OBITUARIES

2023-07-30 -

Sunday Nicole M. Bowen

Nicole (Nichole) Marie Bowen, 35, of Hot Springs, Ark., departed this life on Monday, July 24, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family in her last moments. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs for their skilled care, especially over the last week.

She was born March 23, 1988, in Visalia, Calif., to James “Jimbo” Bowen and Gayleen Faulkner Baxter. Early in childhood, her family (parents, three siblings, aunt, uncle and two cousins) moved to Arkansas to join her father’s side of the family. She grew up like most ’90s babies: hanging out with friends and cousins at each other’s houses until bedtime. Her family later moved to Malvern, Ark., where she attended Malvern High School and had her first two sons, Tyler and Jacob.

Nicole was as full of life as the sunflowers she loved. She was rarely alone, preferring the company of family and friends. She played softball on a team with her dad and sister.

Nicole was preceded in death by her grandfather, Preston Bowen, grandmother, Susie Faulkner, and aunt, Joann Vandyke.

She is survived by her parents; partner, Johnathan Werst; children, Tyler, Jacob, Brayden and Annabella; sister, Katelyn Ciera (Cody Chavez) Bowen; brothers, Kevin and Zachary; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial will be held Sept. 2 at Grace Apostolic Church in Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Nichole’s Grace on Gofundme, to support the family with medical expenses and memorial planning.

Terry A. Dunson

LANGLEY — Terry A. Dunson, age 76, of Langley, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at Langley Hall Church, with Brother Scott Vaughn officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home chapel.

Interment will be in Langley Hall Cemetery.

Guest registry is at http://www.smithfamilycares.com.

Larry Shanks

Larry Shanks, age 78, of Hot Springs, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Funeral services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs.

Interment in the Caney Valley Cemetery, Kirby.

Visitation: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service.

Guest registry is at http://www.smithfamilycares.com.

Saturday Roy G. Horne

JESSIEVILLE — Roy Gene Horne, 73, of Jessieville, passed away July 27, 2023.

A memorial service in his honor will be 3 p.m. Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Jessieville First Baptist Church.

Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.

Janice L. Morrison

Janice L. Morrison was born in Pasadena, Calif., on Sept. 14, 1941, to Lester Gross and Alva Gross. In her later years, she humorously shared the title and zeal for driving with the “little old lady from Pasadena” from the 1964 hit song. Janice passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 81 after a lingering illness. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by family, reverence and love.

She is survived by her husband, Henry P. Browder, and five children: Gail Zona, Carol Browder, Allen (and Cathey) Morrison, Charlotte Shopmeyer and Ryan (and Joan) Morrison. Janice was the proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren: Megan Campbell, Johnathan Morrison, Paul Morrison, Jacob (Jake) Morrison, Victoria (Tory) Meisling, Catherine (Katie) Semmler, Rachel Brown, Ethan Shopmeyer, Amelia (Molly) Waidhofer, Mark Morrison, Chloe Shopmeyer, Ian Morrison and Hannah Shopmeyer. Janice was also the great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren: Dani Morrison, Thomas Semmler, Knox Morrison, Rory Morrison and Chloe Morrison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Lester Cammack, and her brothers — Larry Gross and David Gross.

Despite an injury that thwarted her first attempt to become a nurse, Janice returned to the classroom years later to earn multiple nursing degrees with the support of her growing family. She completed her associate degree and then taught nursing skills while earning her bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree.

After graduating from the University of Evansville with an M.S. in nursing in 1983, Janice had an esteemed 30-year-long career in healthcare. She joined the pharmaceutical industry in medical research, helping to improve the quality of life for generations to come. After she retired, Janice focused on working in Hospice, demonstrating her amazing compassion and dedication to caring for others. She was especially concerned about veterans, helping to develop a nationally recognized program, Vet-to-vet, to help homeless and rural veterans learn about endof-life benefits.

Janice enjoyed sharing her many interests with her family. She loved the outdoors, swimming, boating, traveling, reading, music and learning all about computers. Her compassion was evident in the new friendships she frequently formed and the unhesitating way she responded to others in need.

