Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Raymond “Ray” Blackwell, 75, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on Sept. 23, 2016. He was born on Dec. 30, 1940, in St. Louis, Mo.

Preceeded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife Marge; daughter Penny (Victor) Kylar; daughter Cheryl Whittington; step-daughter DeeAnna (Tom) Smith; step-son Kevin (Pam) Naylor; 9 grandchildren and 3 great -grandchildren.

Served in U.S. Navy, retired from Boeing, was a 50-year Mason enjoying his last few years at the Masonic Lodge in Anderson, Mo. In earlier years he loved water skiing, fishing, and hunting. Memorial will be held on Sept. 27, 2016, at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donate to Wounded Warriors, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Susan B. Koman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation. com. BELLA VISTA — Boyd

Douglas Brooks of Bella Vista passed away on Sept. 22, 2016. He was born on May 7, 1946, in Stamford, Texas.

He is survived by his mother, Bernita Hughes of Lubbock, Texas; children, Kevin Jay Brooks of Loveland, Colo., Robert Douglas Brooks of Pahrump, Nev., Jamie Steven Brooks of Pahrump, Nev., Angie Jeanette Brooks of Seattle, Wash.; stepson, Kerry Crawford of Bella Vista; sisters, Janet Hunton of Lubbock, Texas, Luann Stone of Lubbock, Carol Weidmann of Centennial, Colo.; grandchildren, William Whitenack and Skylar Brooks both of Ridgecrest, Calif., and Michael and Jennifer Crawford of Centerton and Bella Vista.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Brooks; wife, Jean Brooks; and stepdaughter, Amy Brooks.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in Bentonville Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter at bellavista-animalshelter.org/ donate.

BENTONVILLE — Onie Elizabeth “Betty” Gordon, 91, of Bentonville, Ark., passed away Sept. 20, 2016, in Rogers. Survivors include one son, David Gordon, of Indio, Calif., one daughter, Carol Kobe, of Bentonville, Ark., one sister, Dorothy Ann Paschke, of Chatsworth, Calif., and many extended family members. Funeral services will be Oct. 3 in Indio, Calif., and burial will be at the National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif. Local arrangements by Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. ELM SPRINGS — Rachel

Roberta Ward, 76 of Elm Springs passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at her home. She was born Nov. 7, 1939, in Checotah, Okla., to Ray and Kathryn Prater Etchison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Donald Ray Etchison and her husband William Ward.

Survivors include two daughters, Kaylene Dukeshire and husband Joseph of Elm Springs and Raylene Caudle and husband Kevin of Elm Springs; three grandchildren, Allen Bell and wife Deena of Springdale, Harley Caudle and wife Tanna of Canyon, Texas, and Amanda Branton and husband Brian of Canyon, Texas, and nine great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Summers Cemetery in Summers, Ark., with Scott McCrary officiating. No visitation is planned. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral. com. FARMINGTON — Gary

Gilbride, 66, of Farmington, Ark., passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Farmington. He was born March 29, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Robert C. Gilbride and Gayle (Williams) Gilbride.

He was a retired purchasing agent for ConAgra and a U.S. Marine Corp veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the VFW, DAV, and American Legion.

He is survived by his brother, Robert Gilbride of Little Rock, Ark., two nieces, Dr. Rebecca Burke of Houston, Texas, Amy Underhill of Fayetteville, Ark., one nephew, Andrew Gilbride of West Fork, Ark., and two great nephews Drew Gilbride and Colby Underhill of Fayetteville.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28 in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home with Reverend Don George officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local Disabled American Veterans organization.

To sign the online guest book please visit www. nelsonberna.com. FAYETTEVILLE —

Kenneth Ray Caudle, 82, Fayetteville, died Sept. 23, 2016, in Fayetteville. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lilly Caudle.

Survivors include his children, Laurine Mercer, Barbara Chapman, Thomas Caudle; stepchildren, Gary Caudle and Robert Caudle; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.

Private memorial service. Online condolences at www. WestfieldChapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — James

(Jim) Randall Laessig, 64, a resident of Fayetteville, passed away Sept. 22, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. He was born June 11, 1952, the son of Darlene and Dr. William Laessig of Joplin, Mo.

Jim loved spending time fishing and camping. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Marilynn Laessig; two daughters, Cohen Copeland and husband, Casey Copeland of Prairie Grove, Ark., and Christian Ham and husband, Rick Ham of Marysville, Kan.; 5 grandchildren, Jackson, Gregory and Killian Copeland of Prairie Grove and Andrew and Miranda Cain of Marysville, Kan.; a brother, Eugene Laessig and wife, Dorothy Laessig of Kansas City, Mo.; and a sister, Janalee Scott and husband, Carter Scott of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He will be missed by many. A celebration of life will be from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

FORT SMITH — Wanda

Jean Hannah Srygley came into the world on Dec. 30, 1926, and departed to join the Lord on Sept. 23, 2016.

