Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972
Margaret Marie Kovara
Margaret Marie Kovara, 86, of Bentonville, Ark., formerly of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 6, 2006, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers, Ark. She was born Nov. 12, 1919, in Racine, Wis., to Louis Back and Christina Steffenson Back.
She and her husband moved to Bella Vista 21 years ago from Racine. She was an active member of the Bella Vista Community Church, the Bible Study Fellowship and the Christian Women’s Club. She volunteered for the Benton County (Ark.) Sunshine School for several years. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed needlepoint.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Back; and two grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Harvey S. Kovara; a son, Ron Kovara of Rogers, Ark.; a daughter, Linda Vallner of El Dorado Hills, Calif.; four grandchildren, Christine, Mark, Jason and Ryan; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Jan. 13 at the Bella Vista Community Church in Bella Vista, Ark., with the Rev. Richard Lindman.
Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Community Church, 75 E. Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72714.
Robison Cleta Robison
Robison Cleta Robison, 90, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 8, 2006, at Concordia Care Center in Bella Vista. She was born Feb. 2, 1915, in Tangier, Okla., to Fred W. Baker and Gladys Byers Baker. She taught English in the Texas and Oklahoma public school systems for many years before moving to Bella Vista in the late 1960s. She taught in various Benton County, Ark., schools for 10 years before retiring. She was a charter member of the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista. She was involved in many civic organizations and enjoyed traveling and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Robison, in 1976; and a twin sister, Fleta Terry. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Freya Robison of Dallas, Texas; and Janet Romer and Scott Romer of Santa Fe, N. M. Graveside funeral services were held Jan. 11, at the Bentonville Cemetery in Bentonville, Ark., with the Rev. Verle Shoemaker. Arrangements were by Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville. Gordon T. Will Gordon T. Will, 94, of Bella Vista Ark died Jan. 10, 2006, at the Concordia Care Center in Bella Vista. He was born Nov. 9, 1911, in Red Oak, Iowa, to Dr. Roy T. Will and Mary Houghton Will.
He marriage Ruth Seabloom in 1936. He served in the Pacific Theater in World War II after which he was a postal employee and supervisor for several years. An avid potter, mostly self-taught, he and his wife showcased his pottery and the works of other Iowa artists at Acorn Pottery, which they operated for a number of years prior to moving to Bella Vista. They lived in Red Oak until 1983, when they moved to Bella Vista. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Red Oak, and later the Bella Vista Community Church. He was a scout master for many years. He was also a Mason.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Will, in 2000.
Survivors include three sons, Jon Will of Bella Vista, Ark., Peter Will of Lebanon, Ill., and Jo Will of Salem, N. H.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
No services were planned.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory of Bella Vista.
Katharine Max Dane
Katharine Max Dane, 97, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Dec. 25, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers, Ark. She was born July 24, 1908, in Columbus, Ind., to Lucian Bernard Moreillon and Pansy Thompson Moreillon.
She had been a resident of Bella Vista since 1973. She was a schoolteacher for more than 40 years in public schools in Indiana.
Survivors include a stepson, Charles W. Dane of Corvallis, Ore.; a stepdaughter, Justine Sansone of Bloomington, Ind.; five step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.
Burial was in the Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Ind.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Bentonville, Ark.
Clara Elizabeth Daniel
Clara Elizabeth Daniel, 78, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Dec. 25, 2005. She was born Aug. 10, 1927, in Clinton, Okla., to Paul Russell Chapman and Nancy Elisabeth Beason Chapman. She moved to Bella Vista four years ago after living in Exeter, Mo., for many
where she was a member of the Church of God Holiness. She enjoyed sewing, needlework and quilting. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Joseph Skaggs and Gilbert Daniel; a brother, Alford Chapman; and two sons, Miles Edward Skaggs and David Lyn Daniel. Survivors include three sons, Paul Ray Daniel, and Kenneth J. Daniel, both of Bella Vista, and Alan Gilbert Daniel of Wheaton, Mo.; a daughter, Nancy Skaggs Coleman of Webb City, Mo.; a brother, James Chapman of Ft. Dodge, Kan.; a sister, Bonnie Chapman Stockton of Jenkins, Mo.; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Dec. 31 at the Callison-Lough Funeral Chapel. A committal service was held Dec. 31 at Concord Cemetery in Exeter, Mo. Funeral arrangements were under the directions of Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville. Thomas Earl
Mayfield Thomas Earl Mayfield, 85, of Rogers, Ark., died Dec. 27, 2005, at his home. He was born Oct. 19, 1920, in Hennessey, Okla., to Major Earl Mayfield and Greta Davis Mayfield.