Her remains will be cremated and interred with those of her husband upon his death. A memorial will be held on Aug. 6 at the Village at Woodlands Waterway, 4th floor Living Room. Her family will receive visitors beginning at 2 p.m. and welcome those who would like to share their stories, fondest memories and honor Janice L Morrison’s extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janice’s name to your local not-for-profit hospice.

Erika W.P. Phelps

Erika Wilhelmine (Pirsch) Phelps

Born Nov. 6, 1929, in Heidelberg, Germany.

Died July 25, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark., at age 93.

Erika grew up in Heidelberg, Germany, during World War II. She was 16 when the war ended. In her 20s, she went to England and worked as a maid in a bed and breakfast. She was standing on the streets of London in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth was coronated.

In 1961, Erika had her first child, Robert Pirsch, in Heidelberg, Germany. Sadly, Robert passed away in 2019.

In 1966, Erika married Raymond Phelps in Heidelberg, Germany. They met at the U.S. Army base in Heidelberg, where Erika worked for the Judge Advocate Division as a translator and received numerous commendations and was highly respected for her work.

They moved to Georgia soon after and in 1967, Erika had her second child, Thomas Phelps, in Fort Benning, Ga.

Erika lived in Hot Springs, Ark., for the last 50 years. She played a key leadership role in establishing the Oktoberfest in Hot Springs in the 1980s, which drew thousands of people from Arkansas and the surrounding states for many years. When Erika was in her 50s and 60s, many people in Hot Springs knew her name — the mayor, the Chamber of Commerce, most of the European expats, etc.

In her later years she enjoyed leading groups called “The Silver Foxes” and “The Dancing Ambassadors” who entertained at nursing homes and retirement communities. The other members of the Silver Foxes affectionately called Erika “the drill sergeant” because she kept everybody focused and expected excellence.

Erika lived a full and interesting life focused on honor, duty and community service. The world needs more people like her.

Her ashes will be buried at Little Rock National (VA) Cemetery beside her husband, Raymond.

Erika is survived by: Sister, Lieselotte (Lilo) Rinklin, and nephew, Rolf Rinklin of Mannheim, Germany.

Son, Thomas Phelps, daughter-in-law, Kathy Phelps, and grandchildren, Matthew and Christine Phelps.

Daughter-in-law, Stacey Pirsch, and grandchildren, Jordan and David Pirsch.

Erika was preceded in death by:

Husband, Raymond Phelps. Son, Robert Pirsch. Parents, Melanie and Hendrik Pirsch.

Melvin L. Simpson

MOUNT IDA — Melvin Lee Simpson, 77, of Mount Ida, Ark., passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Hot Springs, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 15, 1946, in Mount Ida, to the late William R. and Zelma (Featherston) Simpson. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, a sister, Debbie Cunningham, and a brother-in-law, Delano Sanders.

Melvin is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Margaret Etter Simpson; daughters, Nan Wilson and husband Jeff and Sally Rupert and husband Shon; grandchildren, Whitney Wilson and fiancé Chris, T.J. Wilson and wife Jessi, Katie Rupert, and Will Rupert; great-grandson, Jett Wilson; siblings, Billie Sue Sanders, Tommy Simpson and wife Lois, Jean Bonady and husband Dick; many nieces and nephews, along with a host of other family and friends.

Born at home, Melvin grew up in Mount Ida, Ark. He attended Mount Ida Schools and then Henderson State College. There he majored in business, joined ROTC, earned a track scholarship and worked in the student union. Henderson is also where he met the love of his life, Margaret Etter. He made many attempts to convince her to go out on a date with him, but he was finally successful by stealing her student ID and promising to return it only if he could buy her a Coke. Upon graduation from Henderson, Melvin completed training and subsequently served in the Vietnam War, where he was a Huey helicopter pilot. At the completion of his tour of duty, Melvin returned to Arkansas and married Margaret in the Presbyterian Church in her hometown of Washington. Their marriage brought many joyous years together raising Nan and Sally.

