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.

BENTONVILLE — Steven Paul Dahms Sr., 68, of Galloway, Ohio, passed away Feb. 17, 2019, in Bentonville, Ark. He was born April 23, 1950, in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, the son of Robert and Irmgard Madeja Dahms. He was a vice president of operation for Material Science International. Steven served in the U.S. Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cheryl and two granddaughters, Heather Elizabeth Dahms and Robin Dahms.

He is survived by his children, Steven Dahms Jr. of Galloway, Ohio, Amanda Bearden and husband Brian of Bentonville; grandchildren, Steven III, Gabriella, Katherine and Charlotte.

Military honors by the Little Rock Air Force Base honor guard and Rogers VFW post at 4 p.m. Tuesday with visitation following until 6 p.m. with services beginning at 6 p.m. at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers. Interment in Fayetteville National Cemetery. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com

EUREKA SPRINGS — Helen Jeffrey of Eureka Springs, Ark., was born April 1, 1940, in Baytown, Texas, to Landrum and Leona (Hughes) Geaslin. She departed this life Feb. 11, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark., at the age of 78.

Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eureka Springs. For many years she owned and operated the Victorian Reflections gift shop in downtown Eureka, and was known for her beautiful, artistic beadwork.

Helen graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in elementary education and taught first and second grades first in Houston, Texas, and later in Miami, Fla.

On Nov. 21, 1962, she was united in marriage with David W. Jeffrey, and together they started a fabulous life of travel and experiencing the cultures of Latin America. They lived in El Salvador, Argentina (on two occasions) and Uruguay for a total of 15 years. Their children grew up speaking Spanish as their first language. During this time Helen was mother, wife, hostess, organizer, planner, holding several positions in the American Women Clubs and many more endeavors. Upon her husband’s early retirement from Exxon in 1986, they moved to Eureka Springs, Ark., where they started a whole new life and career, and making many new loving friends.

Helen is survived by her husband of 57 years, David Jeffrey. She is also survived by daughter Elizabeth Hughes Jeffrey Gifford of Berryville; son David Waugh Jeffrey II of Tampa, Fla., and daughter Christine Clark Jeffrey and

husband James Farthing III of Vista, Calif.; grandchildren, Sandy K. Nieves and Whitney Perkins, Michelle M. Gifford, Travis J. Rains and Allison Leona Rains; great-granddaughter Gabrielle Helen Perkins; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, O.L. and Leona Clark, and one sister, Dorothy Geaslin Quinlin.

Memorial services, with a celebration of life reception afterwards, will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka Springs at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. Helen loved flowers, but if memorial donations are desired, they may be made to Clear Spring School, P.O. Box 511, Eureka Springs, Ark., 72632, or online at clearspringschool.org.

FAYETTEVILLE — Ritta Whitfield Mitchell, age 75, passed away on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in Fayetteville. She was born on March 25, 1943, in White Bluff, Tenn., to Robert M. and Cleo (Hall) Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Banford Raye Mitchell Sr.

Ritta was known for her quick wit, her love of her family, and her dogs. She never met a stranger and enjoyed getting to know people from all walks of life. She was an entertaining conversationalist and always made you feel comfortable being yourself with her.

Ritta was an avid fan and faithful supporter of the Walton Arts Center. She loved nothing more than an evening at the theater. She also enjoyed living in downtown Fayetteville. Every day she walked her dog, Abby, along Dickson Street and appreciated the many shops and restaurants in the area.

She is survived by her two sons, B. Raye Mitchell Jr. and wife Elise and Anthony Judd Mitchell and wife Sara, both of Nashville, Tenn.; her brother, James Whitfield and wife Joyce of Hampton, Ga.; her two sisters, Judy Whitfield of Boulder, Colo., and Marsha Whitfield of Nashville, Tenn.; and five grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. There will be a private family graveside service at a later date. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Doris Rieff, 83, of Fayetteville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. She was born Sept. 3, 1935, in Crosses, Ark., to Eber Franklin and Nora Shackelford Walker. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Ronnie, daughter Annette, one sister and five brothers.

