Obituaries
William Ashcroft
William “Willie” Ashcroft, 94, of Hot Springs, passed on Jan. 1, 2018.
A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday at Oaklawn United Methodist Church with funeral service to immediately follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Online obituary and guestbook are available at http:// www.grossfuneralhome.com. Lynus H. Baldwin
Lynus H. Baldwin, 80, of Hot Springs, was peacefully received into the arms of his Savior on a truly blessed Christmas day.
In his younger years, Lynus was a champion steer wrestler, where he was always able to outwit or out maneuver that which seemed bigger and stronger.
Lynus remained a cowboy and was a longtime presence at Oaklawn and many other racetracks throughout the country. A blacksmith and horseshoer by trade; he shared the teachings of Christ and his example of faith led many to the Lord.
Lynus counted his family as his biggest blessing. His wife of 60 years, Ruth Frost Baldwin; daughters, Valerie Phillips, Linda Evensen and Annette Baldwin; honorary son, Donnie Matthews; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Rosie Ross and Cyrell Baldwin (Aimie); nieces, nephews and friends, too numerous to name, will all miss his adventurous spirit, humorous stories and gritty wisdom.
Lynus was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Mark and Gladys Baldwin, and sister, Pat Baldwin Merrick.
A celebration of Lynus’ life will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 4, at Gross Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to Oaklawn Park Chaplaincy, c/o Rich Huffington, The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901; or to other charities which fund Alzheimer’s research and care.
Online guestbook and tributes are available at http:// www.grossfuneralhome.com.
Polly A.B. Bales
Polly Ann Bland Bales, 88, of Hot Springs, died on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017.
Services are 2:30 p.m. today in Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs, with the Rev. Mike Smith officiating.
Visitation is 1:30 p.m. today, until service time.
Interment will be in Lowe Cemetery.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Michael E. Brady
Michael E. Brady, 80, of Hot Springs, passed away on Jan. 1, 2018.
A visitation will be held in the chapel of Gross Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Friday, with a memorial service starting at 11 a.m.
Guests may register at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com. Frank R. Button Jr.
Frank Rodman (Zip) Button Jr., died on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs.
He was born in Denver, Colo., on April 24, 1952, and moved as a child to Hot Springs. He was a graduate of Lakeside High School in Hot Springs and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jane Muller Button, and his brother, John Button. Zip was a passionate golfer in his healthier years and loved a rousing card game with friends. He was happiest when spending time with his son Evan or telling others about him.
Zip is survived by his son, Evan Button, of Tahlequah, Okla.; brothers, Robert Button, of Hot Springs, David Button and wife, Jean, of Fayetteville; and sister, Sally Button Pierce and husband, Randall, of Hot Springs; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Ark.
An online guestbook is available at http://www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
Sondra D. Clegg
MALVERN — Sondra Clegg, age 53, of Malvern, formerly of Prattsville, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Eddie Clegg and Willie Dale Hall. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Dewana “Dee Dee” Clegg-Clayton.
Sondra was a graduate of Prattsville High School Class of 1982. She worked for Kohler Inc. for many years until her retirement. Sondra was a former member of Davis Creek Baptist Church and was presently a member of Calvary Church of God in Christ.
Survivors include her siblings, Tyrone Clegg, of Searcy, Sandy (Calvin) Ladd, of Prattsville, and Denna (Anthony) Newton, of Bryant; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and sisters and brothers-in-love.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Calvary Church of God in Christ with Bishop Robert G. Rudolph Jr. officiating and Pastor Tyrone Clegg will deliver the eulogy. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until service time. Private burial will be held in Pearla Cemetery.
Guest registry is at http:// www.carriganmemorial.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services. Gloria K.E. Goggans
SPRINGDALE — Gloria Kay England Goggans, of Springdale, passed away on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the age of 73. She was born on Aug. 21, 1944, in Pine Bluff, Ark., to Wallace Edward and Opal Arlene (Woodell) England. She was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Bill and Don England.
Kay was a member of Springdale First United Methodist Church, and former member of Lakeside Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, where she was in the hand bell choir. She graduated from Rison High School in 1962 then attended the University of Arkansas Monticello (formally Arkansas A&M), where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha.
After graduation, she worked as a school teacher in Watson Chapel School District until 2001. While in Pine Bluff, she was an active member of a teaching sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa. Upon moving to northwest Arkansas, Kay tutored many children and also taught ESL (English as a Second Language) at Asbell Elementary.
Kay was a determined and conscientious teacher. Her biggest concern while teaching were those students who found it difficult to read. This concern resulted in Kay attending the Texas Scottish Rite Dyslexia Training Program in Dallas, Texas. Because of this specialized training, many children in Watson Chapel and NWA became successful readers. In Kay’s entire career, teaching a child to read was the most rewarding.
Kay loved life. Her family and friends were her world. Kay enjoyed watching her granddaughter, Chaney, ride and compete in hunter jumper competitions around northwest Arkansas. She loved to read and she traveled to Europe and China in recent years.
