Mrs. Shirley Mae Smith, age 69, of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2004, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Born at Belmont, Iowa, on July 10, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Dirk and Erma (Montgomery) Ter Hark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loael H. Smith. Mrs. Smith is survived by three sons, Terry Smith and his wife, Cordia, of Waynesville, Missouri, Mark Smith of Jacksonville, AR, and Dana Smith of Malvern, AR, one daughter, Tami Eastridge and her husband Don of Maumelle, AR, one stepdaughter, Dinna Christopher of Alaska, one brother, Bill Ter Hark of Tacoma, Washington, twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mrs. Smith is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, at 11:00 A.M. in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with Rev. Lloyd Blanton officiating. The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Stan Kellar and staff and Dr. Greg Bienvenue and staff and to a specian nurse and friend Deanna Bradshaw. Arrangements by: Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Mary C. Carlton
Mrs. Mary C. Carlton, age 72, of Prim, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2004, at the Central Arkansas Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas. Born at Prim on May 3, 1932, she was the daughter of the late L. B. and Adda (Lewellen) Thomas. A lifetime resident of Prim, Mrs. Carlton was a homemaker and a member of the Parma Full Gospel Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon (Theodore) Carlton, and by one son, Scotty. Mrs. Carlton is survived by two sons, John Carlton and Danny Carlton, both of Prim, AR, one daughter, Lora Ann Carlton of Prim, AR five brothers, Billy Thomas, Bob Thomas, and Roger Thomas, all of Prim, AR, and Glen Thomas and Jim Thomas of Independence, Missouri, three sisters, Wanda Carlton, Lois Hipp, and Joyce Hipp, all of Prim, AR, and two grandchildren, Ashley Everett and Rachel Carlton, both of Prim, AR. Mrs. Carlton is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 5:00-9:00 P.M. at the Prim Holiness Church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, at 2:00 P.M. in the Prim Holiness Church with Rev. Lovell Carlton and Rev. Dennis Knapp officiating. Interment will follow in the Everett cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Hartwick, Gary Thomas, Bruce Hipp, Darren Carlton, Lester Hipp, and Mike Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Wendell Hipp, other nephews and great nephews. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Bessie R. Knapp
Mrs. Bessie R. Knapp, age 78, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Monday, August 16, 2004, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Bertie County, North Carolina, on January 5, 1926, she was the daughter of the late George and Odell (White) Butler. Mrs. Knapp was a homemaker and had been a resident of Heber Springs since 1968. She was a member of TOPS, and she enjoyed television. Mrs. Knapp was a member of Cleburne County Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Knapp, on September 13, 1973. Mrs. Knapp is survived by one son, George Early of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, three daughters, Lou Bradberry of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas, Kathy Taylor of Heber Springs, Arkansas, and Virginia Riggin of Raleigh, North Carolina, one brother, George Kenneth Butler, one sister, Fannie Butler, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mrs. Knapp is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 19, at 11:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Rick Hershberger officiating. Interment will follow in the Heber Springs cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tommy Land, Everett Allen, Chuck Gorham, Bobby Stratton, Joshua Hershberger, and Jeremiah Hershberger. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Melvin L. Endsley
Melvin L. Endsley died August 16, 2004, in Searcy. Born in Drasco on January 30, 1934, he was 70. He was the son of Fred and Bessie Griffin Endsley. He was a songwriter and farmer and enjoyed his farm, cattle, and grandchildren. He was Baptist. His hit song Singing the Blues was tracked by Broadcast Music Incorporated as being played over three million times since it was first recorded by Marty Robins in 1956. The Los Angeles Times cited that the song Singing the Blues was the most popular song of the rock era. There’s a chance that the song may become the most popular song of this (20th) century, the Times predicted. The success of Singing the Blues goes on and on and more than 100 recording artists have recorded their versions. His decision to become a songwriter came after he had spent three years in the Crippled Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He had polio when he was three years old. He was only 15 when he wrote 'Knee Deep in the Blues' which later became a BMI certified hit record. He has written approximately 400 songs in his lifetime. In 1996 he inducted Johnny Cash into the Arkansas Entertainer Hall of Fame in Pine Bluff. Two years later, during the second wave of inductions, it was his turn to be inducted. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mavis Endsley. He is survived by two sons, Marty Endsley of Conway and Brian Endsley of Hopewell; two daughters, Tracy Frisbee of Hopewell and Vickie Wilson of Heber Springs; one brother, Alman Endsley of Drasco; four sisters, Genevee Powell of Kentucky, Ellen Wilkerson of Conway, Ava Lea Jefferson of Batesville, and Geneva Johnson of Drasco; and four grandchildren, Brittney Hipp, Colbey Frisbee, Cassie Endsley, and Maggi Endsley. He is also survived by Carolyn Endsley of Hopewell.
