Obituaries

OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes. For more information including cost and deadlines contact the advertising department at (501) 378-3889.

BASS — Ronald Ray Wells, 73, of Bass, Ark., died Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Hospice of the Hills in Harrison. He was born Jan. 18, 1943, in Quincy, Ill., the son of Chester Ray and Doris Elizabeth Lewis Wells.

He lived in Bass for 43 years and was a former resident of Connecticut, Minnesota and Kansas. He was a minister, carpenter, pig farmer, woodcarver and knifemaker. He graduated from Burlington High School, Emporia State University and Yale University.

He was a member of Blacksmiths of Arkansas and Tired Iron. His favorite thing in the last few years was going to Vinita, Okla., to get coal for the Blacksmiths of Arkansas members. He made Ron Wells carving knives for several years for other woodcarvers all over the United States. He received the Jack Smith Award from the Blacksmiths of Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chet Wells, and his son, Jacob Wells.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Bertie; his mother, Doris Wells of Pittsburg, Kan.; one daughter, Heidi Wells of Farmington, Ark.; five grandchildren, Zachary Stambuck of Overland Park, Kan., Nicholas Stambuck of Farmington, Madalaine Hughes of Fallbrook, Calif., Gabriel Wells of Russellville, and Josey Wells of Haskell; two great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Arwen; two sisters, Renee (Darrel) Hawkins of Augusta, Kan., and Stacy (Joe) Clark of North Little Rock, Ark.; one brother, Jeff (Dawn) Wells of Pittsburg; 16 nieces and nephews; and 21 great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration and potluck dinner will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Mount Judea School. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jacob Wells Memorial Fund, HC 32, Box 141, Mount Judea, Ark., 72655, or Hospice of the Hills, 501 E. Sherman, Harrison, Ark., 72601. His body has donated to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

BENTONVILLE — Heaven gains another angel. Larry Allen

Kruger, loving husband, father, uncle, son, “papa”, and friend, 66, of Bentonville passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark., surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 29, 1949, in Niles, Mich., to Rudy and Frieda (Dechert) Kruger.

Larry grew up in a small town on a fruit and vegetable farm in Michigan. He was always humbled and inspired by his parents’ strong work ethic and desire to do more for their family. He graduated from Eau Claire High School and attended Ferris State University.

Larry and the love of his life, Cindy, moved from Michigan to Northwest Arkansas in 1975 and began to plant their own family roots. They were married for 46 years and were partners in life as well as in business. They defined entrepreneurship and worked hard to achieve the American dream.

They owned and operated many small businesses in NWA over the years including the Holiday Motel in Springdale, GameXChange in Fayetteville and Southern Treasures Antique Mall in Tontitown. However, Larry earned legend status with the ownership of the Razorback skating rink in Springdale. Larry was known for being a second father to every kid who came through the door every Friday night, and he also knew how to keep them all in line if he had to. And for those that had the opportunity to work for him, he would go out of his way to advise, coach and mentor. He loved every one of you and he always considered you part of his family.

Larry had many passions in life. He adored spending time with his two children, Chad and Nicky, and his five grandchildren. He also was incredibly talented and educated in metallurgy. He enjoyed working with his hands and creating things from unique treasures he would find.

However, his lifelong passion was sharing his love of cuisine. This all began back in 1968, when he served as a cook in the National Guard. At one time he even had over 40 cooks reporting in to him. Cooking was Larry’s love language – he cherished sharing some of his favorite and new recipes/creations with his family and friends. You always knew there was an open seat at the Kruger dinner table for a warm meal.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rudy, and mother, Frieda. Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Cindy Kruger; two children: his son, Chad Kruger and his wife Kari; his daughter, Nicky Dou and her husband Jerry; five grandchildren: Chase, Jossalyn, Kennedy and Kylie Kruger and Madison Dou and his brother, Rudy Kruger.

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. with services beginning at 11 a.m. at Waterway Christian Church in Bentonville, Ark. A short reception will follow the service before going to his beautiful resting place at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, Larry would want you to call an old friend or get your family together for a good meal “and eat it while it’s hot” and make a toast to family and enduring friendships. Larry touched many lives – he had the biggest heart and was truly the definition of “unconditional love.” Condolences: www. eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Carolyn Sue Pearson was born in Fayetteville on April 14, 1944, and passed away on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. She was a long-time resident of La Habra, Calif. She is preceded in death by her father, Dewey Whittemore and daughter-inlaw, Karen Pearson.