Kay is survived by her son, Greg Goggans and his wife Linda, and granddaughter, Chaney Goggans, of Fayetteville; sister, Joyce Reed and husband, Aubrey, of Rison, Ark.; niece, Kerri Marx, of El Dorado, Ark., and her daughters, Aubrey and Sydney Marx.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Highlands Oncology for their kindness and support of Kay.
A celebration of Kay’s life will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at First United Methodist Church in Springdale. Rev. David Jones officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset Ave., Springdale, AR 72762. Or to “Angels Among Us,” in care of First National Bank, 2638 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703.
Arrangements were by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.
Condolences may be given online at http://www.nelsonberna.com. Willie L. Hamilton
Willie “Bill” Lee Hamilton, 74, of Hot Springs, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017.
He was an honorary member of the VFW in Hot Springs;
32nd Degree Master Mason, Minot, N.D., No. 133 lodge; U.S. retired Air Force master sergeant security police.
He laid flooring for over
30 years. He had many hard jobs in his life, but Dad, Grandpa and uncle were the hardest.
Predeceased by his parents, Frank (Lillie Bird) Hamilton; wife, Icle Hamilton; siblings, R.V. Hamilton, Rual Hamilton, Doris Smith, Harrell and Carroll Hamilton.
Survivors include daughter, Melinda (Terry) Massey; son, Chris (Wyndy) Hamilton, Tony Breshears and many others he called son and daughter. Brothers and sister, Lee (Shirley) Hamilton, Monroe (Aleene) Hamilton, Roy (Linda) Hamilton, June (Gary) Miller, Skeet Hunt; sister-in-law, Bonnie Hamilton; grandchildren, Sarah (Zack) Kelley, Aaron (Phylicia) Hamilton, Andrew (Delana) Hamilton, Destinee Hamilton, Christian Hamilton; great-grandchildren; Cecy Hamilton, Cassie Hamilton, Tyler Hamilton, Skyler Hamilton, Brayden Love, Wallie Kelley; and lots of nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6,
2018, at the VFW, with some of his favorite food being served.
The family will be at his house after the memorial service.
Arrangements are with Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.
Amber L.M. Nash
Amber Lynn Martineau Nash, 37, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 30, 2017. She was born in Manchester, N.H.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help her four children through this unexpected tragedy. You can donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/mathus-children-in-need.
Online condolences http:// www.caruth-hale.com.
Melvin L. Mitchell
Melvin LeRoy Mitchell, 85, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017.
He was born May 29, 1932, in La Habra, Calif.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. Friday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, with service following at 3 p.m. with Dr. Chuck DeVane officiating.
Guests register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.
Barbara L.N. Shuffield
BISMARCK — Barbara Lee Nichols Shuffield, of Bismarck, Ark., daughter of Janice and Robert Nichols, was born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 28, 1935, and went peacefully and joyfully to be with her savior on Dec. 31, 2017, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Salute to the loving care of Genesis Cancer Center and Arkansas Hospice.
She was preceded in death by her son, Mark N. Clark, of Puerto Rico.
Survivors are her beloved husband, Glen D. Shuffield; son, James Michael Clark, of Bismarck; and daughter, Patti Clark Van Tassel (Ted), of Bryant. Also, four grandsons, John David Crews, of Bryant, Joshua M. Clark, Jacob J. Clark and Jesse E. Clark, of Bismarck; nephew, Dale T. Pollard, of Tucson Ariz.; and three sisters-in law, Gale Crab, Ginger Clark and Gwen Bray.
Barbara loved her family deeply and especially enjoyed her grandsons. She retired from Curt Bean Lumber Company as office manager. She attended New Beginnings Outreach Church at Point Cedar where she was co-director of Hope Outreach Food Pantry and loved her church family.
Barbara had a witty sense of humor, as her bingo club could attest. She was very disappointed she never got on “Wheel of Fortune.”
Memorial will be at New Beginnings Outreach Church on Shouse Ford Road at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7.
In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be made to Hope Outreach Food Pantry, P.O. Box 426, Bismarck AR 71929.
John C. Van Berg
John “Jack” Charles Van Berg, 81, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Dec. 27, 2017, at Baptist Health Medical Center after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born June 7, 1936, in Columbus, Neb., to Marion H. and Viola Van Berg.
Van Berg followed in his father’s footsteps and obtained his trainer’s license at the age of 15. His list of accomplishments is endless — leading trainer at AkSar-Ben Racetrack for 19 consecutive years, set a record for the most wins in a single year with 496, and stands fourth on the all-time list of thoroughbred trainers by wins according to Equibase.
One of the first horses that put Van Berg on the national scene was 1984 Preakness winner, Gate Dancer. He earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer in 1984 and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame the following year.