Funeral services will be Thursday, August 19 at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel. Interment will follow in Sipes cemetery. Pallbearers are James Kirkpatrick, Joe Jefferson, Jay Jefferson, Steve Bull, Tony Endsley, and Dwayne Ezell. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Endsley and Colbey Frisbee. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Lee Roy Soward
Lee Roy Soward, age 84, died Sunday, August 15, 2004, at his home in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born October 15, 1919, at Marked Tree, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Ross Roy and Frances Lucille (Bailey) Soward. Mr. Soward was a member of the Medical Association for 41 years. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army, and he was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. Mr. Soward was a Mason for 59 years with memberships in the Des Arc and Levy #749 Masonic Lodges. His religious belief was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Julia (Woods) Robertson Soward, one daughter, Linda Leigh Whitten and her husband, Ronnie, of Vilonia, AR, one son, Dale Robertson of Heber Springs, AR, two sisters, Louise Hall of Jonesboro, AR, and Wilma Jean Slinker of Fayetteville, AR, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Soward is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs. Funeral service with military honors by the American Legion Post 64 will be held Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 10:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Whitten officiating. Interment with Masonic graveside services will follow in the National cemetery in Little Rock at 1:00 P.M. Members of the American Legion Post 64 will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Bernice Ann Moiser
Mrs. Bernice Ann Moiser, age 53, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2004, at her home in Quitman, Arkansas. Born June 2, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Mertice and Rosa Lea Johnson. Bernice was employed by the Cleburne County Health Department as a home care assistant. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Brian Moiser; and one brother, Tony Johnson. Survivors include her husband, Louis G. Moiser, one son, Kelly Moiser, one daughter, Christine Halton, all of Quitman, AR, and her brothers and sisters, Mary, Nick, Antionette, John, Mike, Vicki, Brenda, Sandy, Grace, Frank, Joey, and Lucy. Bernice is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 18, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Junior Rolland officiating. Interment will follow in the Pearson cemetery. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Wilma Jean Bivens
Wilma Jean Bivens died in her home Thursday, August 5. She was born on June 3, 1924, in the Pearson community of Cleburne County, Arkansas. She was a graduate of Quitman High School. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton where she belonged to the Pastor’s Sunday School class. 'MeMaw', as she was known by her grandchildren, was a Christian lady who loved sharing and giving to others. Her garden, home, family, and friends were touched daily with her love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Flora Bittle. Jean is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Bill Bivens of the home; two daughters, Jananne Bivens Reding and her husband, David, of Little Rock and Rebecca Parke and her husband, Stephen, of Ft. Smith; two sisters, Elwanda Baldridge of Heber Springs and Betty Chesbro of Bixby, Oklahoma; one brother, Ralph Bittle and his wife, Clotene, of Bourbon, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Bradley, Michael, and Jonathan Reding, and Laura Parke.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 8, 2004, at the First Baptist Church in Heber Springs. Interment will be at Pearson cemetery under the direction of Olmstead Funeral Home of Heber Springs. The family will be receiving visitors at Olmstead Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 7, 2004.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Benton, Arkansas.