She devoted her long and full life to God, her family, and her many treasured friends. Wanda’s enthusiasm for life was fueled by her fierce intelligence, sharp wit, and incredible generosity.

She had an enduring love for her husband of 44 years, William “Bill” Srygley, that extended beyond his passing in 1989, and we know she is now reunited with him in heaven.

Wanda was an avid reader, supporter of the arts, passionate racehorse owner and sports fan, especially committed to all of “her kids” and coaches at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. She knew how to tell a great story, hosted wonderfully large dinner parties and family gatherings, baked the best pies, and had an amazing sense of style.

A member of Goddard United Methodist Church since the age of six, much of her life was dedicated to acts of service, faithful church and Sunday school attendance, and reading the Bible. S

he enjoyed time with each member of her large family, loved her four children; one daughter, Jeannie and husband Ed Sutton of Holiday Island, Ark. three sons, Bill and wife Sherry Srygley of Russellville, Bob and wife Jenny Srygley of Fayetteville, and Rick and wife Tracy Srygley of Fort Smith; 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, abundantly, and was so proud of each one.

Wanda was the vivacious matriarch of our family, and we will forever feel her earthly absence. She was the strongest person many of us will ever have the privilege of knowing. If you were lucky enough to be her friend, you already know that her word was her bond, and she was always there to help in every possible way.

Wanda adored music, and planned her own funeral ceremony which will include her most cherished hymns. “It will be all music,” she often said of her service. Following a private burial, this memorial service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29th at 1 p.m. at Goddard United Methodist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The body may be viewed beginning Monday until 10 a.m. Thursday.

Wanda Srygley’s legacy will live on in all of the countless individuals and organizations she supported with her unwavering generosity and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goddard United Methodist Church food pantry, 1922 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark., 72901, and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) Srygley Scholarship fund, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark., 72913.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwards funeralhome.com. HUNTSVILLE — Carolyn Audrey Gabbard, 87, of Huntsville, died Sept. 23, 2016. Widow of Leroy Gabbard.

Survivors: daughters, Barbara Long and Tina Gabbard; sister, Lucille Foster; grandchildren,

Lisa Beth Long and Jared Ryan Long; great-granddaughter, Ava Ryleigh Long.

Services 10 a.m. Monday, Ledbetter Cemetery near Japton by Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville www. brashearsfuneralhome.net. LOWELL — Dr. William

Allen Pickard III, age 70 of Lowell, Ark., passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016.

Dr. “Bill” Pickard was a beloved Orthodontist in the Northwest Ark. area for decades. His passion was to give to others the gift of great smiles. Practicing orthodontics for over forty years, “Dr. P” changed many lives for the better.

He was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Blytheville, Ark., to William Allen Pickard Jr. and Lucile Solomon Pickard. Dr. Pickard is a member of Cross Church Fayetteville, East Campus and loved serving the community of South Fayetteville with his wife and sweetheart of forty-six years.

He was a faithful “Tennessee Volunteer,” representing the best of his alma mater and being the “Volunteer of the Year” to light the eternal flame on the U.T. campus in Knoxville, Tenn. A member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society, Dr. Pickard was also a long-standing member of The American Association of Orthodontists. Exemplifying Christ’s command that one is more blessed to give than receive,

Dr. Pickard started the OrthoCare Foundation locally to help as many needy families as possible to have braces. More importantly, Bill Pickard was a follower of Christ, a cherished husband, father, and proud grandfather, and a servant to the community he loved. Leaving a legacy of beautiful smiles and changed lives, Bill will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Maples Pickard; his son, LT Jeremy Pickard, USCG, and his wife Sarah of Juneau, Alaska; two daughters, Jennifer Harding and her husband Dr. Matthew Harding of Argyle, Texas; Jamie Purifoy and her husband Nathan of Owasso, Okla.; and seven wonderful grandchildren, Sarai and Jonathan Harding, Lauren Pickard, Olivia, Paige, Rachel and Daniel Purifoy.

Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at Cross Church in Springdale under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. Private family graveside service will be held Tuesday at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers. Immediately following the service on Monday, Dr. Pickard’s family will greet friends and family at Cross Church.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Chomiuk, Tod Dalby, James Depew, Dr. J.B. Hays, Dr. Danny Proffitt, John Reed, Dave Wilson and Roger Wingert.

Memorial contributions may be made to, Cross Church East Campus, 613 South College Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701; The Well Church, P.O. Box 185, Argyle, Texas, 76226, or Loving Choices, 275 South Duncan Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701.

To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneral chapel.com. ROGERS — Mrs. Lucille

M. Burt, age 93, of Rogers, Ark., passed away, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at the Bradford House in Bentonville, Ark. She was born June 25, 1923, in Highwater, Minn., to Theodore and Bertha Blank Halvorson.

Mrs. Burt was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne Burt and son, Lyle Halvorson.

Mrs. Burt is survived by her sons, Dave Burt and Dennis Burt, daughters, Linda Lahti, Judy Collier, Cheryl Olesen, Jill Raines and numerous grandchildren.

