Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
John Francis Orsi
John Francis Orsi, age 65, of Little Rock, died 
Monday, September 23, 2002. John was born
in Utica, New York. He was a graduate of Episcopal High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later attending Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. He served in the U. S. Army, 1958-59, stationed in Germany. He married
Robin Nichols in 1961 and worked for Dunn and Bradstreet in Pennsylvania and Little Rock. John and Anne moved to Des Arc, Arkansas in 1965 where he began working with his father-in-law, S. R. Nichols, moving to Little Rock in 2002. John was also a real estate appraiser for 30 plus years. He was a member and past Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Des Arc, a member of the North Pulaski Board of Realtors, a charter member of the Grand Prairie Country Club, a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club, and a past board member of Youth Ranch in Batesville. He was an avid golfer and active with Des Arc political and civic concerns.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anne Robinson "Robin" Nichols Orsi of Little Rock, two daughters Anne Orsi Smith and husband Fletcher of Little Rock, Susan Orsi Schoessel of Little Rock, one son Jay Orsi and wife Ally of Little Rock, one brother Thomas A. Orsi and wife Jackie of Morrow, Ohio, one sister Betsy Orsi Fennig and husband Fred of Des Arc, and five grandchildren Andrew and Austin Schoessel, Jack Smith, Kristin and Laura Katherine Orsi.
There will be a visitation Tuesday from 5 to 7 P.M. at Ruebel Funeral Home followed by a memorial service Wednesday at 2 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Des Arc, Arkansas, officiated by Reverend Steve Hancock.
In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to the Youth Ranch, Post Office Box 3964, Batesville, Arkansas 72505, or the University of Arkansas Medical Science Center. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.
Lucille Virginia Battle Dishongh
Lucille Virginia Battle Dishongh, of Little Rock, died, Monday, September 19, 2011 at the age of 90, after a brief illness following a fall in her home. She was quite a lady and loved life to the very end.
Lucille was born
in Oil City, Louisiana to Alexander and Alice Dollyhide Battle. She graduated from Little Rock Senior High School in 1939 and attended Little Rock Junior College. During WWII she worked in administration at the Jacksonville Ordnance Plant. She then spent 38 years as an executive secretary at the Arkansas Highway Department. Lucille was a member of DAR, a life member of Beta Sigma Phi, a member of Eastern Star, a 50 year member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and a member of St. Anne’s Guild.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Louis E. “Dish” Dishongh. Dish was the love of her life. She is survived by her best friend, Lynda Williams; dear friends, Pat and Jim Phillips of Little Rock; the Lamar McMillin family of Vicksburg, Mississippi and cousins, Joyce Wuetig of Southlake, Texas and Martha Sue Kleimer of Los Angeles, California.
Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11 a.m.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ira Gershner for his competent, comprehensive, and compassionate care during Lucille’s recent hospitalization, as well as many previous hospitalizations. Memorial may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home.
Maulsia "Marcie" Christen O'Neal
Maulsia "Marcie" Christen O'Neal, age 88, of Little Rock, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002. She was born
in Little Rock where she graduated from Little Rock High School. She became the bookkeeper for the late James Cornett, M.D. retiring after 15 years of service. Marcie was a member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, and a member of the Oak Forest Garden Club.
She is survived by her two daughters, Peggy Ebbing and husband Jack of Wye Mountain, Arkansas, Deborah Jones and husband Donald of Plano, Texas, one son Jerry O'Neal and wife Patricia of Russellville, Arkansas, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
There will be a graveside funeral service Thursday at 10 A.M. at Pinecrest Cemetery
officiated by Reverend Kurt Boggan, followed by a memorial service at 11 A.M. at Highland Valley United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock 72211.
Charles C. "Buddy" Campbell
Charles C. "Buddy" Campbell, age 79, died at his home on June 5, 2003. He was born
in Bolivar, Tennessee and move to Little Rock in 1929.
Campbell was dedicated to his church, Pulaski Heights Presbyterian, and served several terms as both Deacon and Elder. He taught Sunday School for the youth division and was active in several building fund campaigns.
He had a distinguished career in insurance for 45 years. At his retirement in 1991, he was Executive Vice-President of Rebsamen Insurance. He held many positions in the Arkansas Association of Insurance Agents and in 1973 was the Association's recipient of the prestigious Allan Kennedy Memorial Award. He also served as President of Intersure, a group of large agencies in the United States, Canada, England and Puerto Rico.
