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.

FAYETTEVILLE — Florence Rieger McCormick Halstead of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away peacefully in her sleep after a short illness on July 10, 2018, with her family in attendance.

She was born on Nov. 3, 1920, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Frederick and Elizabeth Rieger, the first of their five children. She was raised in Enid, Okla., with her siblings, and attended the Oklahoma College for Women (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma).

She married Edward McCormick in 1942. Her first child, Karen, was born while Edward was in the U.S. Army in Italy during World War II. A picture of Florence and her newborn was published in Life magazine in 1944.

After the war, she and Edward purchased property in Fayetteville, Ark., and built their home there. Sons James and Daniel came along in 1947 and 1952, respectively. Florence decided to complete her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with science as her major concentration at the University of Arkansas.

Degree in hand, she began her lifelong career in teaching. She continued her education, earning a master of arts and a doctorate in education while performing as a full-time mother and wife and teaching in a public school system. In 1970, she obtained a teaching position at the East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, a position she held until her retirement in 1987.

She married Dr. Frank Halstead in 1983, and they made their home in Shavertown, Pa. Florence was an avid gardener, and became a master gardener, specializing in roses. Her home became a popular stop on garden tours.

After Frank’s death, she moved back to Fayetteville. A lifelong Episcopalian, she rejoined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, doing extensive volunteer work. Friends have described her as highly intelligent and full of humor, with the ability to laugh at herself. Always a dog lover, she had a series of border collies, all of whom adored her. She had an intense interest in music and opera, with a voice that could produce a large and beautiful sound. She studied voice in college and sang with the Cimmaron Opera group and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, the national music fraternity.

She was preceded in death by the father of her children, James Edward McCormick, and her second husband Dr. Frank Halstead; by her daughter Karen McCormick Weiss, her son, Daniel Rieger McCormick, and by her siblings Norma Mae Geddes, Mary Ellen Cummings and Homer Rieger. She is survived by her son, James Edward McCormick Jr. of Fort Collins, Colo., and his wife Linda and their children; by her son-inlaw Tom Weiss of Murrysville, Pa., and his children, and by her daughter-in-law Mary McCormick and her children; her sister Elizabeth Boers, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom she doted on.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. A service of the celebration of her life will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. Private interment will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park in Dallas, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73123, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff. org or a charity of the donor’s choice. To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Jay Neal Harris, age 74, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, July 8, 2018, in Springdale. He was born Dec. 3, 1943, in Pea Ridge, Ark., the son of Felix and Velma Harris.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lola Gardenhire Harris and a sister, Diana Rush.

He was a jeweler, having worked for Perry’s Jewelry and White’s Jewelry. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He was a 1972 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in music education.

He is survived by four daughters, Marquita Den Herder (Mark) of West Fork, Kimberly Craig (Donnie) of Fayetteville, Amber Podvin (Christopher) of New York and Melanie Guzman-Martinez (Joel) of Ohio; 15 grandchildren, Dillon, Patrick, Gerrit, Julia, Nealie and Henry Den Herder, Alexandria, Gabriele, Nicholas and Joshua Craig, Hudson Podvin, Shannon Howell (Justin), Sheena Whitmer (Justin), Andrea Parks (Stephanie) and David Baynard; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roger Harris (Shirley) of Pea Ridge and Jerry Harris (Alice) of Gentry and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Cremation arrangements were by Moore’s Chapel. Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, July 13, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry at the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 906, Fayetteville, Ark., 72702. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FORT SMITH — Edward Hugh Barnes, 70, of Fort Smith, passed from this life July 7, 2018, in Fort Smith. He was born Feb. 27, 1948, in Texarkana, Texas, to the late Evan and Ella Barnes.

Ed was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served a tour of duty in the Vietnam conflict. While in the Army he was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars.

After relocating to Fort Smith, Ed was active with the Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department where he and David Nichols were caretakers, and considered stewards, for Carol Ann Cross Park. His motto was “Leave it better than you found it.” Ed retired from J. Pauley Toyota after 13 years as a sales associate.

