Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972
Jerry D. Ford
Jerry D. Ford, 69, of Caverna, Mo., died Aug. 27, 2006, at his home. He was born Aug. 6, 1937, in Bentonville, Ark., to Harry Ray Ford and Minnie Ray “Jackie” Dollar Ford. He was a longtime resident of the area. He served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years and lived in Fort Smith, Ark., for 5 1/2 years. He was employed by J.A. Riggs Co. of Fort Smith, then E.A. Martin Co. of Joplin, Mo., as a field service mechanic for Caterpillar on heavy equipment, then owned his own equipment repair business for 15 years prior to retiring. He enjoyed constructing and repairing things, woodworking, the outdoors, fishing, and hunting. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joe David Ford; and two grandsons, Ian Amsden and Ethan Amsden. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mary Lou Ford; a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Larry Ford and Elizabeth Ford of Arlington, Tenn.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Dr. LaDonna Ford of Monroe, La., Theresa Welch and William Welch of Tulsa, Okla., and Kerri Amsden and [cut off]
Joe C. Astle
Joe C. Astle, 86, of Hutchinson, Kan., formerly of Bella Vista, Ark., died Sept. 3, 2006, at Thorne Care Center, Wesley Towers, in Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 17, 1919, in Hutchinson to Joseph Byron Astle and Pauline F. Carlton Astle. He was a graduate of Hutchinson High School. He received an associate’s degree in business from Hutchinson Community College and attended the University of Kansas. He had previously lived in Los Angeles, Calif., and Bella Vista, Ark. He marriage Marjorie V. Burden on Nov. 20, 1941, in Los Angeles. He had owned and operated Plaza Astle Realty, formerly Astle Realty, since 1963 and founded Custom Homes Construction Co., both in Hutchinson. He was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church, the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and the Hutchinson Board of Realtors.
Howard F. Grossoehme
Howard F. Grossoehme, 75, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Sept. 10, 2006. He was born April 28, 1931, in Omaha, Neb., to Guy Grubb and Kathryn Grubb. After his father died, he was adopted by his stepfather, Elmer Grossoehme. He graduated from Technical High School in 1949, then attended Omaha University for one year. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for a short time. He graduated from St. Paul Bible Institute with a bachelor’s degree in theology, then attended Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He also graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a degree in education and from Stout State University in Menominee, Wis., with a master of science degree in audio-visuals.
Sandra Lea Berkman
Sandra Lea Berkman, 57, of Bentonville, Ark., died Sept. 19, 2006, at her home. She was born March 23, 1949, in Watsonville, Calif., to Louie Woods and Marjorie Ann Tilley Woods. She was raised in the Los Angeles, Calif., area, then moved in 1979 to Seattle, Wash., where she raised her children. She enjoyed photography and music. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Marjorie Woods; her stepfather, Thomas J. O’Connor ; and a brother, Lou Mac Woods. Survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Russ T. Berkman and Vicky Berkman of Seattle, Wash., and Mitchell Berkman of Miami, Fla.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jill Thompson and Eric Thompson of Seattle and Marjorie Renee Hancock and Anthony Hancock of Las Vegas, Nev.; a sister and brother-in-law, Lana Sparks and Jerry Sparks of Bella Vista, Ark.; and four grandchildren.
Paul S. Boss
Paul S. Boss, 85, of New Hampton, died Sept. 9, 2006 at his son’s home in New Hampton. He was born Dec. 20, 1920 at Pomona, Mo., the son of Robert & Bonnie (Hamilton) Boss. He was raised in the Pomona area until 1931 when his family moved to a farm near Traer, IA. Paul was inducted on July 18, 1944 and served in the European Theatre during WWII with Company G, 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Division until his honorable discharge on July 1, 1946. On Nov. 11, 2003, 57 years after his discharge from the Army, Paul was honored with a Bronze Star for bravery in combat during WWII. On Aug. 16, 1950 he marriage Deloris Ritchmond at the Evangelical U.B. Church in Alta Vista. After retirement the couple moved to Bella Vista, Ark. and he worked as a handyman at a home improvement center in maintenance and security. The couple returned to New Hampton in 2004 to be near family. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the National VFW. Paul is survived by his wife Deloris J. Boss of New Hampton, Iowa.