In addition to an active business life, he devoted much time to volunteer work. In 1970, he was elected International President of Optimist International. He was the Charter President of the Optimist International Foundation. He served in most positions of the Optimist Club of Greater Little Rock and the Arkansas District and was a member at his death. He joined the local Optimist Club in 1956.
Campbell was a member of the Board of Directors of the Little Rock Boys and Girls Clubs for 26 years and served as President in 1974. In 1976, he served as General Chairman for fund raising for the new Billy Mitchell and James Penick Boys and Girls Clubs.
His services included many years of work with Presbyterian Village, Evergreen Facilities, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army and United Way Campaigns.
In World War II, he served as a United States Navy carrier pilot flying the TBM Avenger Torpedo plane. He participated in the campaigns of Lingayen Gulf (Philippines), Iwo Jima and Okinawa and was awarded the Air Medal with two clusters. Upon return to civilian life, he maintained activity in the Naval Air Reserve as a weekend warrior from 1946 to 1962 and retired at the rank of Commander, U.S.N.R. - R.
He was a member of the American Legion "Doughboys" baseball team from 1937-1940. This team won the State Title all four years and went to the finals of the Sectional Tournament two of the four years. He was a catcher.
He is survived by Johnsye Campbell, his wife of 53 years; four children - Terri Korn and husband Russ of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Chuck Campbell and his wife Dana of Atlanta, Georgia, Phil Campbell and his wife Becky of Little Rock, and Pam Plummer and her husband Frank of Little Rock; three grandchildren - Lydia and Thomas Campbell and Brent Sodman; and step-grandchildren Hunter and Ross Cooper, and David, Sarah and Michael Plummer.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2003, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham Street. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2003, at Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church, 4401 Woodlawn. A private family internment was held prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church, the Little Rock Boys and Girls Club, or the Optimist International Foundation (4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108-2498). Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.
Lois Barranco
Lois Barranco, wife of the late Philip C. Barranco, died on September 20, 2011 after a brief illness.
Mrs. Barranco grew up in Dumas Arkansas and moved to Pine Bluff where she worked at AP&L. She met her husband Philip at the Rendezvous in Pine Bluff. They were married
and had six children which became her job at home. Later in life she became a teacher’s assistant in the Watson Chapel Schools where she worked until retirement. She was a Master Gardner and loved growing roses.
Lois is survived by her children, Vanessa, Philip (Shelba), Teresa (Douglas), Paula and Robert (Amy) as well as four grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also preceded in death by her son Thomas.
Memorial service will be held at Lakeside Methodist Church in Pine Bluff on Monday, September 26 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home.
Beth Becker McMullin
Beth Becker McMullin, age 72, of Little Rock, died Saturday, April 27, 2002. She was born
in Lawton, Oklahoma where she graduated from high school. She later graduated from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in Micro Biology, and Zoology. She married
Carleton McMullin while at the University. After Carleton's military service they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and while he was finishing his schooling she managed a medical lab. They later moved to McAlester, Oklahoma for three years and Oakridge, Tennessee for 12 years. While in Oakridge she worked for the Oakridge National Laboratory. They moved to Little Rock in 1973 and in 1979 she and her husband purchased the Precision Tune now called Precision Tune Auto Care, of which they operated 11stores and seven franchises in 4 States.
Beth is survived by her husband Carleton McMullin of Little Rock, two daughters Cindy Williams and husband Doyle, Charis Brady and husband John, all of Little Rock, one sister Jean Saylor and husband Weldon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and 3 grandchildren, Erin and Blake Williams and Lucas Brady.
There will be memorial funeral service Tuesday at 11 A.M. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral officiated by The Very Reverend Henry Hudson. Arrangements are under he direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock 72206.
