Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Rita C. Epperson
Rita Carolyn Becker Epperson, 67, of Hartman died Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, at her home.
She was a daughter of the late Charlie John and Eula Beatrice Ewing Becker, native of Hartman, attended the Assembly of God Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Becker.
She is survived by three daughters, Rebel Lee Robertson White of Glenn Heights, Texas, Kimberly Carol Epperson of Independence, Mo., and Kalyn Epperson of Hartman; two sons, Phillip Douglas Robertson of Kansas City, Mo., and Daniel Leon Robertson of Converse, Texas; one sister, Peggy Beneux of Ozark; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Funeral was at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Milam and Rev. Eddie Birdsong officiating. Burial was in West Mount Zion cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jim Dahlem, Shaun Bailey, Gary Ledford, David Willis, and Mike Estes.
Wayne G. Jones
Wayne G. Jones, 79, of Mayfield, Kan., died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at Johnson Regional Medical Center.
He was a native of Hagarville, son of the late Noah H. and Alpha Mae Allison Jones, AT&SF and BNSF railroad conductor-brakeman, and was preceded in death by one grandson, Jacob Wayne Jones; one granddaughter, Shannon Danane Bracken; one son-in-law, Capt. James F. Parslow, USMC; one brother, Noel Jones; and one sister, Lucille Steele.
Survivors include his wife, Opal D. Clark Jones; three daughters, Linda Lee Parslow of Belle Plaine, Kan., Jill Bracken of Garland, Texas, and Julie Drake of Andover, Kan.; two sons, Greg Jones of Corbin, Kan., and Glen Jones of Wichita, Kan.; one sister, Ernestine Tumbleson of Clarksville; two brothers, Noah H. Jones Jr. of Midwest City, Okla., and Joe B. Jones of Salyer, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Burial was in Mayfield, Kan. Local arrangements were under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home.
Judy Rinke
Judy L. Hurst Rinke, 63, of Coal Hill died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, in Coal Hill.
She was a native of Altus, member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Altus and the widow of Walter Rinke.
Survivors include one daughter, Yvonne Case of Coal Hill; one son, Joseph Rinke of Coal Hill; one brother, Donald Hurst of Altus; and seven grandchildren.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial at St. Mary’s cemetery in Altus.
Pallbearers will be Dee Yates, Buddy Beavers, Ronnie Garner, and Ricky, Randy and Dustin Hurst.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Shaffer Funeral Home.
Wanda Walker Coats
Wanda Beth Walker Coats, 69, of Clarksville, AR went to her home in Heaven on Sunday morning, October 5, 2008.
She was born in Decatur, TX, August 27th, 1939, as the only daughter of Rev. J. W. and Beth Walker and was the beloved wife of Earl James Coats, all of whom proceeded her in death.
She is survived by two brothers, Jimmie Walker & wife LaRue of Fort Worth, Texas, Rev. Kenneth Walker & wife Barbara of Norfolk, Nebraska, sisters and brothers-in-law Rev. Bill Coats and wife Louise and Jerry and Sue Guadagno of Moore, OK, Jim and Jerry Martin of Dell City, OK, Don and Linda Mueller of Oklahoma City, OK and Kay Coats, widow of Sam Coats, of Clarksville, AR.
Nothing was more important to Wanda than her large extended family. She was the much loved and trusted mother of four children, Theresa Pelton-White & husband T. F. White Jr. of Ozark, AR., Kelly Gustafson and husband Tony Gustafson of Valrico, Florida, Duane Norwood & wife Melinda Norwood of Coal Hill, AR, and Lori Norwood and husband Larry Gilbert of Clarksville, AR.
Known to most everyone as “Big Momma, ” in her stronger days, you would find her at one of the many ballgames, choir concerts or any other activity she could get to of one of her fifteen grandchildren ; Jeff and Kara Hager, T. A. and Tyler Gustafson of Valrico, FL., Amanda Colvin and husband Kyle, Beau Norwood, and Charlie Gilbert of Clarksville, AR., Levi Gilbert and wife Brittany of Conway, AR., Rachel Brown and husband Bryan of Austin, TX, Tim Pelton of Russellville, AR., Ashlea Norwood of Fort Worth, TX., Dustin, Jake and Zachary Sexton of Coal Hill, AR and Tripp White of Ozark.