Lewis S. Behrenfeld
Lewis S. Behrenfeld, 84, of Avoca, Ark., died Oct. 11, 2006, in Rogers, Ark. He was born July 13, 1922, in New Leipzig, N.D., to Otto Behrenfeld and Lydia Behrenfeld. He graduated from Mott High School and then served four years in the United States Navy in World War II. After the war, he lived in Tulsa, Okla., until 1955. He marriage Edna Rader in 1952. He and Edna moved to North Dakota for a year before moving to northwest Arkansas in 1957. He became one of the first homebuilders in Bella Vista. He was a builder and a member of the Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Behrenfeld, on Dec. 12, 1996; two sisters, Lillian Walker and Frances Doyle; and two brothers, John Behrenfeld and Fredrick Behrenfeld.
Walter Edward Byker
Walter Edward Byker, 93, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Oct. 15, 2006, at Circle of Life Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. He was born May 1, 1913, in Chicago to Michael Bychawski and Mary Broniarcsyk Bychawski. He marriage Nora Betty Nelson of Duluth, Minn., on Dec. 31, 1938. He retired from the Schwinn Bicycle Co. of Chicago in 1973, and the couple moved to Merrill, Wis., where they lived for 33 years. He was active in the Merrill Optimist Club and became a lifetime member. He was awarded the Friend of Youth Award and spent years coaching baseball for elementary-schoolage players. He also sponsored the Monthly Optimist Youth of the Month Award.
James Fike Morgan
James Fike Morgan, 68, formerly of Bella Vista, retired Amoco Oil Technician, died Oct. 28, 2006.
Phyllis Irene Bartruff
Phyllis Irene Bartruff, 75, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Nov. 2, 2006, at the Circle of Life Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. She was born July 25, 1931, in Milburn, Neb., to Lloyd Merle Daily and Gladys Mildred Velma Butcher BARTRUFF Daily. She marriage Wayne Bartruff on Jan. 1, 1950. She was employed at Concordia Care Center for more than 15 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s Club in Bella Vista. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years and was a past president of the Bella Vista club. She was a member of the PEO for many years; was involved in the Alzheimer’s Association; played in many bell choirs in Ames, Iowa, and Bella Vista; and was in a theater production of “The Music Man.” She was preceded in death by two infant sisters.
Elmer Austin
Elmer Austin, 87, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Bella Vista, Ark., died Nov. 8, 2006, in Arlington. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was a 32nd-degree Mason and a member of the First Baptist Church of Arlington. He was preceded in death by a sister, Bessie Austin Tate; and three brothers, Leory Austin, Jay Austin and another Leory Austin. Survivors include his wife, Trilla Austin; a son and daughter-in-law, Billy Bob Austin and Shirley Austin; a brother, Jimmie Austin; two grandsons, Steven Austin and Mark Austin; and three great-grandsons. Graveside funeral services were held Nov. 13 at the Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, Okla.
Karen Ann Brunsman
Karen Ann Brunsman, 53, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Nov. 7, 2006, at Northwest Medical Center of Benton County in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Feb. 20, 1953, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Carl Krieger and Barbara Oates Krieger. She was raised and educated in Oklahoma. She graduated from Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Okla.
W. E. "Wally" Albers
W. E. "Wally" Albers, 84, of Bella Vista, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at the Northwest Medical Center of Benton County in Bentonville. He was born on March 10, 1924 in Hannover, N. D., to John and Anna Albers.
He was raised and educated in North Dakota. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II from 1942 until 1944. He attended the University of Southern California and was employed by American Airlines and later General Motors, Chevrolet Division as assistant zone manager, for 34 years. He marriage Connie Lockhart in 1945 (now deceased ). In 1974, he marriage Darlene Cooper.