After being discharged from the Army, Melvin spent a few years working for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance and Tristate Motor Freight. Wanting to return to Arkansas, he began his banking career as a bank examiner with the FDIC. In 1977, the family moved back to his hometown of Mount Ida, where Melvin enjoyed a long career at the Bank of Montgomery County until his retirement in 2005.

Melvin had many interests and hobbies. One was riding his BMW motorcycle. To celebrate his retirement from banking, he and many great friends struck out on a motorcycle trip to Mexico, riding all the way to the Yucatán Peninsula and back. Riding his bike brought him much joy, and he saw all four corners of the U.S., including Alaska, on that BMW motorcycle.

An avid outdoorsman all his life, Melvin loved hunting for white tail deer and turkeys in the Ouachita National Forest and made many trips elsewhere to hunt antelope, elk, mule deer, bear and moose. He also enjoyed many hours hunting squirrels near his home with his dog Sam. He loved hunting best when he was accompanied by his sonsin-law, grandsons, nephews and friends. He and Margaret also embarked upon a South African safari in recent years.

Melvin was known to be an excellent marksman and always loved shooting and reloading his own ammo. He spent much time at the range with his friends from the Ouachita Sportsman Association. Throughout his life, he competed in turkey shoots and skeet, trap, and center fire rifle competitions.

Melvin, a member of Mount Ida United Methodist Church, was cherished and loved by his family and friends. We find comfort in knowing we will see him again.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 31, at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Mount Ida United Methodist Church, with Brother Fred Hunter and Brother Paul Coy officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff Wilson, Shon Rupert, T.J. Wilson, Will Rupert, Phillip Sanders and Scott Sanders.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thornton Funeral Service in Mount Ida. Guest register at htp://www.thorntonfh.com.

Amelia E. Wacaster

Amelia Edna Wacaster, born on July 19, 1932, to Irvin and Ruby Keller, passed away on July 27, 2023, at the age of 91.

She is predeceased by her husband, Lloyd Wacaster, her parents, one brother, Bill Keller, and daughter-in-law, Donna Wacaster.

She is survived by one daughter, Nancy Harter, and two sons, Larry Wacaster and Ron Wacaster (Diane); grandchildren, Anthony Harter, Kim (Clark) Kinzler, Misty (Kevin) Hood, Chris (Dana) Langley, Shane (Angie) Langley, Samantha (Kade) Gurley, Samantha (Thomas) Mcclard, Kim (Max) Hays; and many great-grandchildren.

She was lovingly referred to as “Meme” by all the grandchildren and children that she kept over the years.

She was a faithful Christian and lifelong member of Park Place Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, cooked dinner for Wednesday night suppers and worked wherever she was needed.

The family requests memorials to be sent to Park Place Baptist Church.

A celebration of Amelia’s life will be at 10 a.m. today, July 29, at Caruth-hale Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Green Cemetery in Jessieville, Ark.

Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.

Friday Clifford E. Mcneely

Clifford Earl Mcneely, age 76, of Royal, Ark., passed away on July 25, 2023.

He was born on Sept. 18, 1946, to Earl and Gladys Hammond Mcneely.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 42 years, Carolyn Mcneely, and his brother, Aubrey Mcneely.

Clifford is survived by his children: Steven Mcneely and Michael (Amy) Mcneely, his granddaughter, Serenity Mcneely; as well as additional family members and many lifelong friends.

He loved to give to others. He was always the first to lift a hand for someone in need. Clifford attended New Home Baptist Church, where he faithfully served the Lord. He was a well-respected police officer for over two decades. He was the best Dad, Papa and friend. Clifford will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.

Service and arrangements are by Neal’s Rosewood Funerals & Cremations, 1715 E. Harding St., Morrilton, AR 72110; http://www.nealsrosewood.com.

Anita Landis

Anita Landis, 67, of Hot Springs, Ark., died on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.

Darius Lott

Darius Lott, 31, of Hot Springs, Ark., died on July 27, 2023, in Little Rock, Ark.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.

Kenny L. See

BONNERDALE — Kenny Lee See, age 59, of Bonnerdale, Ark., passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023.

He was born Sept. 18, 1964, at the Ouachita Memorial Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark. to Charles “Doc” and June (Tankersley) See.