In more recent days, you could find her reading, working a puzzle, helping with homework, playing soldiers or simply sitting and talking with one of her five great-grandchildren, Auston Gilbert, 9, Colton Denton-Hopkins, 8, Matthew Colvin, 3, Zaydin Sexton, 3 and newest arrival Beatrice June Brown, 7 months.
Wanda worked at staying current and up to date with the lives of all of these listed as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins and their spouses, healthcare workers, neighbors, close friends and acquaintances. She held everyone she met close to her heart and could regularly be found with her head bowed in prayer praying specifically for each of them asking her Heavenly Father to meet their need and bring peace to their situation. Everyone knew if they had a problem, Big Momma was available and would listen and oftentimes help with a solution.
Wanda and her husband Earl, moved to Clarksville, AR in the early 1980’s where she was founder of C&S Closing Company and became the first female abstract officer in the state of Arkansas. She was a bright, intelligent and successful woman who took great pride in her ability to solve problems and fulfill the dreams of those she served.
Wanda was a lifelong member of the Kings Highway Baptist Church of Fort Worth, TX where her father was pastor and she played the piano for many years. Oftentimes at local gatherings she would sit down at a piano and before long everyone in the room would be singing. She loved people and they loved her.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2008, 10:00 AM at Woodland Baptist Church in Clarksville, AR, officiated by Dr. Todd Steffy, and visitation was Tuesday evening, October 7th, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Hardwicke Funeral Home in Clarksville, AR.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of Lincare, Inc.of Russellville for the dedicated and constant supply of oxygen equipment and supports over the past six years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Arkansas Hospice, 2405 Parkway Dr., Suite 3, Russellville, AR 72801.
Alida M. Raquepaw
Alida M. Raquepaw, 77, of Clarksville died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at her home.
She was born in Burt, Mich., daughter of Albert and Joan Lehner DeSander, member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, bus driver for Birch Run (Michigan) School system for 28 years prior to retiring, member of Johnson County Quilters and Interfaith Service Network, and was preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly Raquepaw; one son, George Stead; and one brother, Bud DeSander.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Robert Raquepaw; one daughter, Bobbie Jean Dirrim and husband, Kevin, of Martinsville, Ind.; one son, Robert Dolson and wife, Mary, of Clarksville; one sister, Arlene Hauck of Birch Run, Mich.; one brother, Bernard DeSander of Saginaw, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Rosary service and funeral mass were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Father William Wewers officiating.
The body was cremated.
Local arrangements were under the direction of Hardwicke Funeral Home.
Audra Smith
Audra Smith, 78, of Russellville died Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville.
She was a native of Lamar, daughter of the late Floyd and Jessie Cude Hardcastle, widow of Robert H. (Bob) Smith, member of First Baptist Church of Russellville, employee of Cogswell Motors for 28-plus years, where she served in a series of administrative positions, member of the Russellville Downtown Rotary Club serving as president during the 2001-02 Rotary year, and was instrumental in the "Read To Little Me" program which provided books to newborn babies. A Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Benefactor, she was named Rotarian of the Year for District 6170 in 2003, and was selected to serve as assistant district governor in 2002-03. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Marzo Hardcastle and Richard Hardcastle; and one sister, Ruby Rodden.
Survivors include one son, R. Stephen Smith, M. D., and wife, Nellie, of Roanoke, Va.; one grandson, Ryan Michael Smith of Wichita, Kan.; one granddaughter, Nicole Rieko Smith of Roanoke, Va.; two sisters, Euna Dickey of Russellville, formerly of Johnson County, and Velma Lee of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral was at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Humphrey Funeral Service Chapel with Dr. Stephen Davis officiating. Burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Park at Russellville.
Active pallbearers were Jan Taylor, Leroy Shatwell, Dickey Shatwell, Mike Newton, Mark Styles and Ryan Smith.
Honorary pallbearers were Don Moak, Melvin Robinson, Baxter Breashears, the Russellville Downtown Rotary Club members, and Cogswell Motor employees.
Memorials may be made to Russellville Downtown Rotary Club, P. O. Box 309, Russellville, AR 72811.