Norman William "Skip" Marshall
Norman William "Skip" Marshall, 70, inventor, innovator, communicator, developer, advisor, and consultant, of Little Rock, died Tuesday, November 13, 2002. He was born
in Tacoma, Washington. In his youth, he was a violin prodigy and virtuoso. He was a graduate from Stadium High School in Tacoma before receiving his BA degree and later receiving his MBA from Washington State University. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea in the Security Division, specializing in Russian communication interception. While in Korea he served with great valor under fire. After the service be was employed with the Weyerhaeuser Corporation, managing the Wood and Products Division for 18 years. While at Weyerhaeuser Skip invented and holds the patent for Pres-To-Log, a wood bi-product compressed into a fire starting log and developed numerous other innovative uses for wood byproducts. He was Weyerhaeuser Corporation's representative to the National Alliance of Businesses. He left Weyerhaeuser in 1973 to start his own business, Pro-Mart, a lumber yard in Tacoma. He also taught small business management at the University of Puget Sound where he later served as Associate Dean of Vocational Education. He was the author of four business related books and a very active business consultant. As Deacon and ordained Lay Minister at St. Patrick's Catholic Parish in Tacoma, Skip worked very closely with the area prison outreach program. Once out of the lumber business, he became security manager for Wackenhut Security Services in Washington and Maine. Later in Maine he was assistant manager of the Lawnmeer Inn in Boothbay Harbor. Skip also tested and evaluated business tax software for Arthur Anderson Corporation. In 1995 he moved to Little Rock, assuming the position of Associate Monitor with the federal Office of Desegregation Monitoring until 2000. He then worked with the Arkansas School Boards Association, serving as Researcher and Legislative Liaison. Skip was known and admired for his sense of humor, positive energy and creative talent, and enduring love of family, friends, and the Lord he served.
Skip is survived by his wife, Ann Stevenson Marshall of Little Rock; his son Kevin William Marshall and wife Cindy of Belfair, Washington; daughter Karen Ann Marshall of Seattle; Jane Stevenson Brown of Walnut, California; Elizabeth Calvert Wahl and husband Matthew of Little Rock; Jonathan M. and Andrew J. Brown of Little Rock; one sister, Teddy Louise Lazares and husband John of Olalla, Washington, and 5 grandchildren.
Funeral services are today, Saturday, at 11 A.M. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral officiated by The Very Reverend Henry Hudson. Burial will follow at Marcus Hill Cemetery
north of Enola, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to any charity benefiting children.
Thelma Morrison Lyon
Thelma Morrison Lyon, age 97, died Sunday, April 28, 2002. She was born
on June 28, 1904 to Ethel and Arthur Morrison in DesArc, Arkansas. As a young woman, she moved to Little Rock, and found a position as stenographer at Fones Brothers Hardware Company. There she met her husband-to-be, Fred A. Lyon, and they were married
in First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock. Throughout their life, she had two dominant interests, her church, and travel. She and Fred traveled extensively in America and Europe, and after his death in 1977, she continued to do so, finally including Asian countries. But the chief focus and dedication of her life was to First Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped regularly, and was an exemplary leader of its Circle Three, that provided the hand-sewn articles, which proved to be a significant source of Church funds from its annual sale for decades. She was honored repeatedly by the Women of the Church for such efforts. She will long be remembered by them for her inspiring example of service and dedication. In addition to her husband, Fred, she was preceded in death by her sister Nell Gallegy.
There will be a graveside funeral service today, (Tuesday) at 11 A.M. at Oakland Cemetery
officiated by Reverend Howard Gordon. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials should be made to First Presbyterian Church, 800 Scott Street, Little Rock 72201.
Helen Ann Larsen
Helen Ann Larsen, age 78, of Midland, Texas, died Monday, July 1, 2002, in Midland, Texas. She was born
on May 27, 1924 in Stuttgart, Arkansas and married
Leon Vernon Larsen on June 22, 1944 in Little Rock. He preceded her in death in January 1997. Helen was a long time resident of Coshocton, Ohio, and, and has been in Midland community since 1997. She was a Presbyterian. Mrs. Larsen was very active in the community theatre in Coshocton, Ohio, as an actor, director, and choreographer. She loved to cook and paint with watercolors. She was also a weaver at The Craft House and the recreations docent at the Roscoe Village Museum.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Claire and Robert Kahle of Midland; a grandson, Adam Kahle and wife April of Midland, three great-grandchildren, one sister, Rosalind Fredeman of Little Rock, Arkansas and one brother Brice Worthington of Laguna Niguel, California.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater West Texas Chapter, 4400 North Big Spring, Suite c-32, Midland, Texas 79705. There was a graveside funeral service held Friday at Roselawn Cemetery.
Local arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Little Rock arrangements were under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