Visitation for Mrs. Burt will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at Benton County Memorial Park Chapel with Pastor David Holmes Officiating with burial to follow in Bentonville City Cemetery in Bentonville. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark. Online Guestbook: www. bentoncountymemorialpark. com. SPRINGDALE —

Michael Aaron Henson, 30, of Springdale, died Sept. 23, 2016, in Springdale. He was born Sept. 7, 1986, in Salisbury, N.C., to Alden and Laura (Martin) Henson. He is preceded in death by his uncle, Rex Martin.

Survivors include his wife, Jucinda (Davis) Henson; his children, Lillian Dawn Henson, Makyla Cheyenne Franklin, and Eryn Rose Henson; his parents; his siblings, Bobby Henson, Mandy Douglas, Alden Henson, Annette Henson, William Henson, and Latisha Hunt.

Michael will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, son and brother. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in care of Jucinda Henson at Simmons Bank.

Please share fond thoughts and memories of Michael on his memorial at www. WestfieldChapel.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 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com. SPRINGDALE — David

D. Richardson, master sergeant, 69 of Springdale died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 in Fayetteville. He was born Oct. 25, 1946, in Waterown, N.Y., the son of John Charles Richardson and Alberta Brownell.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. Survivors include his wife, Linda Richardson of the home; 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial Funeral Home handled the cremation arrangements. To send the family condolences, please visit www.memorial fhspringdale.com. SPRINGDALE — Doyle

Lee Young, 72, of Springdale, passed from this life Sept. 23, 2016, at his home. He was born Sept. 10, 1944, in Cherokee City, Ark., to Henry and Virgie (Asher) Young.

Doyle is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Laura Janes and Ellen Hayes; and a brother, Hobart Young.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janet (West) Young; children, Kristy Evans, Jason Young, Kandi Traxel, and Miranda Jones; his siblings, Pearl Dill, Nona Ward, and Billy Young; and six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at Westfield Chapel Funeral Home, Springdale.

Please share fond thoughts and memories of Doyle on his memorial at www.Westfield Chapel.com. LITTLE ROCK — Celebrate Wade Kreie. The family invites friends and relatives to a Celebration for Wade reception with refreshments on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 13234 Nickels Road, West Fork, Ark., 72774. More information at http:// www.orah.net or call 615-9453883. LITTLE ROCK — Anne

Lea Patterson, 79, a woman after God’s own heart, passed from this life on Sept. 22, 2016. She was born on April 6, 1937, to Gladys Lea and Leeland Sartin in Gloster, Miss. She graduated from Little Rock High School (LR Central) in 1954 and was

active in a number of school activities, especially those related to music. Anne Lea remained active among her high school alumni group, helping to plan many reunions throughout the years.

She attended Baylor University and then transferred to the University of Arkansas where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1956. It was then that Anne Lea was swept off her feet by Charles Wesley Patterson Jr (her husband of 52 years) and they both transferred to University of Central Arkansas to begin their family and complete their degrees.

Anne Lea is known for her love of music, especially her gift of playing piano by ear. Through her music, she entertained, soothed, and loved countless people across the world. She began playing for other people as a very young girl and continued playing until the day before she passed away, when she entertained other patients in the hospital. Any time she passed by a piano that was not being played, she sat down to play.

Anne Lea is a lifetime member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, served on committees, and of course, played the piano for nearly 80 years. Her church family has always been very important to her and the church’s impact on her life cannot be overestimated. She dearly loved her friends in the Happiness Singers, The Bridge House (just shy of Life Master), and all the other groups and clubs in which she actively participated.

Anne Lea and Charlie lived every day to the fullest. They traveled extensively across the world while scuba diving in the South Pacific, fishing in the Alaskan Tundra, watching their race horses, attending Razorback football and basketball games, and sunset boating on the Arkansas River.

Above all else, serving the church and their family was the most important aspect of their lives. Anne Lea continued her adventures and love of life after losing Charlie seven years ago. They have left a legacy that family and friends will always cherish. The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to all of the friends, medical professionals, caregivers and loved ones who have blessed us with incredible love and care for both Anne Lea and Charlie.

Anne Lea was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Charles Wesley Patterson Jr.; and her parents, Leeland and Gladys Sartin. Anne Lea is survived by her children, Wes Patterson, Holly Patterson, Clay Patterson, Reverend Brock Patterson (ShawnD’), and Lea Ellen Jones (Billy). Nana and Gramps are also survived by their 6 precious and perfect grandchildren: Jessica Edrington (Richard), Meagan Patterson, William Jones, Rachel Patterson, Payson Jones, and Gracie Patterson.

A Memorial Service to honor her life is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Little Rock, led by Rev. Brock Patterson and Dr. Randy Hyde. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, or to FaithSpring Church, P.O. Box 242535, Little Rock, Ark., 72223-2535.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., 501-224-2200. Anne Lea’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.