He retired in 1984 and moved to Bella Vista, in 1993. Active in the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, he enjoyed golf and was a member of 18-Hole Golf for many years. Fly-Fishing and working with the Bella Vista Courtesy Van were other activities he enjoyed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, John, George, Arthur, Carl, and Harold.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Darlene Albers of Bella Vista; two daughters, Cathy Landrum and husband, James of Sacramento, Calif., Elsie Brown of Carmel, California; stepchildren; Sharon Williams of Austin, Texas, Kevin Cooper of El Paso, Texas, Karen Baker of Boca Raton, Fla.; four grandchildren, Amy, Onaria, Rose and Heather; six step-grandchildren, Skyler, Russell, Rebecca, Joshua, Ashley, Brittany; four great-grandchildren, Deshon, Alex, Sienna and Ava and one step-great-grandson, Logan.
A memorial service was held May 9 at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, with Pastor Ronald Pfluger officiating. Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72715, or to the American Cancer Society, c / o Dorothy J. Mortensen, No. 1 Highlands Crossing Drive, Apt. 203, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715.
On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
Marilyn Awe-Johnsen
Marilyn Awe-Johnsen, 75, of Bentonville, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, in Bentonville. She was born Sept. 20, 1932, in Clarksgrove, Minn., to Oscar Awe and Hilda Lein Awe. She grew up and was a high school cheerleader in Manly, Iowa, before starting her family in northern Iowa. In 1966, she moved to Bentonville, where she later started her career with Wal-Mart. She was a member of God's Lighthouse in Bentonville.
She enjoyed warm weather, spending time in Arizona, long drives, mountainous scenery, watching professional basketball and baseball, and being a mother and grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her two husbands, LeRoy Peterson and Kenny Johnsen, seven brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Jon Johnsen of Wheaton, Mo., and Dennis Johnsen of Centerton, Ark.; four daughters, Vonnie Ratcliff of Boomer, Wis., Stephany Johnsen-Hufford, of Centerton, Lori Hosier and Lynnie Johnsen-Parsons, both of Bella Vista; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were May 13 at God's Lighthouse Church in Bentonville, with Pastor Leroy Norton officiating. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15 at Memorial Cemetery in Mason, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Hospice, c / o Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers, Ark. Online condolences may be made at www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.
Elmo B. Carleton
Elmo B. Carleton of Grand Rapids passed away on May 4, 2008, at Spectrum Health. He was born March 6, 1917, in Oblong, Ill., to William and Verna Carleton. He was a veteran of World War II serving with the Air Force in the South Pacific. He retired from the U. S. Postal Inspection Service in 1974 after working 10 years at the post office in Moline, IL, and 20 years as a Postal Inspector in Beaumont, Texas, Dubuque, Iowa, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, life member of the American Legion, and the National Association of Retired Postal Inspectors. He had lived in Grand Rapids for the last four years after retiring in Bella Vista. He had a strong faith in God and helped open two new United Methodist churches in the communities he lived in. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and a helping hand to all his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Carleton, his daughter and husband, Kathy and Jim Cole, of Grand Rapids, and his son and wife, Brent and Patricia Carleton, of Jordan, Minn. He had three grandchildren, Brandon (Toni) Carleton of Wayzata, Minn., Jennifer (Chad) Reuss of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Jill (Eric) Bert of Holland, Mich., and four great-grandchildren, Kieren Nesenson, Summer Carleton, Cameron Bert, and Ryann Reuss. His mother, father, three brothers, and two sisters preceded him in death. One brother, Harold Carleton, survives from Paxton, Ill.
