Beulah Martinkus

FORT SMITH — A beautiful soul full of life and love, Beulah Martinkus, 93, of Fort Smith, passed away Monday, July 23, 2018. She was born in Martins Creek, Penn., on May 12, 1925, to Margaret Geren and Joseph Rogers. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, John Frank Martinkus Sr.; and brothers Ralph and Joseph Rogers.

Survivors include her daughter, Zanette Douglas (Kent), of Hot Springs, Ark.; her son, John Frank Martinkus Jr. (Cathy), of Fort Smith; her grandchildren, Jennifer Garner (Lance) of Hot Springs; Stephanie Douglas of Boston, Mass.; and Jason Martinkus (Shelley) of Denver, Colo.; and six great-grandchildren, Luke Garner, Kathryn Garner, Nick Carpinito, Truman Martinkus, Harrison Martinkus and Norman Martinkus.

Her joys in life, besides her family, were cheering on her favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, bowling, dancing, spending time with her friends, her beloved pets, and making beautiful embroidery pieces, which she gave as gifts to family and friends.

A talented seamstress and creative artist, she was known throughout the country for her business, “Beulah’s Creations.” She created flannel board stories for children based on popular fairy tales and children’s stories, which she sold to countless teachers and schools. She also worked as a cook in a school cafeteria, a job she loved very much because of the children.

A private family memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith at a later date with interment in Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cardinals Care, which helps children in the St. Louis community, care of Cardinals Care, 700 Clark Street, St. Louis, MO, 63102, or to the HOPE Humane Society of Fort Smith.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.