Mrs. Edith Reynolds
Mrs. Edith Reynolds, age 95, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2004, at Southridge Village Nursing Center in Heber Springs. Born in Carlisle, Arkansas, on November 15, 1908, she was the daughter of the late Tommy and Carrie (Goacher) Caviness. Mrs. Reynolds had been a resident of Heber Springs for most of her life. She was a retired waitress at Alexander’s Restaurant. Mrs. Reynolds was a member of the Heber Springs First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sanford Reynolds. Survivors include her brother, Sis Caviness of Heber Springs, AR, and her nieces and nephews. Mrs. Reynolds is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 6, from 5:00-6:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, at 10:30 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Dr. J. R. DeBusk officiating. Interment will follow in the Heber Springs cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Alexander, Walter Aldridge, Felts Rector, Jody Caviness, Jim Steadman, and Doug McCalister. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mr. Carrol L. James
Mr. Carrol L. James, age 59, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 29, 2004. Born in Heber Springs on July 12, 1945, he was the son of the late Vergil J. and Eva (Cook) James. Carrol was a lifetime resident of Heber Springs. He was a radiology technician and was employed by Baptist Health Medical Center Heber Springs for thirty-five years. Carrol was a veteran of the United States Army and was a member of the American Legion Post 64. His religious belief was Baptist. Carrol was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother, Julian James. He is survived by his wife, Wanda James two sons, Jeffrey James and Bradley James one brother, Durrel James, all of Heber Springs, AR, and his nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 31, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:00 P.M. in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with Dr. J. R. DeBusk and Rev. John Miles officiating. Interment will follow in Heber Springs cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Honor Guard. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
John Edward Maddox
John Edward Maddox, age 66, of Corona, California, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2004, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born March 7, 1938, in Heber Springs, he was the son of the late John Baxter and Mae (Adcock) Maddox. Mr. Maddox was a back hoe operator and had been a resident of California for most of his life. He enjoyed fishing and traveling back to Arkansas to be with his family. His religious belief was Baptist. Mr. Maddox is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Sinclair) Maddox of Corona, California, one son, Edward Maddox two daughters, Kathy Contreras and Carolyn Oskey, all of California, Mr. Maddox is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Norma Jean Chambers
Norma Jean Chambers, age 90, of Shirley, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2004, at the Ozark Health Nursing Center in Clinton, Arkansas. Born in Centerville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Nellie (Rodgers) Saunders. On February 23, 1935, she was married
to Pierre Eugene Chambers, and they were married
for 69 years. A former resident of Rushville, Indiana, Mrs. Chambers had lived in Shirley for twenty years. She was a homemaker and had also worked for a drug store, department store, and movie theater. Mrs. Chambers was a hard worker and a good mother. She was a member of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church and was active in church work. Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Pierre Chambers of Shirley, AR, one daughter, Mary Porter of Shirley, AR, one sister, Irene Lauterbach of Aptos, California, four grandchildren, Barbara Koone, Michael Porter, Martin Porter, and Mark Porter, twelve great grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren. Mrs. Chambers is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 30, at the Olmstead Woodland Chapel beginning at 9:30 A.M. with funeral services being held at 10:30 A.M. Interment will be in Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Roy Max Ivy