He was a retired business owner and owned Tom and Jerry’s Shoe Store in Rogers. He was an Aerographer’s Mate First Class in the Navy, city commissioner and former mayor of Kingfisher, Okla., past commander of American Legion Post 5., officer of the Lions Club, former member of Rogers Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers, a former member of Knights of Columbus; Bella Vista POA golf committee, Prairie Creek Men’s Golf Association where he was past club champion and had accomplished the feat of four holes-in-one, past Parish Council of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and he had been presented the 25-year service award from the City of Rogers.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Mayfield; two sons, Thomas Earl Mayfield Jr. of Rogers, and Robert Alan Mayfield of Brooklyn, N. Y.; a daughter, Joyce Elaine Washam of Broken Arrow, Okla.; five grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Dec. 31 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church of Rogers with Monsignor Richard Oswald. Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers.
Raymond ‘Joe’ Tidwell
Raymond "Joe" Tidwell, 69, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Dec. 25, 2005, in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born Aug. 23, 1936, in Stigler, Okla., to Raymond Tidwell and Clara Cates Tidwell. He graduated from Stigler High School in 1955. He retired from Xerox Corporation and moved to Bella Vista in 1993.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Tidwell.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Betty Tidwell of Bella Vista; a son and daughter-in-law, Eddie Tidwell and Carol Tidwell of Skiatook, Okla.; his father, Raymond Tidwell of Stigler; a brother, Bill Tidwell of Santa Ana, Calif., and a granddaughter, Loren Tidwell of Skiatook.
Funeral services were held Dec. 28, at Village Baptist Church in Bella Vista. Graveside services and burial took place Dec. 28 at Stigler Cemetery in Stigler.
Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory in Bella Vista. Florenz Winkenweder Florenz Winkenweder, 78, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Dec. 17, 2005, at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born May 22, 1927, in Berwyn, Ill., to Vivian Winkenweder and Elsie Carson Winkenweder.
He was preceded in death by two wives, Jane DeCamp and Nancy Dangler.
Survivors include his mate Betty Friesen; three step-children, Douglas Dangler, Ronald Dangler and Sally Dangler; a half sister and several step-grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Dec. 29, at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Bentonville, Ark.
Joseph "Brian" Heeney
Joseph "Brian" Heeney, 68, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died Monday, Dec. 26 2005 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on June 10, 1937 in Liverpool, England to Harold Heeney and Nora "Kate" Savage Heeney. He was raised by his mom and step-dad, Sam Travis.
Brian was an exceptional athlete in school, serving as captain of both the soccer and cricket teams and had a successful record of 30-2 during a two-year boxing career while serving in the British Army. Brian also had a wonderful singing voice and a great stage presence that led to a career in the entertainment industry, including three years touring Europe with the New City Showband, and as the headliner at numerous venues throughout northern England. Once, while performing on British television, Brian said his singing talent was second only to a singing dog, which he later admitted was completely unfair as the dog only knew one-and-a-half songs.
A life-long entrepreneur, Brian and his wife, Rita began importing European antiques to the United States in the early 1970 ’s and began living part-time in the US in 1977. In 2002 they made Bella Vista their permanent home. Brian enjoyed the art of making a "deal," spending time on the lake, and a home improvement project of any kind, but most of all he loved the company of family and good friends.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rita Heeney of Bella Vista, Arkansas; three sons, Brian Heeney and wife, Joyce of Miami, Oklahoma; Geoff Heeney and wife, Melissa of Rogers, Arkansas, Neil Heeney and wife, Becky of Norman, Oklahoma; two brothers, Jack Heeney of St. Helens, England, Tom Heeney of St. Helens, England; one sister, Kathleen Abbot of St. Helens, England; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Katherine, Kristen, Elizabeth, Kevin, Christian, Braden, Isabella and one great-grandchild, Natalie.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Bentonville. Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Dorothy J. Mortensen, 4 Kensington Lane, Bella Vista, Arkansas 72714 or charity of donor’s choice.
Paul Henry Bacon
Paul Henry Bacon, 67, of Riverside, Calif., died Dec. 21, 2005. He was born Oct. 11, 1938, in Fort Smith, Ark., to Pascal Bacon and Marie Bacon.
He was raised by his aunt, Cora Freeman of Stilwell, Okla. He graduated from Stilwell High School and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University in 1975. He was a strong supporter of equal rights and encouraged women to seek higher education. Survivors include two sons, John Bacon and Joseph Bacon, both of Simi Valley, Calif.; a brother, Pat Bacon of Antioch, Calif.; and three sisters, Lori Hacker of La Quinta Calif., Donna "Marion" Bittle of Hiwasse, Ark., and Schelly Cochran of Fayetteville, Ark. Arrangements were by Inland Memorial Cremation and Burial of Riverside.
Donald Boerrigter
Donald Boerrigter, 76, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 6, 2006, at The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born April 15, 1929, in Hickman, Neb., to John Boerrigter and Ruth Heupel Boerrigter. He served in the United States Army. He was employed by Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph and retired after 31 years. He moved to Bella Vista in 1989 from Estes Park, Colo. He was a member of the Bella Vista Community Church. He was a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years, played golf and enjoyed house building. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Opal Greenia and Vera Cook. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Phyllis Boerrigter of Bella Vista, Ark.; one son, Dennis Boerrigter of Nebraska City, Neb.; one daughter, Donna Boerrigter of Bentonville, Ark.; one brother, Glenn Boerrigter of Arlington, Neb.; two sisters, Eileen Johnston of Garland, Texas, and Mae Anderson of Alcester, S. D. A memorial service was held Jan. 9 at the Bella Vista Community Church with the Rev. Richard Lindman. Burial was at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville, Ark. Memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire, Bella Vista, AR 72714 or to the Friends of the Library, 11 Dickens Place, Bella Vista, AR 72714 or to the American Cancer Society, c/o Dorothy J. Mortensen, 4 Kensington Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72714.
