Pulaski County
WALTER HENRY AHRING III met his Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and his earthly family in Heaven on September 10, 2019. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter Henry Ahring Sr. and Louise Ahring and Khoren Krekorian and Estelle Krekorian Coe; his daughter, Angel Anna Louise Ahring; his mother, Anna Jane Ahring; his father, Walter Henry Ahring Jr. and stepmother, Marilyn Ahring; his uncle, William L. Ahring; and cousin, Julie Ahring Shofner.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Sherry Ahring; his aunt, Norma McMorris of Austin, Texas; his sister-in-law, Louise Massey of Little Rock; his niece, Angela Massey Gerke and her husband Matt and their children, Austin and Chloe, of Little Rock. He is also survived by his aunt, Dorothy Ahring of Little Rock; cousins Deborah Ahring and her husband Kris Katrosh of Fayetteville; Steve Ahring of Little Rock; Tracey Ahring of Dennard, Arkansas; and Bill McMorris Jr. and Joanna Duvall of Austin, Texas.
Walter was born in Little Rock on November 21, 1947. He attended Little Rock public schools and was a 1965 graduate from Hall High School, which is where he met the love of his life, Sherry Smirl. They married in 1969 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral before he joined the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War era. Hoping to pursue a career in dentistry, he graduated from UALR in 1970 with a BS degree in Biology, but due to illness was unable to fulfill that dream.
Walter instead entered the family business, Little Rock Drapery Supply, working with his father for 29 years. At the close of the business, as an entrepreneur he became self employed, opening a delivery service that packaged medical specimens for delivery to labs around the world.
In January of 2012, Walter suffered a massive brain hemorrhage and was disabled until his death.
Walter was an avid tennis player, winning many tournaments at Pleasant Valley Country Club and other tournaments around the state. Walter loved to travel. He and Sherry had a favorite place on Maui that they love to visit, Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. Of all their travels to various locales and countries, this was their special place.
Walter was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where he served as an acolyte as a young boy, taught the twoyear-old Sunday school class for ten years, served as a Eucharist minister, and was a member of the All Saints Guild. Beloved by family and friends, he will be sorely missed.
The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with a reception following in Morrison Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W 17th St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 or the Pulaski County Humane Society, 1460 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210.
Many thanks to Hospice Home Care for their support and loving care for the past nineteen months. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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ALLEN WADE ARMSTRONG, 72, of North Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at UAMS. The son of the late Clyve Armstrong, and the late Dorothy Wade Robb, Wade was born in Birmingham, Ala. He was a US Marine serving from 1966 – 1972, doing his tour of duty in Vietnam. He “worked iron” as a welder and then completed his Associates Degree at Pulaski Tech. He was an avid outdoorsman; enjoying fishing, hunting, and camping. He was a faithful member of Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church, North Little Rock where he participated in many activities, including past President of the United Methodist Men.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Jacque Armstrong, daughter, Kathryn Armstrong, step-children: Robbin Walsh Cochran (Justin) and John Walsh (Rachelle), brother, James Armstrong, sister, Nancy Quintana (Morgan), and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family will be Monday, September 16 at 12:30 with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:30 at Gardner Memorial UMC. Graveside services to be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Gardner Memorial UMC or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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J. HARDIN BALE, III won his battle over cancer as he stepped into Eternity! His earthly journey complete, how glorious his reunion with his Savior, family & long-lost friends must have been!!! From his earthly birthday July 16, 1972 to his eternal birthday September 13, 2019, Hardin was a renaissance man whom you would want to have with you on a desert island!
Those waiting to join him in his immediate family are: the love of his life and reason to live-his son, John Hardin Bale IV, Kristy Lawson Bale, Sharon & Johnny Bale, Brooke, Evans & Hunter Bale. Also, Beverly Scarborough Bale, April & Matthew Bale-Brock & Sawyer, Nicole & Thomas Bale, Iva & Richard Lawson, Tammy, Ty, Bryce, Ryan, Tricia and Kyle Ebsen and Penny, Allen & Chris Thomason.
His friends described him best: “The fact that he has fought thru 9 years of horrific pain in cancer, just to have one more day with John Hardin, has been my example, in the truest sense, of the love a dad should have for his son. There are no words I can use to express what our sadness will be for the physical loss of Hardin in our lives. My heart hurts at the thought of not having him here on this earth because he brought the best out of others whether in his Catholic High days, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello to directing car dealerships in Clarksville or Little Rock or the many hunting and fishing adventures, roping’s (I think he finished 8th in nation) or riding in his airboat across the river.
