BONNIE SALLINGS LUCK,

93, of Little Rock, passed away on January 6, 2022. She was born March 15, 1928, in Little Rock, but from the age of 3 to 18 she lived in Combs, Ark., with her mother, Bonnie Pace, and two sisters, Sue and Sally. Times were tough, it was the Depression. Things were so difficult for the family, that they initially lived in a tent provided by a relative. Overcoming difficult circumstances and perseverance would become part of who she was.

Bonnie began teaching at the age of 15 at Possum Creek in Madison County. She graduated from the University of Arkansas high school. At a very early age, Bonnie developed a passion for music. Her mother purchased a piano and Bonnie learned to play it and the violin. She attended Henderson State University, where she graduated with a degree in music, then started her career as a teacher. Her first teaching job was in Augusta, Ark., where she met Max while giving him piano lessons. They married and eventually built a home in McCrory, where she taught for over 25 years. She developed a host of loving friends there. Max died suddenly in 1974, leaving Bonnie to raise her six children. She took on the challenge just as she had done, and continued to do throughout her life, and she persevered.

In the 1990s, Bonnie met Arthur Luck at a music camp. They both shared the love of music and had many other common interests. Bonnie and Arthur married in 1997, and Bonnie moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., where she lived for years. They eventually moved back to Maumelle, Ark., and lived there until 2018, when their health required constant medical assistance. Arthur passed away in May 2018.

Bonnie lived a full and rewarding life. She was able to travel the world. She played viola in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the UALR ensemble, and many others. Her confidence, determination, perseverance, intelligence, and personality took her far beyond the limitations of her beginnings. She touched many as a school teacher, piano teacher, parent, neighbor, and friend. Her real gift was that she believed in the potential of every student/child; she tried to ignite the spark in them to discover and work at their talents; and she worked every day to nurture the growth of those talents.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Max Sallings; her son, Mark Sallings; her sister, Sue; and her husband, Arthur Luck; all of whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her sister, Sally Pace; her children, Jan (Peggy), Steve, Jerry (Monica), Joan (Lisa), and Lisa. Burial will be in the Brashears Cemetery in Madison County. There will be a small graveside service there on January 15, 2022 at 1 p.m. A separate gathering will be planned for McCrory at a later date when COVID concerns improve. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Foundation, P.O. Box 7328, Little Rock, Ark., 72217.

Arrangements by Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home of McCrory.