Roy Max Ivy, age 77, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Monday, July 26, 2004, at the White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in Pearson, Arkansas, on July 11, 1927, he was the son of the late Roy Lee Ivy and Mildred (Hazelwood) Ivy Plant. A lifetime resident of Quitman and Cleburne County, Mr. Ivy was known as the historian of Quitman. He operated Ivy’s Pool and Domino, was retired from the Corps of Engineers, and was an Army veteran. Mr. Ivy was a member of the Holland Masonic Lodge #158. His religious belief was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Leada O. (Holeman) Ivy two daughters, Debbie Fisher and Karen Chandler and her husband, Mike, two brothers, Joe Carl Ivy and Bruce Ivy three sisters, Minnie Raye Bennett, Becky Burroughs, and Vicky Johnson, all of Quitman, AR, and grandchildren, Christopher Fisher and Natalie Chandler.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 28, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 29, at 2:00 P.M. in the Center Point Church with Rev. Terry Hill and Rev. Fred Oaks officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Point cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rodney Bennett, Gary Ivy, Joe Ivy, Jr., Wesley Johnson, Justin Johnson, and Larry Duncan. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Kerr, Otis Goff, Ronnie Spradlin, Bill Hodges, Travis Sims, Jerry Glover, Gary Glover, Cecil Philips, Wayne Burlison, Larry Jeffries, Richard Harris, and Bill Pratt. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Sidney Grace Davis
Sidney Grace Davis, infant daughter of Kenneth Gale and Audrey Ann (McPherson) Davis, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2004, at Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway, Arkansas. Her family attends Gospel Light Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her great grandfather. Sidney Grace is survived by her parents: Kenneth and Audrey Davis of Heber Springs, AR, her grandparents, Jackie and Vicki McPherson, Twyla and Marvin Ogle, and Robert and Debra Taylor, her great grandparents, Gaylord and Jackie Huckaba and Lorene McPherson, and other family members and friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 28, from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 29, at 11:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Mark Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Rwena Azelma (Susie) Shaw
Rwena Azelma (Susie) Shaw, age 95, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Monday, July 26, 2004, at Beverly HealthCare in Heber Springs. Born in Anadarko, Oklahoma, on December 11, 1908, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Artie (Clark) Sheets. Mrs. Shaw was a retired secretary and had lived in Heber Springs for the past two years. She was a former resident of Rockport, Texas, where she served as a volunteer for Castaways, and she was a former resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was a member of the Palomino Pals. Mrs. Shaw was also an avid sports fan. She was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mrs. Shaw was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Shaw; a sister, Elma Bloom; and brothers, Howard Sheets and Hershal Sheets, and three other brothers. Mrs. Shaw is survived by one daughter, Carol Pontius of Heber Springs, AR, one son, Tom Shaw of Martinis, California, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, three nieces of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and one nephew of Kansas. Mrs. Shaw is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
A memorial service for Mrs. Shaw will be held Thursday, July 29, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Susan Miles officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
J. C. BLANCHARD
J. C. BLANCHARD, THE SON OF JAMES C. AND PEARL GOSS BLANCHARD WAS BORN IN MISSOURI ON JULY 5, 1918 AND passed away IN HEBER SPRINGS, ARKANSAS ON JULY 24, 2004 AT THE AGE OF 86 YEARS. HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE CLEBURNE COUNTY BAPTIST CHURCH AND WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE ROBERTS RICE DRYER FOR 36 YEARS AND WAS MANAGER FOR 32 YEARS. HE HAS GONE TO BE WITH JESUS IN PEACE. HE LEAVES BEHIND HIS WIFE SHIRLEY MAY BLANCHARD: CHILDREN: WILMA HARDY, WEINER, AR, LYDA SMITH, WEINER, AR, LEOTA BIRDSONG, PINE BLUFF, AR, DARLA COLE, NILES, MICHIGAN, SANDRA BLOCH, JONESBORO, AR, VIRGINIA JOHNSON, HEBER SPRINGS, TRACY WALLEY, HEBER SPRINGS, JUNE BYRD, IDA, AR, TWO STEP DAUGHTERS: SHIRLEY MAY DYER, MALDEN, MISSOURI, AND DEBBIE HAYNES JONESBOTO, AR, SONS: JOHN BLANCHARD REDFIELD, AR, WILLIAM BLANCHARD, BONO, AR, CHESTER BLANCHARD, SCOTT, AR, RAY BLANCHARD, HARRISBURG, AR, WINSTON BLANCHARD, TYRONZA, AR, CLEVELAND BLANCHARD, MARION, AR, J. C. BLANCHARD JR. OIL TROUGH, AR, LAVON BLANCHARD COLOMA, MICHIGAN, JACK BLANCHARD, HEBER SPRINGS, JEFF BLANCHARD, HEBER SPRINGS, BEST FRIEND EVER ETHEL HARTSFIELD, HEBER SPRINGS. HE WAS PROCEDED IN DEATH BY HIS FIRST WIFE LONA MAE BURNS BLANCHARD AND ONE DAUGHTER VANDA ANN BLANCHARD, HIS PARENTS JAMES C. AND PEARL GOSS BLANCHARD. HE IS ALSO SURVIVED BY A HOST OF GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN AND MANY FRIENDS.