No one who met Sue left without her being their mom, grandma or great friend. She was the kindest and most loving woman to everyone she met. She worked at the front desk at the Washington County Health Department for many years and loved greeting people. Sue had a special place in her heart for children and loved spending time with all her great-grandbabies. She was a member of Eastside Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include her mother, Marie Whittemore of Brea, Calif.; her brother, Stan Whittemore and wife, Linda of La Habra, Calif.; her son, Gary Pearson of Springdale; her daughters, Kelly Pearson and Karna Cowan, both of Fayetteville; two granddaughters, Kirsta Pearson and Katie Cowan, both of Fayetteville; two grandsons, Ken “KC” Cowan of Farmington and Allen Cowan of Fayetteville; six great-grandchildren; sonin-law, Leonard Hulsey of Fayetteville; and granddaughter-in-law, Danielle Cowan of Fayetteville.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at Beard’s Chapel. Interment will follow in Boatright Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at the funeral home. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.

ROGERS — Mary Jean Pool of Rogers, Ark., passed away Sept. 23, 2016, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Dec. 25, 1929, in Joplin, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Thomas and Douglas Cupp and daughter, Vicki Cupp. She is survived by daughters, Kathleen DeWitt, Janice Tucker and husband Larry, Carol Verge and husband Todd, sons, James Cupp and Donald Cupp, grandchildren, Jill Easley and husband Phillip, Brooke DeWitt, Jesse Cupp and Amber Quinn, Eric Tucker, Wyatt and Audrey Verge, great-grandchildren, Alex Easley Wells, Tanner and Lauren Easley, Elijah Cupp, and great-great-grandson, Cooper Wells.

Cremation and a private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle of Life Hospice House: nwacircleoflife.com. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

SPRINGDALE — Lola Beatrice Helf, age 94, of Springdale died Sept. 18 at the Maples in Springdale. She was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Bradford, Ark., the daughter of Marion W. and Evelyn Ahart. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was a member of Cross Church in Springdale over 50 years.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, Joe Helf; one sister, Mildred Jewel Ahart, and three brothers, Shelby Ahart, Odell Ahart, and Marion Ahart Jr.

She is survived by her son, Tom Helf and wife, Cookie of Van Buren; a daughter, Sharron Wilson of Springdale; four grandchildren, Cheri Poellot and husband Vinson, Erika Hall and husband Chris, Bob Wilson and wife Misty and Julie Wagley and husband Dustin; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A private family service was held on Friday, Sept. 23. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Cecil Clyde Marchant, 88, of Springdale passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. He was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Rogers, Ark., to Ogle and Stella Harris Marchant.

Cecil loved his family. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren rodeo. He was the founder and owner of Northwest Pallet Company. A devoted Christian, he taught Sunday School for many years. He cherished listening to his great-granddaughter sing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Marchant; one brother, Eldon Marchant; one sister, Roberta Smith. Survivors include three sons, Gary Marchant and wife Evelyn of Cave Springs, Ronnie Marchant and wife Shirley and Donnie Marchant and wife Pam all of Elm Springs; one daughter, Linda McGarrah and husband Lonnie of Elm Springs; one brother, Darel Marchant and wife Betty of Elm Springs; one sister, Roena Smith and husband Blackie of Elm Springs; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Marvin Lloyd officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Joshua Quinton Wynne,

32, of Sulphur Springs, died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. He was born Aug. 8, 1984, in Gravette, Ark., the son of Lisa Dover and Joseph Wynne.

He loved spending quality time with his family especially time with his children. He loved the Razorbacks. Also he played and watched many different sports. He was a lifetime resident of Northwest Arkansas.

Joshua is survived by: his wife; Christina Wynne, his parents; Lisa and Joseph Wynne, one son; Brayden Wynne, three daughters; Bridgitt Wynne, Brelei Wynne, Brooklyn Wynne, two brothers; Jason Wynne, Jerrod Wynne and his wife Ashley, and one sister; Samantha Wynne.

Visitation will be Monday from 10-11 a.m. at Word of Life Fellowship located in Bentonville. The celebration of Joshua’s life will begin at 11 a.m. following the visitation, with Pastor Ronnie Swadley officiating. Interment will follow at Cave Springs Cemetery. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.