He is survived by his sons, Aaron Tyler Edward Barnes and his wife Kimberly of Flower Mound, Texas, and Brandon Young and his wife Kimberly of Anna, Texas; as well as their mother, Linda; and his grandson, Kruz; and granddaughter, Bradyn; two daughters Rhonda Barnes of Greenwood and Melanie Carty of Alma, as well as a close, dear friend Hazel Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, James Barnes.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018, at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church with interment to follow at National Cemetery in Fort Smith, with U.S. Army honors. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. To sign an online guestbook, visit www. edwardsfuneralhome.com.

GARFIELD — Mary Ann Carr, 65, of Garfield passed away July 8, 2018, in Rogers. She was born Jan. 18, 1953, to Leon Trucks and Mary Manley in Detroit, Mich. Survivors are her husband, Mike Carr, sons, Chris, Stephen, Thomas and David Carr, sister, Judy McConnell, 10 grandchildren, one soon great-grandchild. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, Ark.

JUDSONIA — Wilson Brooks Turner, infant son of Derek Kyle and Lynley Turner from Judsonia, Ark., went to be with the Lord on July 7, 2018.

He is survived by his grandparents Lance and Melissa Turner (Fayetteville, Ark.) and Woodrow Wilson Jr. (Bud) and Carol Farrar (Lillie, La.); his great-grandparents Lehman and Ruth Turner and Jean Hilburn; his uncle Lee Turner, aunt and uncle Kristen and Steven Barber, and his cousin Clara Mollie Barber. Wilson was preceded in death by his cousin Mark Nathaniel Barber and loving great-grandparents.

Graveside service will be Thursday, 10 a.m. July 12, 2018, at White County Memorial Gardens. Judsonia Church of Christ invites family and friends for a meal immediately after the service. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneral homes.com.

LITTLE ROCK — Jean Lavonne McLemore, born on Aug. 29, 1926, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2018. She was 91 years young.

She is survived by her children Bill McLemore (Diana), Mike McLemore (Gail), Janet Younts, and Sherri Jo McLemore (Ben); her grandchildren, Andrew McLemore (Sherri), Kevin McLemore (Cori), Stephanie Morris (Paul), Allison Stratton (Jay), Cory Younts and Eli Guise; and five great-grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsey, Adelaide, Griffin and Lillianne.

Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a unique talent for making each child in her life feel special, including her own children and grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, friends and neighborhood children.

Her interests were cooking, sewing, ballroom dancing, bingo, and playing at casinos. She enjoyed attending all the baseball games, dance recitals, music concerts, and other events where her children and grandchildren performed.

A memorial service was held on July 8 in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Wildwood Academy of Music and Art at Wildwood Park in Little Rock or the children’s charity of your choice.

LOWELL — Arlis Watkins, 88, of Lowell, passed away on July 9, 2018, in Rogers. He was born on Feb. 19, 1930, in Japton, Ark., to Bill and Audrey Watkins.

Arlis retired from Stone Container. He enjoyed farming, tending to his cattle and watching the local wildlife. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Eugene Watkins and sister, Joyce Harriman. Survivors include his wife Wilma Watkins of the home; two sons, Michael Watkins (Vicki) and Ronnie Watkins (Anita) both of Rogers; daughter; Cheryl Fiser (Johnny) of Springdale; six grandchildren, Chris, Kyle, and Kevin Watkins; Michelle Ward, Spencer and Aaron Fiser and nine great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Sisco Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Springdale. Funeral services will be at Lakeview Baptist Church in Cave Springs on Friday, July 13 starting at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens with Military honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, 1351 E Lowell Ave., Cave Springs, Ark., 72718, or Willard Walker Hospice, 325 E Longview St., Fayetteville, Ark., 72703. To sign the online guestbook visit www.siscofuneral.com.

ROGERS — Beverly Joy Peters Gentry, age 84, a resident of Rogers, Ark., passed from this life on July 7, 2018, in Rogers.

Please join with friends and family as they celebrate Beverly’s life well-lived. Known for her warm, welcoming heart, she was deeply loved and enjoyed by all who knew her.

Raised in Sedalia, Mo., she fell in love with God and His ways as a child, and while in high school, she met the other love of her life, Jack. They married on June 6, 1951, and moved to Rolla, Mo., (1952), where they raised their four children and lived for 34 years.

Beverly was a homemaker extraordinaire — lovingly creating a warm homey atmosphere, cooking, canning, baking, and sewing clothes for herself and her girls. She loved hearing the slam of the screen door announcing the arrival of a neighbor or friend.