VISITATION WILL BE TUESDAY AT OLMSTEAD FUNERAL HOME FROM 6:00 UNTIL 9:00 PM WITH FUNERAL SERVICES AT 10:00 AM WEDNESDAY JULY 28 AT THE CLEBURNE COUNTY BAPTIST CHURCH BY REV. JOHN BISHOP. INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW IN CLEBURNE COUNTY MEMORIAL GARDENS. ARRANGEMENTS BY OLMSTEAD FUNERAL HOME, INC. OF HEBER SPRINGS, AR.
Charles Richard Stair
Charles Richard Stair, age 90, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2004, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. Born April 22, 1914, in Ben, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Ell and Nellie (Johnson) Stair. Mr. Stair was a retired farmer and a member of the Baptist church. He was preceded in death by one son, Richard Ivan Stair, and one daughter, Joycelyn Hobgood. Mr. Stair is survived by his wife, Donna Mae (Defoor) Stair of Heber Springs one son, Wendell Stair of San Antonio, Texas, two daughters, Brenda Shealy of Nashville, Tennessee, and Sonja Moore of Clinton, AR, five grandchildren, Danny Miller, and Christie McCranie, both of Heber Springs, Shane Vernon of Greenbrier, AR, Clint Vernon of Clinton, AR, and Shay Humphrey of Conway, AR, and six great grandchildren, Raistlin Miller, Dakota McCranie, and Olivia McCranie, all of Heber Springs, and Timothy Seth Vernon, Makayla Hance, and Gary Paul Hance, all of Greenbrier. Mr. Stair is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 11:00 A.M. in the Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Wendell Stair and Glenn Swafford officiating. Interment will follow in the Friendship cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Marvell Opal Massey
Marvell Opal Massey was born November 6, 1922, in Quitman to Thomas C. and Martha Owen McCoy. She passed away Sept. 20, 2004, at her Quitman home. Marvell, a lifelong homemaker and mother, was preceded in death by spouses, Thomas H. McMillan, Jr. in 1944, and her husband of 53 years, Cleo E. Massey of Quitman in February of 2000. She is survived by sons, Thomas H. McMillan III, Richie L. Massey, Gary W. Massey, and daughter, Susan D. Massey. In addition, her life is celebrated by grandchildren, Thomas H. McMillan IV, James E. Kesterson, Jr., and twin sister, Jenny L. Vocque, and great-grandchildren, Meridth C. and Megan M. McMillan, Hunter J. Kesterson, and Katelyn D. Vocque. A daughter of a large family of ten brothers and sisters, she is survived by a sister, Lois Vernell Phillips, and sisters-in-law, Vera McCoy and Ovl McCoy. A lifelong Christian, Marvell was active in church work, both in Michigan, and in retirement in Quitman. Along with her late husband, Cleo, she was active in church building and support of church missions. Helping and nurturing others was a prime focus of her life, which was reflected in the high esteem in which she was held.
It was her desire that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the First Baptist Church, Quitman, AR 72131, or any other worthwhile charity of your choice, in her name.
Viewing will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services, with Pastor Terry Johnson officiating, are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday in Quitman First Baptist Church with interment in St. Mary’s cemetery in Rose Bud. Arrangements: Olmstead Funeral Home, Heber Springs.
