockabee and George Perry. They preceded her in death, as well as Tony Perry, brother, and Karen Perry, sister, and stepfather, Jack Mockabee.
She enjoyed crafting, making hair bows and jewelry. She always stayed positive and upbeat. Susan was well-loved, she would go out of her way to make sure that her family had what they needed.
Those left to cherish her memories include her brothers, George E. Perry, of Hot Springs Village, John Mockabee II, of Glenwood, Ron (Neta) Perry, of California; her longtime friend, Tina Usinger; cousin/sister, Patty Deram; her soul mate, Junior Murders; a host of nieces, nephews and family that she loved, adored and raised them all like her own.
No formal service will be held.
Guest registry is at http:// www.carriganmemorial.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.
M. Cordelia Hayes Rains, 90, of Hot Springs, died April 17, 2017.
The service will be 2 p.m. Friday in Crestview Cemetery with Starr Fuentes officiating.
Arrangements are by CaruthHale Funeral Home.
Fannie Reese, age 76, of Hot Springs, Ark., was called home on Saturday, April 15, 2017.
She was born on Aug. 5, 1940, the second child born to the late Joe and Ethel Boston-Barnett in Pastoria, Ark.
Fannie was preceded in death by her aforementioned parents, husband, James Reese, and siblings, Pearlie Sue Canady, Vicky Nelson, Josephine Miller, James Barnett and Leonard Barnett.
Survivors include sons, Eddie White, of Detroit, Mich., Larry Tucker (Debra), of Ann Arbor, Mich.; daughters, Charlene Tucker (Stanley Washington), of Detroit, Mich., Patricia Tucker, of New York; brothers, John Barnett (Kim), of Hot Springs, Donald Barnett (Carol), of Hot Springs, Jerry Barnett (Venita), of Mountain Pine, Ark.; seven grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial celebration will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the home of Fannie’s brother, John Barnett, at 416 Cypress St., Hot Springs, AR 71901.
Brandon’s Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements. Online guestbook at http://www. brandonsmortuary.com. Archie A. Roseboom Jr.
Archie A. Roseboom Jr., 79, of Hot Springs, died Saturday, April 15, 2017.
Arrangements are with Gross Funeral Home. William Small
William Small, 28, of Hot Springs, formerly of Georgia, died Monday, April 17, 2017.
Arrangements will be announced by Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services. Connie M. Sullivan
Connie M. Sullivan, 69, of Hot Springs, died Monday, April
17, 2017.
The service will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs.
Visitation will be held from
6-8 p.m. Thursday. Martha A. Thomason
BONNERDALE — The service for Martha Ann Thomason, 83, of Bonnerdale, who died April 15, 2017, will be held 10 a.m. today at Crestview Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Gross Funeral Home. Michael P. Welsh
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — A memorial Mass for Michael Patrick Welsh, 74, of Hot Springs Village, who died April 15, 2017, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with the Rev. Bill Elser officiating.
Arrangements are by Caruth Village Funeral Home.