BENTONVILLE — Catherine Anne Arkins,

78, of Bentonville, Ark., surrounded by her family and friends crossed over and stepped into glory with Jesus on January 25, 2023. She was born on September 11, 1944, to Lt. Colonel Charles and Catherine Wuest in San Antonio, Texas.

Known lovingly as Anne, her presence lit up every room. Always an encourager, she had a unique gift of recognizing and affirming the dignity of others. Anne held a sweet, humble, and generous spirit. Her gracious smile and love for others made everyone she met feel known. She was a tireless encourager.

Anne, secure in a rooted faith, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She was an accomplished author and songwriter. Along with her husband, Jim, they were members of the Family Life Marriage speaking team and a founding family of Fellowship Bible Church NWA. Anne loved serving as a Bible study teacher, mentor to young moms, and a Buddy in Fellowship Bible Church’s Special Needs and Disability Ministry.

Her grandchildren call her Baba and describe her as the sweetest person to walk the planet, quiet, humble, kind, the best hide-and-seek partner, she loved the outdoors and her puppies Gigi and Baxter. She did everything behind the scenes without ever seeking recognition. She always made you feel loved, safe and special. We love you Baba!

As the daughter of an active-duty Army Officer, Anne learned the value of community and selfless service from an early age. She also developed a lifelong appreciation for other cultures as a result of their family being stationed overseas in both Germany and Japan.

She graduated from Fayetteville High School and then the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in Library Science. Anne loved her horses, precious sheep, and puppies.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Charles and Catherine Wuest.

Anne is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. James H. Arkins; children, Erin Whiteley, Matthew Arkins, Corrie Rusch (husband Mike), and Joshua Arkins ( wife Jennifer); 12 grandchildren, Orion Edens (wife Michelle), Tyler Whiteley, Ryan Whiteley, Isabella Arkins, Cate Whiteley, Connor

Whiteley, Wells Arkins, John Michael Rusch, Will Rusch, Conley Rusch, Melly Arkins, Sosi Rusch; great- granddaughter, Isabella Smith; Sister, Carol Couch (husband Lonnie); Brother, Charles “Skip” Wuest (wife Linda).

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m., on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Fellowship Bible Church Bentonville (1611 McCollum Dr, Bentonville, Ark.).

The expanded story of Anne’s incredible life will be shared at her Celebration of Life Memorial Service and is available at AnneArkins.com.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com