Druzelle Jenkins

MOUNT IDA — Druzelle Jenkins, a longtime resident of Mount Ida, Ark., died on Jan. 9, 2022, at the Montgomery County Nursing Home following a brief illness. She was 94.

Druzelle, also known as Dru, was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. After raising her children, she returned to school to earn her nursing degree and went on to enjoy a long career as a registered nurse in Fort Smith. Dru was a caring person who never failed to provide a shoulder to lean on, wise advice or a humorous observation on life.

Quilting was a passion and she won many blue ribbons for her quilts at the Montgomery County Fair. In retirement, Dru immersed herself in building her dream home — a log house next to Rogers Creek — with her husband. For Dru, one of the most special things about her home was its location on land which had been in her family for decades.

She is survived by five children (Mary, Jeffrey, David, Steven and Joanne); eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Ola Belle; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, four siblings and grandson, Matthew.

She is deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

The family thanks the Montgomery County Nursing Home staff, who provided “Miss Dru” with skillful, compassionate care and cherished friendships in her final years.

In light of pandemic considerations, her immediate family held a private burial service arranged by Thornton Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date for extended family and friends.