HARRISBURG — Carlena Huffman VanAusdall,

of Harrisburg, Ark., died April 20, 2024, of natural causes. She was 90 years old. Born October 3, 1933 in Weiner, Ark., to the late Lena and Carl B. Huffman, Carlena graduated from Weiner High School. She attended Phillips University in Enid, Okla., her freshman year of college, then transferred to Arkansas State College (now Arkansas State University) in Jonesboro, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, an Honorary Cadet of campus ROTC, Indian Beauty, Dream Girl of Sigma Pi, and on the Homecoming Court. Carlena married her college sweetheart and soulmate, Rice Lee Van Ausdall, shortly after they graduated from college. They moved to Fort Campbell, Ky., where Rice was stationed in the army. After Rice completed his military service, the couple and their two young children moved to Fayetteville for Rice to attend law school. While Rice was in law school, Carlena supported their family by teaching school. In her spare time, she had the last two of the couple’s four children. By the end of Rice and Carlena’s tenure in Fayetteville, the couple had had their four children in less than four years, a fact which always made Carlena beam with pride. They then moved to Harrisburg, Ark., to be near Carlena’s mother, becoming lifelong residents and active members of the community. As Rice would attest, Carlena kept the home fires burning during his busy legal career, successful run for judge, and during his time on the bench. When Rice ran for office, she campaigned over the six-county district, shaking many hands, and never meeting a stranger; she was instrumental in his victory. They were an inseparable team. Carlena was a woman of deep religious faith, who gave tirelessly of her time to her beloved First Christian Church of Weiner, where she was a lifelong member. She adored her church family. Carlena was an avid participant in almost all church activities, teaching Sunday school, helping with Vacation Bible School every summer, serving as an elder and a board member for many years. Throughout life, Carlena was said to be at church “whenever the doors were open.” She also found time to contribute to the Progressive Century Club, the Garden Club, the Democratic Women of Poinsett County, the Harrisburg PTA, and the Governor’s Mansion Board. Carlena’s family was the center of her universe. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and even happier when they accompanied her to church. Simply put, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, who selflessly devoted her time to her family. There was never any doubt how much “grandmommy” loved and enjoyed spending time with them. Carlena exemplified Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Carlena is preceded in death by her husband, Rice; her parents, her brother, Donny Huffman; grandson, Rice Lee Van Ausdall III; and her son-in-law, Jeff Bell.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Tricia Bell, of Little Rock, Stacy Grundfest, of Little Rock, Rice Lee II and Jill Van Ausdall, of Nashville, Tenn., and Carla and Bill Latourette, of Sarasota, Fla. Her cherished grandchildren are Dave Grundfest IV, Luke Latourette, Gracen Grundfest, Anslee Lloyd, Jessie Van Ausdall Alexis, John Bell, Emily Bell, Amanda Bell, and MiMt. chael Bell. She is also survived by her four great-grandchildren: Eleena Alexis, Isabella Price, Emma-Grace Price, and Julia Bell. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to Norma Rivera, of Benton, Ark. and Dr. Vonda Houchin, of Harrisburg, Ark., for their friendship and tireless care over the years. Visitation will be Friday, May 3, from 5-8 p.m. at Jackson Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Ark., located at 103 W. Jackson St. The funeral will be the following day, Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Weiner, Ark., located at 223 Kings Hwy. The funeral will be officiated by Pam Hogue. There will be a burial to follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Weiner. Pallbearers are Dave Grundfest IV, Luke Latourette, John Bell, Bill Latourette, Roger Bradley, and Greg Jones. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Lynn, Kenneth Branum, Charles Cooper, and Jeffery Hogue.