Obituaries

Joshua D. Buck

Joshua David Buck, age 43, of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at https://www.davis-smith.com.

SAHUARITA, ARIZ — Ivan Lee Chapuis, age 85, of Sahuarita, Ariz., beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed from this life to eternal life with his Heavenly Father on Monday, April 6, 2020.

Lee was born March 16, 1935, in Stockport, Iowa, the son of the late Ivan and Iris Chapuis.

Lee cherished his wife, Nell Chapuis, and loved his family above all else. He was a “bigger than life” personality, who regularly recounted real-life adventures he had while serving in the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs Service. He was the biggest fan of his grandchildren’s sports and activities. Lee lived life in a way that reflected the love of Jesus to others. He was an upright, honest, kind and loyal man, who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Lee received many honors and awards during his 36-year highly decorated career with the U.S. Customs Service, including the Key to the City of El Paso from Mayor Azar in 1993.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Iris Chapuis; and son, Randall Clay Chapuis.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nell Chapuis, Sahuarita, Ariz.; two children, Rebecca (Bill) Lee, Hot Springs, Ark., and Ronald (Bonnie) Chapuis, Livingston, Texas; five grandchildren, Erin (Roger) Ault, Beth (Samuel) Baroi, Byron (Mandy) Chapuis, Nathan Chapuis and Clayton (Meredith) Chapuis; six great-grandchildren, Hope Ault, Caleb and Anna-Claire Baroi, Carter Chapuis, Graham and Peter Chapuis; one sister, Delyte (Clark) Butts; and many cousins; nieces; nephews; and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lee Chapuis may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sally C. Davidson, 99, of Hot Springs Village, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2020. She was born Nov. 24, 1920, to the late Mabel Ralston Cochran and L.D. Cochran in Brown City, Ohio. She grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio, and married William J. Davidson (Bill) in 1942.

Sally worked for American Greeting Publications; a member of Village United Methodist Church where she served on the Board of Directors; Women’s Club; WGA; Village Community Foundation Board and was a writer for the LaVilla Newspaper.

She was predeceased by her husband, William J. Davidson; and one brother, Richard Cochran. Sally and Bill were happily married for 65 years.

Survivors include her half-sister, Julia Sturgill, of Portsmouth, Ohio; her daughter, Nancy Garland, of Hot Springs; her son and his wife, J. Scott and Maria Davidson, of Milton, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Future memorial plans will be communicated to friends and family. Online condolences at https://www.hotspringsfh.com.

Alene E. Gray

Alene E. Gray, 76, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 16, 2020. She was born Feb. 20, 1944, in Hot Springs, to Warren John and Wilma Lee (Hamby) Watson.

Alene married Archie Gray on June 1, 1963. They built their life and enjoyed each other for 56 years.

Alene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold, Wayne, Stanley and Leonard Watson; and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Stauder.

Survivors include her husband, Archie Gray; daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Rick Stauder; grandchildren, Alyssa Waldrop (Chad Whittle) and Bryce Stauder; great-granddaughter, Lexa Whittle; brother and sisters-in-law, Gene and Barbara Watson, Charlene Watson; and several nieces and nephews.

Alene was a loving and loyal person, hardworking and a true friend to all she knew. Selfless is the word that best described her nature. She deeply loved the Lord and her church family at Cedar Mountain Baptist Church. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes her perfectly “who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is above rubies.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be held in Ozark Lithia Cemetery with Brother Scott Culpepper and Brother Tom Brown officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Rick Stauder, Keith and Cindy Rucker, Greg Beckwith, Rick Dodd, Tony Watson, Ralph Watson, Steve Watson, John Watson, Stanley Watson Jr., Randy Golden, Dennis Golden, Steven, Sam and Ryan McEarl, David Whiley, Randy Greathouse, Dee Ann and Terry Smith, members of Cedar Mountain Missionary Baptist Church, employees of Hospice Home Care, Mary Jane Bates, and past and present employees of the Garland County Assessor’s Office.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Cedar Mountain Missionary Baptist Church.

Online condolences at https://www.caruth-hale.com.

JESSIEVILLE — Shawn M. Johnson Jr. of Jessieville, Ark., faced his untimely death on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the tender age of 22 years young. He was born Aug. 21, 1997, in Eureka, Calif., to Shawn M. Johnson Sr. and Suelynn Houng. He was loved and nurtured by Brandon and Monica Mcinroe

Shawn attended the Fountain Lake School System. He was a member of the Mighty Cobra’s Football Team. He enjoyed sports and the outdoors life. Shawn loved his dogs.

He will be missed by his bonus parents, Brandon and Monica Mcinroe; their children who he lovingly treated as his own, family, Kadenn, Spencer, and Grayson; his brother, Bailey Johnson; his furry child, Buddha; and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at Shiloh Cemetery, Jessieville, Ark., with Brother Rick Merryman officiating.

The guest registry is at https://www.carriganmemorial.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.