Mrs. Gladys Alta Bittle
Mrs. Gladys Alta Bittle, age 97, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2004, at Southridge Nursing Center in Heber Springs. Born in Bee Branch, Arkansas, on June 3, 1907, she was the daughter of the late Will and Elizabeth (Holmes) Farmer. Mrs. Bittle had been a resident of Cleburne County for most of her life and was a member of First Baptist Church of Heber Springs. She was a retired nurse’s aid for Lakeland Lodge. Her husband, Hamer Bittle, preceded her in death in 1966. Mrs. Bittle was also preceded in death by one son, Russell Bittle, one daughter, Peggy Bittle, and one sister, Montine DeBusk. She is survived by three grandchildren, Rusty Bittle, Pam Papp-Keck, and Harry Herr, two great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren, her daughter-in-law, Vivian Bittle, and numerous nephews and nieces. Mrs. Bittle is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 23, at 2:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 24, at 12:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Dr. J. R. DeBusk officiating. Interment will follow in the Pearson cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lonnie Massey, Mike Green, Wendell Byrd, Dr. Gerald Pearce, Leon McAnear, and Harry Herr. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Susie Ethel Owen
Mrs. Susie Ethel Owen, age 90, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2004, at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in Wilburn, Arkansas, on December 31, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Rev. James W. (Will) Foust and Martha C. (Chastain) Foust. Mrs. Owen was a homemaker and had been a lifetime resident of Cleburne County. She enjoyed flowers and gardening. Mrs. Owen was a charter member of Heber Springs General Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion W. Owen, who died on October 19, 1985, and also by one son, Noel C. Owen; one grandson, Larry Robinson; four brothers, Loy, Roma, Jess, and Lawrence (Jack) Foust; and three sisters, Callie and Eunice Shearer and Creasy Southerland. Mrs. Owen is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Linda Owen of Heber Springs, AR, two daughters and sons-in-law, Reba and Larry Schoon of Big Sandy, Tennessee, and Myrna and Jerry Engram of Benton Harbor, Michigan, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. Mrs. Owen is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 23, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 24, at 2:30 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Wayne Foust officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Rev. Dewel Howard Smith
Rev. Dewel Howard Smith, age 71, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2004, at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Heber Springs on February 17, 1933, he was the son of the late Ralph A. (Dude) and Myra E. (Balentine) Smith. Rev. Smith had been a resident of El Dorado for thirty-six years and returned to Heber Springs ten months ago. He was an Assembly of God pastor, who devoted his life to the church. Rev. Smith was a practical joker and enjoyed telling jokes. He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Heber Springs. He is survived by his wife, Freda M. (Lorton) Smith of Heber Springs, AR, three sons, Larry Howard Smith of Prescott, AR, Kenneth Lee Smith of Heber Springs, AR, and David Alton Smith of Fayetteville, AR, one brother, Arthur (Art) Smith of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, five grandchildren, Kenneth V. Smith, Jr., Amy Renea Goshen, Benjamin Brett Smith, Dewel Alen Smith, and Charity Grace Smith, and one great grandchild, Malachi D’Angelo. Rev. Smith is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 24, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 25, at 2:00 P.M. in the First Assembly of God Church in Heber Springs with Rev. Robert Adam and Rev. Steve Moss officiating. Interment will follow in the Pearson cemetery. Pallbearers will be Willie Cook, David Lorton, Buster Carelock, Vernon Lorton, Michael Lorton, and Jerry Richardson. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc., 601 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543.
EDWARD HENRY SMITH
EDWARD HENRY SMITH, SON OF THE LATE HARVEY E. AND IRENE (BURCH) SMITH, passed away SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2004. BORN MARCH 7, 1930 AT MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, EDWARD WAS 74 YEARS OF AGE. HE ATTENDED WHITEHAVEN SCHOOL OF MEMPHIS, SERVED IN THE U.S. ARMY, SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR, HELD VARIOUS JOBS AS CARPENTER, CONTRACTOR, DRAFTSMAN, RADIO ANNOUNCER, AND GRIP. HE ATTENDED RHODES COLLEGE, AND AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. HE SERVED AS A MISSIONARY TO MEXICO, PASTOR OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHARLESTON, MISSISSIPPI, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, AND FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES AT TIPTONVILLE AND UNION CITY, TN. EDWARD AND HIS WIFE KATHRYN (CARLSON) WHOM HE MARRIED IN 1962, RETIRED TO HEBER SPRINGS, ARKANSAS IN 1992. SURVIVORS ARE, HIS WIFE KATHRYN, SON, SHELBY EDWARD (SHERRY) SMITH OF CONWAY, AR., DAUGHTER, KARYN CHRISTINE SMITH, (CHARLIE) VERHEGGHE OF ST. JOE, AR, BROTHER, REECE SMITH OF PARIS, TN. SISTER, NANCY HUNT OF JACKSON, TN. GRANDCHILDREN, MEGAN, SUSAN, DALLAS, AND BROOKLYN. HE IS ALSO SURVIVED BY OTHER RELATIVES AND MANY FRIENDS.
SERVICES ARE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 7:00 P.M. AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HEBER SPRINGS. VISITATION, MONDAY 6-9 P.M.
MEMORIALS TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HEBER SPRINGS OR RHODES COLLEGE, MEMPHIS, TN.