Kenny is survived by his mother, June See; his daughters, Tosha (Christopher) Collie and Kacey (Matthew) Lucas; his grandchildren, Jaden, Taylor and Jacob Collie; his siblings, Jauan Owens, Dennis (Linda) See, Nick (Kristi) See; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doc See; and nephew, Keith Owens.

Kenny enjoyed all things outdoors — whether it was riding motorcycles, riding horses, squirrel and raccoon hunting, or just exploring and photographing nature. He loved spending time with all his family, winning at poker, and putting all his carpentry and mechanic skills to use. He was quick with a joke and always had a witty comeback for everyone and he will be truly missed.

Michael D. Stauder

Michael Don Stauder, 75, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023.

He was born March 4, 1948, in Hot Springs, to Louis Frank and Cecilla Lucille (Conrad) Stauder.

Michael is proceeded in death by his parents, wife, Janet Lea Stauder, brother, Richard Stauder, sister, Anetha “Dudy” Wright, and second mother, Dorothy Rose Turpen.

Michael attended Morning Star Church, playing his most prized possession, the mandolin, every Sunday. In addition to playing for the church, he taught Sunday school and even preached a few sermons. Motorcycles, adventures with his children and grandchildren, being outdoors, and spending time with second father, Ernest, was what he lived for.

Survivors include his sons, Whitney (Brandie) and Brad (Ashley) of Hot Springs; Ernest Turpen, Robyn Herrington; and grandchildren, Adam and Silas Stauder, and Chase and Clay Roland.

Celebration of life will be held at Morning Star Church during Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 13, 2023, with Nancy Scott officiating.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.

Louis C. Williams Jr.

Louis Calvin Williams Jr., 63, of Hot Springs, Ark., peacefully made his earthly transition on Monday, July 17, 2023.

He was born on Dec. 24, 1959, to Louis C. Williams Sr. and Arlene Williams.

Louis was preceded in death by his loving parents.

He attended Hot Springs High School before dedicating his service to the United States Army. After his military service, Louis worked in the convention center, where he contributed to various events and gatherings, leaving a positive impact on those he interacted with.

Louis will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his longtime companion, Irene Baker of Hot Springs, Ark. He also leaves behind his beloved brother, Preston Williams Sr.; his niece, Tasha Williams; his nephew, Preston Williams Jr.; his bonus children, Vera Word and Derrick Jackson of Hot Springs. Louis had a special place in his heart for his extended family, including nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends, all of whom were touched by his warmth and kindness.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today, July 28, 2023, at Carrigan Memorial Funeral Service, 336 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.

Thursday Helen M. Beard

MOUNTAIN PINE — Helen M. Beard, age 90, of Mountain Pine, died Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Hot Springs, Ark. She was born Dec. 23, 1932, in Howard, Kan., to Maudie Muriel and Lawrence Dow Beard.

Helen served in the U.S. Navy for four years as a radioman and cryptographer.

She worked as an airline stewardess for two years with Ozark Airlines, which was based in St. Louis, Mo. She then entered college and earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Florida State University. Helen was associate professor at California State University at Los Angeles and later co-owned a retail business in Upland, Calif. She worked for the State of Arkansas with the Department of Human Services serving as a case worker and then supervisor in Children and Family Services. Helen headed up the Adoptions and Substitute Care unit for the state of Arkansas in Little Rock, and subsequently returned to northwest Arkansas, where she became the Benton County administrator for the Department of Human Services.

Helen lived her life in the service of others. She will be remembered as resourceful, resolute, wise and generous. When she disagreed with you, she was neither abrasive nor belittling, but she also had a quick wit and could deliver a joke with a perfectly straight face. Above all, Helen was a good friend and a good person, whose contributions continue to be felt by many. She will be greatly missed.

She has resided in Kansas, Washington, Missouri, Oklahoma and California prior to making her home in Gentry, Ark., in 1978 and moving to Mountain Pine, Ark., in March 2007.