Flora (Flo) Carson McMahan, 88, of Hot Springs, Ark., and Ocean Springs, Miss., passed away April 8, 2020. She was born Sept. 14, 1931, to Vascoe and Olive Carson. She graduated from Little Rock High School. She represented Arkansas as the Rose Queen to the Tournament of Roses in California. She was active with the Jaycettes in Hot Springs and worked for many years with the Miss Arkansas Pageant, and proudly served as chaperone to Miss Arkansas for several years.

In 1967, Flora moved to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, and became a home builder and later a certified Court Reporter. She served as Court Reporter in the Chancery Court of Jackson Co., Mississippi. During her career, she served as president of the MS Court Reporters Association. She was a lifetime member of the Krewe of Billikins, a Gulf Coast Mardi Gras organization.

In 1994, she retired and moved back to Arkansas, and married Jack McMahan, who was her loving and devoted husband until her passing. She is also survived by their daughters, Sheree Young Ranson (Foley), of Ocean Springs, Miss., and Cathi McMahan, of Morrilton, Ark. She had nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, with number 16 due in May. She was predeceased by her son, Malcolm Young.

Flo was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She delighted in having such a large family.

A private graveside service was held Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Hollywood Cemetery.

Anyone wishing may honor Flo by making a gift in her name to The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Online condolences at https://www.caruth-hale.com.

David James Payton Sr., 79, born Jan. 25, 1941, in Anderson, Ind., to David and Alberta Payton, lost his courageous battle with cancer on April 10, 2020. He was home with family, when he received the call and was offered the BEST location on the Midway of Heaven. He said, “Tell everybody I had to go quick, I received a ONCE IN A LIFETIME opportunity.”

David is preceded in death by father, David Carl Payton; mother, Alberta Ryder Payton; and sons, Timothy Payton and Adam Payton.

David is survived by wife of 26 years, Laurene Manseau Payton; children: TyLynn (James) Farmer, David (Debbie) Payton Jr., Kelly (Bruce) Tarleton, Albert (Elizabeth) Payton, Jenny Ashlock, Jennifer Wilson, Chris Payton, January Payton and Justin (Rebecca) Payton; siblings, Joyce Payton Brazel, Ivy Payton Sales and Peter Payton; 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

David, a second generation Showman and photographer, traveled America extensively, continuing the family business “Payton Photos” created by his father, David Carl Payton, and carried on by his son, David Jr., third generation. He was a member of the Hot Springs Showman’s Association over 50 years. He selflessly gave his time and talents to assist with fundraisers and other events, especially events for children. His favorite event was the Christmas Party for Underprivileged Children, where he took their pictures with Santa.

David was a romantic, loved to dance, read a good book, spin a wild story, enjoy a good cup of coffee with friends or family, and had this loud infectious booming laugh. He loved his wife and his children intensely and was always proud of them and they could do no wrong in his eyes. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren gave him joy. His home was always open to other children and friends in need, some becoming family.

Special recognition to our father’s hospice caregivers, doctors, nurses, and special therapists for their kindness and tender care.

Memorial held at 2 p.m., Sept. 26, at Showman’s Club in Hot Springs. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hot Springs Showman’s Association for the Underprivileged Children’s Christmas fund. Service information updates and online guestbook listed at https:// www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.

ARKADELPHIA — Craig Steven Thibodeaux, 60, of Arkadelphia, Ark., beloved son, brother, father and friend, passed away April 14, 2020, in Bella Vista.

He was born Jan. 31, 1960, in Pasadena, Texas, to Al and Jean Yeary Thibodeaux. He served in the United States Air Force and worked in construction as a welder. He is preceded in death by his father, Al Thibodeaux.

He is survived by his mother, Jean Thibodeaux; brother, Tracy Thibodeaux; sister, Tricia Thibodeaux Baar; and daughter, Monica Thibodeaux.

Private family internet was April 17, 2020, at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, Ark. Online condolences can be made at https://www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

Thelma D. Yalch, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., passed away on April 14, 2020. Born May 28, 1929, in Weatherford, Texas, to the late Martin Frank and Annie Mae West. Always having a smile to offer, Thelma never met a stranger. She loved everyone and enthusiastically enjoyed her life. A great mother, loving wife, and good friend to all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her parents; 22 siblings; two daughters, Diana Coyne and Cynthia Froelich; and one son, James Knight.

Survived by her husband of 40 years, Theodore Yalch; their blended family of five children, Ronald Knight (wife Mary), of Hot Springs, Ark., Sharon Rodriguez, of Boise, Idaho, Deborah Chavez, of Lancaster, Calif., and Brenda Klipple, of Temecula, Calif.; Greg Yalch of Irvine, Calif., and Renee Moffat, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; 23 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; many nieces; and nephews.

No service planned at this time. Memorial donations may be made for Thelma Yalch, to Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League (HSVAWL), PO Box 8032, Hot Springs Village, AR, 71910.

Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to https://ArkansasCremation.com.