Doris was a cook at the University of Arkansas and was a member of Crystal Hills Church in Elkins.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond, of the home, to whom she married Nov. 9, 1973; two daughters, Monica Ball of Maumelle, Ark., and Jennifer Johnson and husband Dave of Fayetteville; two sons, Duane Streit and wife Cindy of Fayetteville and Kevin Pickrell and wife Stacy of El Dorado, Kan.; two sisters, Mary Hershberger of Wichita, Kan., and Dorothy Brown of Fayetteville; brother Jack Walker of Tennessee; sister-in-law Carol Walker of the Sunset community; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Beard’s Chapel. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at Crystal Hills Church in Elkins with Pastor Jasper Hankins officiating. Interment will follow in Brannon Mountain Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com

HIWASSE — James Alfred Townsend, a resident of Bentonville, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 16, 2019, in Hiwasse. He was born Jan. 2, 1929, in Rogers to Mack and Leona Townsend.

He married Wanda Mae Mattingly on June 2, 1951, and was married 61 years before her death in 2012.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, son Dennis, sister Maxine, brothers Eugene, Denver, and Daryl.

James, also known as Sonny, retired from APAC in 1991. He was a member of the Park Street Baptist and recently attended Harbor of Praise Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

He leaves behind a daughter, Linda Whittle of Anderson, Mo.; sons Buddy Townsend and wife Anita of Hiwasse, Tommy Townsend and wife Paula of Bentonville; daughter- in- law Nancy of Pea Ridge; brothers Jerry Townsend of Bentonville and Larry Townsend of Gravette.

He was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, from 5-7 p.m. at Harbor of Praise Church. Services will be Feb. 21, 2019, at 1 p.m. also in the church, burial to follow at Pace Cemetery in Garfield. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.

PARIS — Hope M. Ellington, 85 of Paris, Ark., passed away on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Paris. There are no services scheduled. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.

PRAIRIE GROVE — Charles Aden Lynch, age 68, a resident of Prairie Grove, Ark., passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at Katherine’s Place in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born May 17, 1950, in Topeka, Kan., the son of Charles Ray and Lucille (Barrett) Lynch.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie Lynch; his parents and two sisters Barbara and Linda.

Survivors include his wife Glenda Lynch; five children: Kevin Lynch and wife Toni of Goshen, Ark., Mistie Stafford and husband David of Springdale, Ark., Kirstie Lynch and husband Earnie of Westville, Okla., Chris Patterson and wife Dawn and James Patterson and wife Jennifer all of Prairie Grove, Ark.; two sisters Sharon Ulrich and Theresa Gregory both of Gateway, Ark.; eighteen grandchildren Kaylee, Stormie, Dallas, Maddy, Jagger, Ryatt, Clay, Bradyn, Logan, Marcus, Camden, Miles, Taylor, Kylee, Abel, Emily, Lauren and husband Shane and Austin and wife Brenda; two great-grandchildren Aiden and Emerie and one on the way Elias.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, 5-7 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Ark. Burial will be in the Friendship Cemetery in Springdale, Ark. Online guest book, www. luginbuel.com.

SPRINGDALE — Bob Gene Donohew, 83, of Springdale, and lifetime area resident, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Visitation will begin at noon followed by a funeral at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Thornsberry Cemetery. Online obituary and guestbook at www.heritageofnwa.com.

SPRINGDALE — Hazel Marie Werda went to be with her Lord, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, in Springdale. She was born July 7, 1948, in Huntsville, Ark., the daughter of Louis Burks and Goldie Parker Burks.

She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and was preceded in death by two sons, Terry and Gary Smith and sister Mary Ann Burks Foshee.

Survivors include her husband of 20 years, Raymond Werda of the home; sisters Wanda Tolbert of Cassville, Mo., Janice Milner of Springdale; brother Loy Burks of Springdale; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at the chapel of Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale. Burial will follow in Fayetteville National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Memorial Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.memorialfhspringdale.com

TONTITOWN — Marlene Louise Piazza, 70, of Tontitown passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. She was born Sept. 1, 1948, in Springdale to Premo and Rose Brunetti Franco.

Marlene worked for Jones Truck Lines in accounting. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was a devoted wife, amazing mom and loving Nonna who enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids. When she wasn’t spending time with her family, she enjoyed cooking, arts and crafts, and scrapbooking.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph Piazza of the home; son Travis Piazza and wife Brandy of Tontitown; daughter Sonya Stamps and husband Brad of Fayetteville; brother Raymond Franco and wife Pauline of Tontitown; sister Carmelita Newquist and husband Larry of Broken Arrow, Okla.; five grandchildren, Jarrett Adams and fiancee Baylee, Joey Adams, Marley Kimbel and husband Caleb, Spencer Stamps, Gino Piazza and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown with Father John Connell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will begin Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com