He was the first trainer in the industry to saddle 5,000 career wins — achieving that feat in 1987. That same year, he saddled Alysheba to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Alysheba would also win the Breeders’ Cup Classic the following year, would earn three Eclipse Awards and was inducted alongside his trainer in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Van Berg mentored numerous successful horsemen during his career: Joe Petalino, Billy Gowan, Kellyn Gorder, Wayne Catalano, Frankie Brothers and Hall of Famer Bill Mott.
Van Berg’s life was the subject of the book “Jack — From Grit to Glory. A Lifetime of Mentoring, Dedication and Perseverance. The True Story of Jack Van Berg, An American Horse Racing Legend” authored by Chris Kotulak. Nick Nolte’s character, William Smith, in the HBO series “Luck,” was based on Jack Van Berg. Nolte spent approximately seven months with Van Berg to learn his quirks and mannerisms to get into character.
Van Berg was known for his tough “John Wayne” no-nonsense exterior, but was a kind, gentle soul at heart with a true love and compassion for animals. He never met a stranger and was known for taking time to share stories of his tales and experience.
He is predeceased by his parents, Marion and Viola Van Berg; partner, Liza G. Fly, son, Tim Van Berg; and siblings, Elwin “Bud” Van Berg, Eleanor Loshbaugh, Helen Smith, Betty Scholz, Wilma Marquardt, Alyce Cummings and Jean Chase.
He is survived by sister, Virginia Smith, of Columbus, Neb.; daughters, Traci (Rich) Hoops, of Boulder, Colo., Tami (Rick) Hoegerl, of Denver, Colo., Tori Van Berg, of Owensboro, Ky.; son, Tom (Angi) Van Berg, of Louisville, Ky.; daughter-inlaw, Sandy Van Berg, of Mesa, Ariz.; ex-wife and friend, Helen Van Berg, of Hot Springs, Ark.; stepson, Billy Fieselman, of Hot Springs, Ark.; stepdaughter, Tonya Hass, of Little Rock, Ark.; granddaughters, Brooke Watson-Turley, Brittany Tarkington, Lexi Hoops, Payton Hoops, McCall Hoops, Remi Hoops; grandsons, Dustin Hoegerl, Chaz Hoegerl, T.J. Van Berg, Tanner Van Berg, Tyler Van Berg; great-grandchildren, Ashtyn Watson, Layne Turley, Paizlee Turley; and stepgrandson, Daniel Fieselman, of Louisville, Ky. He also leaves behind longtime assistant Sammy Almarez, ranch manager Arnold Almarez; dedicated owners, legions of adoring racing fans, countless friends and three beloved rescue dogs, Buster, Emmy Lou and Rosebud.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 8, at CaruthHale Funeral Home chapel.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at Horner Hall in Hot Springs Convention Center. At Jack’s request, please come dressed in your favorite jeans and cowboy boots, aka “Cowboy casual.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Garland County or the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Jack was passionate about WHOA (Water Hay Oats Alliance), http://www.waterhayoatsalliance.com.. He wanted to encourage everyone to support the cause for clean racing to protect our horses, the breed, the jockeys and our future.
Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.
Donald L. Walker
Donald Lee Walker, 67, of Hot Springs, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2017.
Donald was born to the late Geneva Walker. He worked as a printer in Tulsa and in Dallas. A skilled handyman who had “more tools than Lowe’s,” Donald could fix anything — and sometimes he had to when he finished.
Donald was predeceased by his brother, Robert Terry Walker, and by his best dog and friend, Lonesome.
Donald will be missed by his children, Robert Todd Walker and Christy (Sean) McCreight; his grandchildren, Oscar Morton, Anna McCreight and Caroline McCreight; his sisters, Ernestine Roper and Brenda K. Walker; and by his brother, Charles R. Walker.
A visitation will be held at Gross Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018.
Online guestbook and tributes are available at http://www. grossfuneralhome.com.
Lorene H. Whittle
Lorene Hancock Whittle, age 82, of Hot Springs, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at her home. She was born Oct. 1, 1935, to the late Calvin Hancock and Alphia Herrin Hickman.
She was preceded in death by a son, Alan Fry; two grandsons, Billy Pettigrew and Adam Wilstead; three brothers, Doyle, Dayton and Harold Hancock.
Survivors are three daughters, Donna Pettigrew (Bill), Karen Fry and Brenda Allison; two sisters, Linda Ursery (Buddy) and Faye Chapmond (Charles); six grandchildren, Angela Rodgers (David), Courtney Pettigrew, Andrea Wilstead, Tyreese Robinson, Taylor Allison and Chase Allison; five great-grandchildren, Billy Ortiz, Brandon Pettigrew, Addison Szewczyk, Carter Goodwin and Natalia Young.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Oak Bower Church, near Bismarck, with Bernard Strother officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Bower Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.
Memorials may be made to your local humane society or animal shelter.
Online tribute page is available at http://www.ruggleswilcox.com.
Michael J. Young
Funeral Mass for Michael Joseph Young, M.D., who passed away Dec. 29, 2017, will be 10 a.m. today at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church. Family visitation will follow the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church.
Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.