Always the server, she served not only her family, but her church and community. Vacation Bible School. Clean-up after potluck dinners. Volunteering at a school for special needs children. She started a preschool and taught little ones. She served as a church secretary and an administrative assistant for a college ministry. Bev consistently made a place in her heart and in her home for new friends, sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, college students, and her PEO sisters (a PEO member for over 50 years).

After Jack’s retirement, they moved to Northwest Arkansas to serve at the Mt. Sequoyah Methodist retreat center. For over 25 years, together they encouraged families in crisis at the Samaritan Community Center in Rogers. Her greatest joy in her senior years included her morning hours of study in the Bible, her times with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, fellowship within many community groups at Fellowship Bible Church-NWA, and sitting on her porch-swing enjoying Jack’s flower beds.

Words that best describe her include: devoted, unassuming, sensitive, and always seeing the best in everyone. Her gracious companionship will be sorely missed by Jack, her husband of 67 years, her children — Cam and Laura Gentry (Rogers), Rebecca and Michael Mulvaney (Rogers), Karen and Robert Ward (Ada, Ohio), and Lisa and Willie Chavez (El Paso, Texas), along with her 10 grandchildren, and her 21 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to Samaritan Community Center (www.samcc.org). Please visit Beverly’s memorial page at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

ROGERS — Marilyn Marsala, 61, of Rogers passed away July 7, 2018, at home. Born Dec. 12, 1956, in El Dorado, Ark., to Mavin and Lorene Ramsey. Survivors; sons, Kris and Joshua Marsala; siblings, Jean, Ginger, Gwen, Mindy, Matt and four grandchildren she was kind and devoted to. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home 306 N. 4th St. Rogers, Ark.

SILOAM SPRINGS — Hugh Woolard, 85, of Siloam Springs, Ark., died July 8, 2018, at Northwest Medical Center, Springdale, Ark. Born Oct. 30, 1932, in Westville, Okla., he was the son of Charles Hugh Woolard and Eva Greathouse Woolard.

Many things can be said about Hugh Woolard. He was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to so many. Hugh and Wanda married June 21, 1957, starting a legacy of memories that has lasted the last 61 years.

Hugh was a minister and pastor to many for over 50 years. He loved his Lord and never ceased to share an opportunity of God’s love and God’s word with his family, friends, and anyone else he came into contact with. What a great legacy he has left for so many. Heaven has truly gained a wonderful man of God. He was machinist and served our country in the Army during Korea.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Manuel and Walter Woolard; sister Dona Jones; and grandson, Joshua Blake DeMoss. Survivors include his wife Wanda of the home; daughters Terry Collins and husband Wayne of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Susan Mason and husband Paul of Gentry, Ark.; son Kevin Woolard and wife Donna of Siloam Springs, Ark.; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers, James Woolard of Gravette, Ark., and Richard Woolard of St. Louis, Mo.; sisters, Ethel Eubanks of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Wilma Dean Sellens of Tomball, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and church family.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, Ark. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 13, 2018, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.wassonfuneralhome. com.

PERRY, Fla. — It is with great sadness the family of Franklin “Travis” Brown announce his sudden passing on July 3, 2018, at the age of 32. Travis was born on Aug. 23, 1985, in Valdosta, Ga.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was an extremely talented heavy equipment operator.

He is survived by his father, Franklin E. Brown Jr. (Lisa) of Hahira, Ga., mother, Melinda Patterson and husband Ronnie of Springdale, sisters, Shay Riojas (Jeremy) of Ray City, Ga., and Jennifer Hewett (James)of Quitman, Ga.; children, Kyliee Brown of Rochelle, Ga., and Landon Brown of Hahira, Ga., and companion Angelia Holton of Perry, Fla., along with many other family and friends.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, July 15, starting at 11 a.m. at The Revival Tabernacle Church in Springdale, 2608 E. Emma Ave., Springdale, Ark., 72764.

FORSYTH, Mo. — Ronald W. Campbell, 72, of Forsyth died Sunday, July 8, 2018, at his residence.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 in the Kissee-Schofield-Eakins Funeral Home. The memorial service will be at 3 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Dennis D. Winzenried officiating.