Helen was preceded in death by her mother, Muriel Hooker; father, Lawrence Beard; stepfather, Harmon Hooker; and brothers, James D. Brewer (Tiny) of Ritzville, Wash., and Joe E Brewer of Auburn, Wash.; and her nephew, Mark Brewer.

Survivors include her companion and best friend, Patricia Heacock of the home, and five nieces and nephews and their families, and many loving friends.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home of Hot Springs, Ark.

Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 610 E. Emma, Springdale, AR 72764, CHI St. Vincent Hospice - Pallative Unit, 300 Werner St., Hot Springs, AR 71913, and Arkansas Hot Spring Hospice, 508 Ouachita Ave., Suite A, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Guest registry is at http://www.smithfamilycares.com.

Nina L. Fields

Heaven gained a sweet caring angel today, July 24, 2023. Nina L. Fields was born April 26, 1935, in Hot Springs, to parents Charles and Ella Nolte Koppersmith. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1952.

She married on Dec. 4, 1952, and had six children from this marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter; Irena Mae Fields; son, Charles Fields; sister, Florance Loy; grandchildren, Joe Barentine, Shawn Fields, Christy Huff and Kelly Spradling.

She is survived by her sons, George Fields, Lee Fields, Roy (Cindy) Fields, all from Hot Springs, daughter, Maria Milam of Hot Springs, and sister, Wanda Stevens of Arkadelphia.

Nina worked at Lake Catherine Footwear for 40 years. She opened her home to numerous children/ friends without expecting anything in return.

She leaves behind 31 great-grandchildren, with three great-great-grandchildren on the way.

Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren Zack Ferrrell, Melodie Pinkston, Jon Smoke, Cherokee Fields, Russell Fields, Brandie Fields, Jason Fields, Mathew Fields, Jasmine Fields, Irena Huddleston, Warren Fields, Nikki Fields, all of Hot Springs, and Jeremy Fields of California.

The family will be at 138 Forest Bend Place. Instead of flowers, donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A very special thank you to Gentiva hospice, especially Cicole and Melissa.

There will be a memorial service held at Gross Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, with a private family burial to follow.

Guests may register at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday William Bucklew

William “Bill” Bucklew, 88, of Hot Springs, passed away July 11, 2023.

A Celebration of life will be Friday, July 28, at Lake Valley Community Church at 9 a.m. followed by Military honors at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Rock at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com.

Linda L.H. Childs

Linda Lea Holiman Childs, 77, passed peacefully on July 20, 2023.

Born June 1, 1946, in San Antonio, she was a cherished wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt and friend to a multitude. Loved ones passing before include her husband of 57 years, Al Childs; son, Shane Allin; parents, William Holiman and Jean Cain; and her sweet grandparents.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Shea, and her husband, Bill Solleder. Her granddaughters, Elizabeth Shane and Luna Mae, were a constant source of joy and pride for Linda. Rita Bates (Robert) and Julia Holiman are her surviving siblings, as well as the extensive Childs and Cain clans.

Linda’s charismatic personality will be remembered fondly, from her golf buddies to the throngs of loyal customers lining up at her mutuel window at Oaklawn racetrack for 40 years.

Services will be held at Hot Springs Funeral Home at 3 p.m. Aug. 6.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.

Richard C. Young

Dr. Richard “Dick” Charles Young, 76, of Texarkana, Ark., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 24, 2023, at his residence surrounded by family.

Dr. Young was born July 22, 1947, in Decatur, Ill. He was retired from Public Education system and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Beech Street First Baptist Church and Brinkley Lodge No. 295. He enjoyed playing a round of golf and going hunting and fishing. He had a passion for church security and being a member of the security team. Dr. Young was a model Christian man, always putting others before himself and leading by example. He was a fantastic husband, dad and grandpa. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marjorie Young, and two brothers, Chris Young and Steve Young.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Gail Young; son, Chad Young of Hot Springs, Ark.; four daughters and sons-in-law, Corie and Chance Hollingsworth of Little Rock, Ark., Jessica and Joey German of Little Rock, Ark.; Christina and Randall Brumfield of West Virginia, Mandy Marshall of Malvern, Ark.; 11 grandchildren, Cate Hollingsworth, Saer Hollingsworth, Rinn Hollingsworth, Tucker Young, Lucas German, Amelia Brumfield, Abigail Brumfield, Armandia King, Laney King, Lydia King, Nevaeh King, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, at Texarkana Funeral Home, Arkansas with Rev. Craig Jenkins officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 9 a.m. until service time.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Beech Street First Baptist Church or Enhabit Hospice.