“Saying that he is my hero is the absolute truth. I love that he delights in his son. His courageous nine-year battle against the dreaded “C” word alone makes him a hero by anyone’s standard. I love that he wants to spend time with John Hardin and that he has shared his passion for the outdoors, of fishing, hunting, and animals. I love that twinkle in his eye and that mischievous smile that appears when he is kidding and joking with you. I love watching his face when he listens to someone talking because I think he is “reading between the lines” and is a great judge of character. I love that he has always been true to himself, “His own person”, not what he thought would please other people. I love that he is and always has been fiercely loyal to his friends. I love that he was like the Good Samaritan, always going out of his way when friends, and strangers alike, needed help. I once saw a TV show where a character said, “You should not fear death. It is just another phase of life. You get to live in a new place at a different address.” I hope my address will be very close to Hardin’s & we will be Eternal neighbors!”
Gratitude & Appreciation to Dr. Brad Baltz, Dr. Graves Hearnsberger, Dr. Daniel Brown, Pulmonary Assc. especially Dr. Gail McCracken, Dr. Robin DeVan, the nurses, respiratory therapists, support staff and house-keeping staff of CHI St. Vincent’s CCU & ICU.
A reunion of family & friends will be Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Wildwood Park, 20919 Denny Road, 4 p.m. Dress code, according to Hardin, “No suits and ties allowed! Blue jeans, boots and baseball caps acceptable!”
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a contribution in Hardin’s name, please consider: Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or giving@archildrens.org; Catholic High School Foundation, 6300 Fr. Tribou Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72205; or the Charity of your choice!
To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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PATSY RUTH COOKSEY, 74, entered into Heavenly rest on Sunday, September 8, 2019. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Acie and Elnora Cooksey. There will be a viewing on Monday, September 16, 2019, 10-11 a.m., at the New Hope Baptist Church, 1821 Edmonds Street, North Little Rock, and the funeral service will start at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Arkansas Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock. (501) 3721305. Also, at the funeral home, a viewing on Sunday, September 16, 2019, 5-6 p.m.
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MAYBELL HAMPTON, 63, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life September 13, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents: George and Mamie Hampton. She leaves to cherish her memory: children: Demetria Greenwood-Fiffie, Thurloo Pearson, Monte Shavers Sr., Dunta Scott, and Destiney Carey; siblings: Dorothy Lightfoot, Tressie Gilbert, Maelene Hampton, Erma Green, Georgia Walker, Leander Hampton; 12 grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and other family and friends. Family Hour: Friday, 5-6 p.m., at Robinson Mortuary South. Home going Celebration: Saturday, 11 a.m., at Greater Center Star Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 6400 Mabelvale Pike, LR, Ark. (501) 565-0110. “Service You Can Trust.”
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RICHARD “RICKY” KEVIN JOHNSON, 61, of North Little Rock, passed away on Monday September 9, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Artie Lee Johnson and Ben Johnson, Jr.; a brother Ben Johnson, III; and niece Tedi Leah Johnson. Richard is survived by two brothers, Michael Johnson and Ray Johnson; and four sisters Jean Wright, Gale Johnson Peltier, Yejuanda Johnson Ogeto, and Addie Regina Johnson; 13 nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be at Greater Trinity Church Of God In Christ, 2400 Wright Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Church followed by the Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas. Brown’s Christian Funeral Service, 501-244-8000.
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RITA BALLEW LOUCKS (née, Rita Rowena Ballew) was born December 23, 1933, in Pursley, Texas to Ovie Burns (b. 1913) and Robert Ballew (b. 1911) and was raised by her mother in and around the cities of Corsicanna and Waco, Texas, in close proximity to her maternal grandparents, along with a younger sister, Myra Mahoney, a younger brother, Richard Gene Mahoney (1940-1994) and an aunt quite close in age, Fran Burns. A woman of staunch independence, she had quickly adapted to a level of proficiency in secretarial and office management skills before living for a time with two likewise-ambitious Texas girlfriends in the big city of San Diego (and the secretarial-pool apartment life that entailed), before meeting, marrying and settling in to raise a family with Harry Dee Loucks (b. September 19, 1936), ultimately following in this capacity, to make homes and offer her invaluable managerial (and often research) support whilst raising their two sons, Jeff Dee Laux (b. December 7, 1963) and Chadley David Loucks (b. April 17, 1968) in the cities of Los Angeles, Calif., Cincinnati, Ohio, Philadelphia, Pa., and, ultimately, Hot Springs, Ark.
Following their divorce, Rita established another thirty-year period of staunch independence (and condo life) in Houston, Texas, ultimately retiring there after nearly three decades with Rice University, and relocating to the relative calm and quiet of Little Rock four years ago. Here she again shared a city of residence with her older son, Jeff, and was recently joined by her younger son, Chad, who has relocated from a long residence in Austin, Texas. Rita Loucks is survived by these two sons, by the sister Myra of Waco, Texas and aunt Fran of Corsicanna, Texas, as well as by a half-brother, Bill Ballew of Houston, Texas, and a half-sister, Jerrie Ballew of Austin, Texas.