A private family graveside service was held May 9. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Frances Esther Byler Carpenter
Frances Esther Byler Carpenter, 95, of Bella Vista, died Monday, May 5, 2008, at Highlands Health Care in Bella Vista. She was born on Sept. 17, 1912, in Prairie Home, Mo., to Lutetia Tandy Mills Byler and William Henry Byler. She was the youngest of nine children. She was raised and educated in Prairie Home where she was valedictorian of her class. On June 4, 1932 she marriage George Emil Carpenter. She and her husband moved to Bella Vista in 1975 and were members of the Bella Vista Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. She played golf, bridge and Mah Jong. Frances had a weekly bible study group and a weekly bridge group for 25 years. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. Frances had lived at Apple Blossom for four years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George E. Carpenter in 1996; daughter, Gayle Yates in 1998; eight brothers and sisters.
She is survived by one daughter, Bette Sue Nirschl of Bella Vista, son-in-law, Chuck Yates of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, David von Nirschl of Arlington, Va., Chad Yates and wife Diana of Frisco, Texas and Charmaine Enriquez and husband Alex of Austin, Texas, and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held May 10, 2008 at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, with Joe Baker officiating. A private entombment will be held at the Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery of Rogers.
Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com
Willy Christensen
Willy Christensen, 90, of Bella Vista, died Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at Northwest Medical Center of Benton County in Bentonville,. He was born Sept. 12, 1917 in Vitrup, Denmark to Christian J. Christensen and Petrea N. Christensen. He moved to the United States in 1949 from Denmark. In 1989 he moved to Bella Vista from Des Moines, Iowa. He was a member of the Bella Vista United Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, and four sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Inge Margrethe Christensen of Bella Vista; five sons, Frank Christensen of Crystal Lake, Ill., Eric Christensen of Des Moines, Iowa, Kurt Christensen of Urbandale, Iowa, Kim Nielsen of Holbek, Denmark, and Tom Nielsen of Cairo, Egypt; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
No services are planned. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.
Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
Margaret Glavin
Margaret Glavin, 81, of Bella Vista, passed away May 6, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Bentonville. She was born in Wellston, Okla., April 19, 1927 to Leslie and Marie Buffington. She was a good mother, great cook and a lover of life. A person that never gave up easily, she and her keen wit will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick Glavin, the love of her life. Survivors include her daughters, Marsha Laine, of Austin, Texas, Susan Spurr of San Antonio, Texas, Trisha Gordon of Houston, Texas, and Rachel Spurr of Los Angeles. Her sons are Kenneth Spurr and wife Yuhong, of Austin, Texas, and David Spurr of Longview, Texas.
She is also survived by her stepchildren, Carla and husband Philip La Londa of Corona, Calif., Michael Glavin and wife Mimi of San Louis Obispo, Calif., Gregory Glavin and wife Joan of Arlington, Wash., and Timothy Glavin and wife Debbie of Bella Vista, sister Donna Hamilton and husband Gill of Corpus Christi, Texas and one brother Dan Buffington of Wimberly Texas, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Tommy and Mae Robertson of Bella Vista, whose tireless and loving support made our mother's last days bearable. Memorial services were May 12 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.
Juanita Ruth (Hensley) Myers
Juanita Ruth (Hensley) Myers, 83, of Bella Vista, died Sunday, May 4, 2008 at her home in Bella Vista.
She was born on June 17, 1924 in Cowley County, Kansas to Lee R. Hensley and Ruth (Pack ) Hensley.
She moved to Bella Vista in 2003 from Great Bend, Kan. She was a member of the Judson American Baptist Church of Bella Vista.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a sister, a niece and a daughter-in-law.
She is survived by her husband, Roy L. Myers of Bella Vista; sons Roy Lynn Myers and wife, Jackie of Great Bend, Kan.; David L. Myers of Portsmouth, N. H.; brothers, Edward Hensley and wife, Arlene of Ocala, Fla., Danny Hensley and wife, Marilyn of Liberty, Texas, Bill Hensley of Lombard, Ill.; sister, Shirley Bradford and husband, Wendell of Harriman, Tenn.; eight grandchildren and t 12 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service was held May 8, 2008 at the Judson ABC Church, with the Rev. Henry Hensley officiating. Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Judson American Baptist Church, P. O. Box 3029, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