Ronald Wayne Campbell was born Wednesday, July 25, 1945, in Santa Paula, Calif., to John Riley and Helen Betty (Tyler) Campbell. He attended school in Lincoln, Ark., and graduated from the Lincoln High School in the class of 1963. In 1966 he began working for AT&T as a microwave technician in Wright City, Mo. He was then stationed in Branson and moved to Forsyth in 1991. He retired in 1992.

He met Carol Ann Reynolds and they were married on Oct. 14, 2000, in Kirbyville, Mo.

Ronald was quick witted with a good sense of humor. He was gentle, funny, loyal and loving. He enjoyed playing his mandolin, fishing, gardening, traveling in his RV and photography. He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge and a deacon in the Branson Bible Church. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Forsyth; three sons, Clark Campbell and wife, Amy of Mansfield, Texas, Willie Valbracht and wife, Nikki of Forsyth, Michael Fragrassi and wife, Nancy of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four daughters, Rhonda Manglos and husband, Dave of Platte City, Mo., Angela Fragrassi-Sulgrove and husband, Dennis of Forsyth, Crystal Valbracht of Branson, Sandra Johnson also of Branson; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leon Campbell and a nephew, Richard Anderson.

Memorials in memory of Ronald W. Campbell may be made to the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge, P.O. Box 816, Forsyth, Mo., 65653. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kissee-Schofield-Eakins Funeral Home, Forsyth, Mo.

TULSA, Okla. — Blake Andrew Henry, 32, of Tulsa died Saturday, July 7. He was born Feb. 3, 1986, in Little Rock, Ark.

Blake loved the outdoors and was never bored, because of his unending curiosity about plants, bugs, fish, and the weather. Without question, Blake’s fondest memories were of trout fishing with his Grandpa Forrest on the White River out of Jack’s Fishing

Resort. There wasn’t a fish he couldn’t catch. He played youth soccer in Little Rock and was one of the fastest runners on the grass.

Blake moved to Tulsa in 1998 and attended Monte Cassino School and then Bishop Kelley High School. He graduated in May 2004. It was at Bishop Kelly that Blake’s natural abilities and drive erupted in cross county. He was part of a strong team that became state cross-country runners-up. He was named to the All-Conference cross-country team. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Project, an observational bee hive, was displayed at the Tulsa Zoo.

Blake was recruited by and accepted a cross-country scholarship at Newman University in Wichita, Kan. Surrounded by other talented runners and lead by Coach Schepis, the team had great success. He loved running with the team, especially when they attended the National CC Championships at Notre Dame University on Sept. 17, 2004. Blake and teammate, Nick Abbott, individually qualified for the NAIA National Championships in 2005. Blake was again named to All-Conference and set a new school record. He graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing in Spring 2009.

After graduating, he worked as a nurse in a neuro trauma center in Wichita for a time. Blake’s love of nature led him to develop a side business in landscaping. Because of his love of nature and talent, this led to a full-time job that allowed him to work outdoors.

Unfortunately, Blake developed some bad habits that turned into serious addictions. He struggled for many years and several times, he almost made it back to the “good old Blake.” Each time he relapsed, his addiction became worse. Despite all the efforts of his many friends and family, he lost his struggle.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. John Forrest Henry and Anne Henry of Little Rock, and John “Sonny” Lybrand and Mary Lybrand of Pine Bluff, Ark. He is survived by his parents, Dr. William Bradley Henry (Cathy) of Fayetteville, Ark., and Melody Lybrand Turner (Tim) of Broken Arrow, Okla. He is also survived by his brothers, Ryan Henry (Kate) of Avilla, Ark., and Parker Henry of Tulsa, Okla., his step-brothers, Alex Hawk (Lauren) of Little Rock, Ark., Sam Hawk (Lindsey) of Fayetteville, Ark., Tobin Turner (Holly) and Tim Turner (Wesli) of Tulsa, Okla., and stepsisters, Tiffani (David) Hoover of Dallas, Lizzy (Justin) Schneider of Lakewood, Colo., and Virginia (Kyle) Stricklen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local chapter of A.A. or N.A. Memorial services will be held Friday, July 13, 2018, at St. James United Methodist in Tulsa, Okla., at 2 p.m.