Any memorial funds or charitable donations may be made in her name to OUR HOUSE, 302 E. Roosevelt Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, ph: (501) 374-7386, ext. 214. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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DELORA JEAN McCARLEY, 74, entered the gates of Heaven Saturday, September 14, 2019. She was born January 9, 1945 to Guy and Barbara Oliver in Little Rock.
Delora married Robert McCarley on May 3, 1962. She was a housewife and a faithful member of Cornerstone Worship for many years, where she was active in the music service and teaching.
Delora is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert; daughter Gail Bates of North Little Rock; cousins and many friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandparents, and aunt Ruth and uncle Dan Oliver.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Cornerstone Worship Center in North Little Rock. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Online guest book at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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VIOLA CHRISTINE PYE, 69, of Little Rock passed away Wednesday September 4, 2019. She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Calvin Perry, Johnnie Lollis (Larry), Eric, Donald, Darrion, LaJuana, Dietrich and Rochelle Pye, parents; Fred and Johnnie Armstrong, siblings; Johnny, Jessie and Reginald Armstrong, Mattie Brewer (Herman) Lottie Carroll and a host of other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held tomorrow from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street. (501) 372-4129.
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THOMAS SKINNER, 72, of Little Rock passed September 11, 2019. He was born in Akron, Ohio, to the late Felix and Katharine Skinner. Tom retired after 26 years with George Fischer Sloane. Tom was a loving husband, father and Grandpa. He liked spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, going to the gym and surfing online.
Tom is survived by his son, Thomas (Lora) Skinner; daughter, Rachelle Raybuck; grandkids, Heidi and Kohde Skinner; many nieces and nephews, and family members. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie; brothers, Fred Skinner, David Skinner, and Kenneth Skinner and twin sister Mary Gobel. Tom was cremated per his request. Cremation arrangements by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.
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SHIRLEY ADAIR SMITH, of Little Rock, Ark., moved on to her next place September 6, 2019. She went on her own terms surrounded by her family in the home she and her husband shared for twenty years.
She was born October 5, 1934, in Antlers, Okla., to Helen Catherine Talley and Lewell Siedell “Jack” Adair. As a young girl, Shirley moved with her parents to Fort Smith, Ark. She later attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she met the love of her life, Fletcher Bodky Smith, of Camden, Ark. They were married August 18, 1956, after her college graduation.
Shirley and Fletcher raised their sons in Pine Bluff and Crossett, Ark., and in Zachary, La. She has missed Fletch desperately since his death in 2013, and not just because he did all the cooking. They shared a happy sense of humor and a love of dancing, but most importantly they enjoyed truly special relationships with a tight-knit group of lifelong friends. By middle-age, they and several others among their Crossett Supper Club had moved to Little Rock where they continued to nourish their close ties. Many of Shirley’s most beloved friends have been in her life for well over fifty years. Skip, Matt, Jack, and Anne are grateful for their generous help and emotional support during Shirley’s final days.
Shirley adored both of her sons and doted on her only grandchild. She also loved the children and grandchildren of her friends, proudly displaying their photos in her home. She was the best mother-in-law a person could hope to have. She was exceptionally kind and thoughtful. Shirley always dressed beautifully. She read voraciously.
Her son, Fletcher B. “Skip” Smith, Jr., and Jane Sexton Planchon of Little Rock, and Matthew A. Smith of Taipei, Taiwan, already miss her terribly, as does her adored and adoring grandson, Fletcher B. “Jack” Smith III. Her former daughter-in-law and special friend, Anne Orsi of Little Rock, and daughter-in-law Yang Su Feng of Taipei, and her dear companion Alma Dennis, deeply grieve her loss. Services details are pending and will be announced shortly. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s or to the donor’s favorite charity. Those who knew and loved her are encouraged to raise a glass of chilled white wine in her honor. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com
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SHARON DRAKE TABOR of Little Rock passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. She was born on January 2, 1943 to the late Col. Frank N. Drake and Margaret Manees Parker Drake Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ronald E. Tabor and her sister-in-law, Judy Moss and her husband, Joe. She is survived by two daughters, Laura Stokes and her husband, Mark, and Susan Tabor; one son, Scott E. Tabor and wife, Denise; four grandchildren, Emily Stokes, Andrew Brightop, Madeline and Scott E. Tabor, Jr.; sister-inlaw, Carol Garrison and husband, Don; and three nephews. She graduated from Hall High School in 1960. She then went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and was a Razorback Beauty. She was a former member of the Twentieth Century Club and the Country Club of Little Rock. She enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, knitting and playing Mahjong. She cherished her time traveling with Ron and his golf group, and many of her favorite times were spent visiting friends in North Carolina and Paris, Tenn. She was an active member of the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Altar Guild and her Antique Club. Sharon also loved her time with Ron at Eden Isle where they entertained countless family and friends. Her greatest joy in life was the time she spent and memories she made with her family, especially her four grandchildren. The memorial service will be on Monday, September, 16th, at 10 a.m., at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 8300 Kanis Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72204, Susan G. Komen Ark., 904 Autumn Rd., Suite 500, Little Rock, Ark., 72211, CARTI, 8901 Carti Way, Little Rock, Ark., 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome. com.
