Robin R. Piper

Robin Ruth Piper was unexpectedly called home on Feb. 18, 2023, at the age of 65. Her loss was sudden, and the family is shocked and deeply saddened.

She was born to Ruthell and Charles Laymon Fendley on Sept. 20, 1957, in Arkadelphia, Ark. As a child, she excelled in school and graduated top of her class from Bismarck High School.

Robin married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Piper. Full of love and joy, they eloped on Dec. 30, 1977, in Selma, Ala., and they went on to have one child, Brendon, in 1984.

She went on to attend Henderson State University. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in English with a minor in Library Science.

Robin was an accomplished educator in the Bismarck School District as a high school librarian for over 15 years. She was a woman of deep faith who also carried a passion for writing. Robin’s love for writing led to years of research and dedication to seven unfinished novels and to the self-publication of “The Bismarck Project.”

She adored her granddaughter, Kylie, and loved her to the moon and back. Robin was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

Robin joins her mother, Ruthell, in Heaven. She is survived by her father, Charles Laymon Fendley; her husband of 44 years, Raymond Piper; her son, Brendon Piper (Kristin); her granddaughter, Kylie Piper; her brothers, Mike Fendley and Mitch Fendley (Amy) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, Ark.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home with Shirley Chancellor officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Hickory Grove Road, Bismarck, Ark.

Pallbearers will be Len Nelson, Roger Garner, Ronnie Piper, Darryl Fendley, Dennis Fendley and Kevin Fendley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Ford and Brandon Williams.

Because of Robin’s love for literature and learning, those who wish to remember Robin in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Bismarck Library Friends, P.O. Box 415, Bismarck, AR 71929.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923.