Mildred ‘Maxine’ Doht
Mildred "Maxine" Doht, 78, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 3, 2006, at Highland Health Care in Bella Vista. She was born July 19, 1927, in Canton, Mo., to Lawrence E. Blackburn and Nora Blackburn. She was raised and educated in Palmyra, Mo. She attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, Ill. She marriage John A. "Jack" Doht on Oct. 19, 1947, in Quincy. The couple lived in Ohio, St. Louis, Kansas City and Florida. The couple moved to Bella Vista in 1987. She enjoyed playing golf and cards, working crossword puzzles and traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Doht. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, John J. Doht and Cindy Doht of St. Louis, Mo.; a daughter and son-in-law, Taphne Speilman and Chuck Speilman of Salina, Kan.; four grandchildren, Josh, Lindsey, John Ryan and Courtney; and a great-grandchild, Tyleigh Sophia. Funeral services were held Jan. 6 at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church with Pastor Ronald Pfluger. Burial was at the Bella Vista Cemetery.
Phillip Lee Hawkins
Phillip Lee Hawkins, 79, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 5, 2006, at Northwest Medical Center of Benton County in Bentonville, Ark. He was born on Feb. 16, 1926, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Charles Bartow Hawkins and Gladys Thompson Hawkins. He was raised and educated in Muskogee, Okla. He served in the U.S. Navy for two years in the South Pacific during World War II on the USS Teton. He attended Woodbury College in Los Angeles, Calif. He was employed by Cities Service Oil Company in Tulsa, Okla., in the travel department. He was later employed by Conoco Oil Company in Ponca City, Okla., New York and Houston offices, and retired in 1986 and moved to Gravette, Ark. He was a Christian Science practitioner for a number of years and was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Gravette, Ark. He marriage Cora M. Nickell on May 29, 1965, in Tulsa. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Bess Mayberry. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Cora Hawkins of Bella Vista, Ark.; one son, Phillip L. Hawkins II of Fayetteville, Ark.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Valerye Strochak and Adam Strochak of Bethesda, Md., and Allyson Hawkins and Vance Laine of Normal, Ill.; one brother and sister-in-law, C. B. Hawkins and Bonnie Hawkins of Healdton, Okla.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanne Anderson and David Anderson of Tulsa, Okla., and Nancy Poteet and Adren Peteet of Healdton, Okla.; five grandchildren, Joseph, Sarah, Lauren, Alexander, and Jesse. Funeral services were held Jan. 10 at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel with David Rowe. Burial was Jan. 11 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Life Styles Foundation, 2471 West Sycamore, Fayetteville, AR 72703 or to the First Church of Christ Scientist in Gravette, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Leslie Justin Jakowski
Leslie Justin Jakowski, 59, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 2, 2006, at his home. He was born May 9, 1946, in Richmond Heights, Mo., to Leslie L. Jakowski and Justine Scott Jakowski. Survivors include his parents, Leslie and Justine Jakowski, formerly of Bella Vista. No services are planned. Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home.
William Wesley Kitchell
William Wesley "Wes" Kitchell, 91, of Perry, Iowa, formerly of Bella Vista, Ark., died Dec. 18, 2005, at the Rowley Masonic Home in Perry. He was born Oct. 25, 1914, in Baxter, Iowa, to James Albert Kitchell and Linnie Mae Edwards Kitchell. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1933 and received a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry from Iowa State University in 1937. He marriage Edith Dimmitt in 1942 in Ottumwa, Iowa. The couple moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1949. In Iowa, he was self-employed with a division of Professional Risk Management known as W. W. Kitchell Inc., which he owned and was president of for more than 42 years. He retired in 1984. In 1992, the couple moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they joined the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista. He moved to the Rowley Masonic Home in Perry in 2002. He was a former member and elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Acanthus Masonic Lodge and Hi-12 Club No. 4, for which he served as president. He was also a member of the Seminar Coordinate of SCORE, Des Moines Chapter No. 5, and the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. He was a founder of the Old Cronies Birthday Club, a volunteer at the former Mercy Hospital in Des Moines for many years and a Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Hospital sponsor. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Edith Kitchell of Bella Vista, Ark.; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet S. Foval and Jerry Foval of Madison, Wis.; a son, Ronald Kitchell of West Des Moines, Iowa; three grandchildren, Michele Kitchell, Scott Foval and Emily Foval; and a great-granddaughter, Stella Foval. A memorial service was held Jan. 4 at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, Ark. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista or to the Rowley Masonic Home in Perry.