Tuesday Donna R. Wirt-meeks

MALVERN — Donna Rae Wirt-meeks, 80, of Malvern, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 21, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and treasured friend to many. Donna was born in Little Rock on Aug. 18, 1942, and raised in North Little Rock.

Known for her joyful laugh and playful spirit, Donna kept her sense of humor until the end. She would often greet visitors who said they were glad to see her with a mischievous smile and say, “Aren’t you lucky?” Now, the loved ones who’ve passed before her are fortunate to have her in their presence. They include her father, Sedric M. Wirt (Frances); mother, Cordie Kelley Wirt; and brothers, Sedric Allen and Eddie Norris.

Donna is survived by her husband of 32 years, Gary Meeks of Malvern; daughter, Michelle Cain Rooney (Kevin); sons, Tim Mcminn (Lori) and Jimmy Mcminn (Stacey); children through marriage, Kristina Meeks Maness (Jerry), Gary Meeks Jr. and Jason Meeks (Liz); sister and best friend, Betty Reaves (Tommy); sisterin-law, Phyllis Wirt; grandchildren, Sam, Grace, Justin, Bailey, Hannah, Emma, Spence, Madison and Brannon; great-grandchildren, Barrett, Marlee and Emmett.

After retiring from the Conway Municipal Court, Donna dedicated her time to Garland County CASA, an organization that provides advocacy and support to children in the foster care system. She started as a volunteer advocate and was later asked to take on a paid position as a coordinator for the volunteer program. Donna had a heart for children and dedicated her post-retirement years to making a difference in their lives.

Donna was a faithful member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. As a devoted follower of Christ, she instilled lessons of kindness and empathy in her children and grandchildren through her quiet acts of service. During her children’s early years, she often assisted homebound church members with grocery shopping, involving her daughter and sons by encouraging them to carry in the groceries while she helped with tasks like dishes and laundry. Furthermore, her compassion extended to those beyond her immediate circle, as she warmly offered the family’s couch to neighborhood teens who were navigating troubles at home, providing them with safe haven.

Donna cherished family gatherings, cookouts, potlucks and the tradition of going to the cinema after Thanksgiving dinner. She had a love for chocolate-covered cherries, malted milk balls, hot fudge sundaes and chocolate shakes — she never met a chocolate she didn’t like. Above all, Donna adored being a Mimi to her grandchildren.

Her dedication to her family was evident in her travels, such as driving to Wisconsin with her trusty sidekick Betty in the middle of winter instead of taking a trip to Hawaii, just to celebrate oldest grandson Sam’s first birthday. (Her sister’s feet are still frozen.) Donna also made weekly trips from Malvern to Ward for four years to spend time with her youngest grandson, Brannon. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never missed an opportunity to spoil them, which is how grandson Sam got his first sword, and granddaughter Grace came home with pet hermit crabs, even though their parents had already told them no.

Donna’s infectious laugh, warm smile and the memories she created will forever remain in our hearts. Those who were blessed to know her truly were the lucky ones.

To honor Donna’s years of service and the essence of who she was, the family kindly requests donations in lieu of flowers to two charities dear to her. Beyond Boundaries in Ward (beyondboundariesar.org/) is a nonprofit equine-assisted therapy program for children and adults with special needs. Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children in Monticello (arkansasfamilies.org/campus-care-monticello) is a foster home that strives to keep siblings together and continues to provide a safe home while children transition to adulthood.

A service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 3 at Caruth-hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Family and friends are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring cherished memories of Donna to share with loved ones during the service.

Donna’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Elijah and the caregivers at Senior Comfort Living and Dierksen Hospice for their compassionate care in the final days leading up to her reunion with family in Heaven.

Online condolences at hhtp://www.caruth-hale.com.