Obituaries
DENNIS ABSALON
Dennis Absalon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on March 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and dear wife, Verna, of 63 years.
Dennis was born on Oct. 25, 1941, in Ord, Neb., to Stanley and Agnes Absalon. He grew up in Ord with three sisters, Marilyn, Joan and Jean, and graduated from Ord High School. After high school, Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Navy for three years. Following his military service, he spent all his working years in the grocery business, eventually owning and operating his own store for 40 years in Crawford, Neb. He was deeply committed to serving the community.
In addition to his successful career, Dennis was a devoted husband to Verna and a loving father to his six children, Paul, Denise, Bob, Melissa, Cari and Jolene. He also cherished time spent with his 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Over the years, he had a number of hobbies, including beekeeping, rabbit raising, fishing, geocaching, radio-controlled airplanes and helicopters, hiking and biking. Later in life, he found a love for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Dennis will be remembered for his dedication to the community, his positive impact on the many people in his life, and genuine interest in others. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication and kindness that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
CONNIE L. DONAHOU
PEARCY — Connie Louise Donahou, age 75, of Pearcy, Ark., passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024.
She was born on July 19, 1936.
The family will be having a private service in the future for immediate family only.
Fond memories and sympathy can be shared at http://www.Grossfuneralhome.com.
NANCY C. ELDER
Nancy Chlibec Elder, 83, entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
Born on Feb. 15, 1941, in Granite City, Ill., she was preceded in death by her loving husband, George N. Elder, and her parents. She was the beloved daughter of Mary and Edward Chlibec and sister to Marlene. After marrying her husband, George, she eventually relocated to Hot Springs, Ark., to begin a life of raising their children and becoming a country soul.
A creative soul, Nancy found joy in macrame, crocheting and oil painting. She was always experimenting with new recipes and loved hosting Elder family gatherings, where her warmth and hospitality shone brightest. Fond of sneaking snacks, baking cookies and singing around the house, Nancy was lovingly known as Memaw to her grandchildren.
Although she initially pursued a career in education, Nancy ultimately dedicated herself to her family as a devoted housewife and mother. Later, she joined Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she worked tirelessly until her retirement. Nancy’s passions included watching old western TV shows, enjoying the wisdom of Judge Judy, and listening to Elvis tunes while completing crosswords. She was a member of Grand Avenue Methodist Church and volunteered at the Outreach Thrift Store for many years. In her retirement, Nancy found solace in her favorite recliner, surrounded by books, crosswords and cherished conversations with friends. She adored spending time with her grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on each of their lives.
Nancy’s bright spirit, grace and beauty were matched only by her intelligence and insatiable curiosity. She was a trivia champion and a lifelong learner, always seeking to expand her knowledge. She is survived by her loving children: Jim (Mary) Elder, Matthew Elder, Laura (Steven) Allemand and Leah (Ben) Newton. Along with her grandchildren, George (Jennifer) Elder, Stephanie (Trae) Warner, Erica Rucker, Elyse (Jason) Flynn, Rachel Elder, Emily Diedrich, Jenna Allemand, Margot Elder; and six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Nancy’s legacy of love, laughter and warmth will forever be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024, with a celebration of life beginning at 10 a.m. in Gross Funeral Home chapel. A burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available at http://www.GrossFuneralHome.com.
PATRICIA D. GARNER
Patricia Denise Garner, 71, a lifelong resident of Hot Springs, passed away March 16, 2024.
Denise was born Oct. 30, 1952, to the late James and Jeannette Evans.
Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Billy Lee Garner. Her son, Dustin Bishop, his wife, Lori, and his children, Maya (Jacob) Ligon and Jake Bishop. A sister, Connie (Grant) Johnson; and bonus children, Laura (Marc) Tucker, Troy (Theresa) Garner, Kelly Garner and Cody (Pam) Garner. Grandchildren, Katherine (Tanner) Goulet, Colton Garner, Kyle (Jaci) Chenowith, Austin Garner, Grace Chenowith, Nicole Garner, Madison Mills; and great-grandchildren, Lakyn and Rhett Goulet. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Aundrea Bishop, and siblings, Marilu Sautner and Michael Shannon.
She graduated Lakeside High School and held her Arkansas State Insurance License. She worked in a variety of fields, including secretarial positions, chemical sales, risk management, insurance, banking customer relations and passport service.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, with visitations from noon till 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Hot Springs, Ark. Please see http://www.GrossFuneralHome.com to see the full obituary and to register.
KRISTI C. HEATON
Visitation for Kristi Carol Heaton, who passed away March 24, 2024, will be 5-7 p.m. today, March 27, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
A celebration of Kristi’s life will be 10 a.m. Thursday at CaruthHale Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ronnie Inman and Rev. Harry Bates officiating. Burial will follow at Morning Star Cemetery.
ADRIANNA HOWELL
Adrianna Howell, 20, of Hot Springs, passed away March 22, 2024.
Services are pending. Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.
DEBORAH D. JONES
Deborah Diane “Debbie” Jones, 56, of Hot Springs, Ark., tragically passed away March 21, 2024, in a car accident.
She was born Nov. 14, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Carl and Beverly Jones.
Debbie moved to Hot Springs in 2001, where she worked at Sears until the store closed (2019) and then went to work for National Park Medical Center.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her loving companion, Gary Dowling; sisters, Carla (Jesse), Annette (Tonia), Emily (Ken); and a daughter and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Caruth-Hale Life Celebration Center, 2529 Airport Road.
A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Pastor James Milam officiating.
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.
F.M. NICHOLS JR.
F.M. Nichols Jr., 82, of Hot Springs National Park, Ark., passed away March 25, 2024.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Monday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
A celebration of Junior’s life will be 11 a.m. Monday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.