Mary E. Humphreys

Mary Ellen Humphreys, 96, of Hot Springs, died Nov. 23,

2018. She was born in Argenta, Ark., on April 13, 1922, as the only daughter of Maurice and Jennie Wren. Her husband of

65 years, Gene Humphreys, of Hot Springs, and one grandson, James Paul Humphreys, of Memphis, Tenn., predeceased Mary Ellen.

Mary Ellen was a member of First United Methodist Church for 78 years, where she was an active member, teaching Sunday school and helping with the youth. She was a member of the Helen Wilson Circle.

Mary Ellen graduated from Lakeside High School, class of

1940. She was a member of the All-County Basketball team. Her love for basketball continued throughout her life, as she loved watching the Arkansas Basketball Razorbacks. She married the love of her life, Gene, and they had four sons and a daughter. Mary Ellen was her children’s greatest cheerleader. She was very active in the Lakeside PTA and was the first Den Mother for Lakeside’s first Boy Scout Troop, Pack 10. Her cheerleading didn’t stop with her children, but continued with her 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She knew something about each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and valued them as independent young people.

Mary Ellen worked as the bookkeeper for Humphreys’ Dairy until she retired. She could then be found on her front porch visiting with family and friends. She was an amazing cook and was most famous for her chocolate chip cookies. She loved celebrations and always made sure each person at family events felt valued and welcome.

She is survived by her children, Harris Humphreys (Sharon), Paul Humphreys (Emily), Jimmy Humphreys, (Doris), Tommy Humphreys (Julie) and Marilyn Bates (Moman), all of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Harold Cunningham (Christy), Susan Spicher (Forrest), Bryan Humphreys, (Jonathan), Bret Humphreys (Angela), Shane Humphreys, (Amy), Adam Humphreys, Amy Humphreys, Ellie Malone (Patrick), Jason Smith (Jacob), Abe Smith (Amy) and Jennie Lyn Morris. She has 14 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Mary Ellen’s grandsons, Harold Cunningham, Bryan Humphreys, Bret Humphreys, Shane Humphreys, Adam Humphreys, Jason Smith and Abe Smith, and grandson-in-law Patrick Malone.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Mary’s service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery.

Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.