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BENNIE JEAN PHILLIPS SMART UNGERMAN - On the morning of Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Bennie Jean Phillips Smart Ungerman of Little Rock, Ark., died at the age of 93. Bennie Jean was born to Homer and Isla Philips in 1926, in Willow, Ark.
Twice widowed, she is preceded in death by Richard A. Smart Sr., whom she had two children with; James A. Ungerman; her parents; seven brothers and sisters; one grandchild and three nieces. She is survived by two sons, Richard A. Smart, Jr and Benjamin H. Smart; sister, Mardell Good; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and 11 nieces and nephews.
Bennie Jean made many beautiful quilts for family members over the years. She enjoyed gardening, decorating, and green grass. She was close to her family and they to her. She was known to friends and family as a happy person and loved by all. Bennie Jean loved her family and they loved her greatly. She was known for her large family dinners.
A public memorial service will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., 72211. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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EARL “PETE” VOWELL, age 98 of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born Earl P. Vowell, on December 2, 1920 - received orders for a permeant change of duty station on September 13th, 2019.
He was born in the farmhouse on a share cropping farm, the ninth of eleven children born to Henry and Donie Vowell in Winston County, Ms. He joined the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] in 1938, stationed in a logging camp at Two Sisters, Oregon where he was the camp cook when not fighting forest fires.
He joined the U.S. Army, Infantry, in September, 1940 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington.
During WWII he served with the 3rd Infantry Division and survived the amphibious invasions of North Africa; Sicily; Salerno, Italy; Anzio, Italy and Southern France. The Anzio beachhead lasted four months. When the 3rd Division fought their way out of the beachhead, only he and one other man in his company that made the initial invasion had survived the four months. At the invasion of Southern France his assault boat struck a mine, of over forty men on the boat only Pete and twelve other GI’s made it to shore alive. He received three Purple Hearts in WWII, the Silver Star for “gallantry in action”, presented by Gen. George Patton, at Anzio and four Bronze Stars, earned in combat.
After WWII he served in the occupation of Germany and Japan. While serving in the occupation of Japan, at the start of the Korean War, in July, 1950 his unit was the first unit transferred from Japan to Korea. He received one Purple Heart in the Korean War.
During the Viet Nam war he served a tour of duty in 1966-67 and a second tour in 1969-70.
He retired from the army in 1972 with the rank of Command Sargent-Major.
In 1945 he was married to Jeanette “Net” Lessel in Indianola, Ms.; from 1945 to 1972 they spent less than ten years together, with him being stationed away from home the other years. He dropped out of school in the 4th grade to help on the family farm. He received his GED at Ft. Knox, KY in 1959 and his BA from UALR in 1980, with the double major of Political Science and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Radio and TV Production. To “stay in shape” he worked refurbishing apartments until his wife made him retire when he was 90 years old.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years Jeanette Vowell, his son, Mike Vowell and daughter in law Jeanenne Vowell of Little Rock, Grandson Marcus Vowell of Scottsdale, AZ, granddaughter Jessie Vowell, future grandson-in-law Joseph Beaty and great-grandson Asher Vowell of Little Rock.
A visitation will be at Griffin Leggett Healy and Roth 5800 W 12th St, Little Rock on Monday September 16th from 6-8 p.m. there will be a grave-side ceremony at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 10201 Hwy 5, Alexander, Arkansas on Tuesday starting at 2 p.m.
Please share your love and support with the family and sign the online guestbook by visiting our website at griffinleggetthealeyroth.
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DORIS ALENE WOOLEY, 82 of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed from this life on September 12, 2019. She was born on March 10, 1937 in Mayflower, Ark., to the late Fred and Hazel Mathis. Doris was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Jacksonville and she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and knitting. She is also preceded in death by her husband Hugene Wooley; daughter Lavettia Gail Wooley, siblings Sybel Moore, Charles Mathis, Dorothy Lester, Christine Ward and Bobby Mathis. Doris leaves behind her three children Pamela, Richard and Paul Wooley; two grandchildren Zachary and Makayla Wooley; four great-grandchildren Hayden, Johnnie, Liam and Serenity Wooley; siblings Thomas Mathis (Linda), Peggy Mathis and Kathy Smith; special grandniece Morgan McGonigal and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Stuck Scholarship Fund at the Jacksonville First United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 with a time of visitation from 10-11 and memorial service at 11 a.m., at the Jacksonville First United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville. Her online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.