ARRANGEMENTS BY OLMSTEAD FUNERAL HOME, HEBER SPRINGS, ARKANSAS.
Ermald Bell
Ermald Bell the son of Charles Franklin and Mary Cordelia Roberts Bell was born in Judsonia, Arkansas on September 5, 1928 and passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 17, 2004 at the age of 76 years. Mr. Bell was raised on a farm in Clay County with his parents, two older brothers and his twin Eugene where the boys passed their time playing music together. He was a retired construction superintendent and project manager for 30 years. He moved to Heber Springs in 1962 and was instrumental in the initial building of Eden Isle and the Red Apple Inn. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean War where he was a chief dispatcher. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32 Mason and a Master Mason. He was a member of the Pearson Palestine Baptist Church where he served as a church deacon for 25 years, Deacon Emeritus, he taught Sunday School, and was the Sunday School Director. He was preceded in death by a son Michael Scott Bell, and two brothers Roy Bell and Herbert Bell. He is survived by his wife Ella Irene Hancock Bell who he married
on April 24, 1952 a daughter Belinda Birdsong of Greenbrier, three sons Edward Bell of Pearson, Eric Bell of Hopewell and Anthony Bell of Heber Springs. A twin brother Eugene Bell of Pearson whom he loved dearly, 12 grandchildren (6 grandsons and 6 granddaughters) besides other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be Monday September 20, at 2:00 P.M. at The Pearson Palestine Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Ward, Rev. Bennie Foster and Rev. Mike Lindley officiating. Interment will be in the Pearson cemetery .Pallbearers will be grandsons: Joseph Birdsong, Christopher Bell, Benjamin Bell, Andrew Bell, nephews John Bell, Ronnie Ball and great-Nephews Terry Bell, Todd Bell and Chase Hickey. Arrangements By Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Reba Gail Adcock (Butler)
Reba Gail Adcock (Butler), age 52, of Rose Bud, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Thursday, September 16, 2004. Born in Imboden, Georgia, on July 23, 1952, she was the daughter of Verna (Ward) Cline and the late Garfield Marvin Cline. Reba had been a resident of Cleburne County most of her life. She was a homemaker and enjoyed softball. She was a member of Liberty Hill Praise and Worship Center. Reba was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Pearl Collins of Michigan and one grandson, Christopher Presley. Survivors include her husband, Daniel Lewis Butler of Rose Bud, AR, four sons, John W. Presley of Heber Springs, AR, Ronnie Presley and Steven Adcock, both of Rose Bud, AR, and Randy Presley of Cabot, AR, one daughter: Rachel Butler of Rose Bud, AR, her mother, Verna Cline of Rose Bud, AR, three brothers, Jackie Cline and Ricky Cline, both of Rose Bud, AR, and Thomas Cline of South Haven, Michigan, two sisters, Karen Coughlin and Kathy English, both of Rose Bud, AR, and ten grandchildren. Reba is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 18, 2004, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Larry Wilhite officiating. Interment will follow in the Friendship cemetery. Pallbearers will be Keith English, Daniel Koster, Joe Adcock, Jason Moss, Jason Cline, and Chris Adcock. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Leonard Vernon Pratt
Leonard Vernon Pratt was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on March 11, 1915. During WWII he was Chief Pilot of the South Pacific Division of Air Transport Command. After the war he concentrated on an aviation career that spanned barn storming, crop dusting, flight instructing, and airline flying. In his hobby of powerless flight he earned a place in the Smithsonian Institute Aviation Hall of Fame. During his airline career he flew for Slick Airways, Flying Tiger Airlines, Central Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. His airline career progressed from single engine air mail subsidy routes to Boeing 727 passenger routes. During his airline career he invented the index method for figuring aircraft weight and balance which is used to this day, was the union chairman through the most successful airline merger in airline history, the only airline merger in the United States that did not generate a single law suit, and positively influenced numerous young aviators as their aviation careers began. After retiring from the airlines he circumnavigated the world with his family in a forty foot sailboat. He died in Heber Springs, Arkansas on September 11, 2004. He was 89. He was preceded in death by his mother and father L. J. and Annabelle Pratt, his brother Leon S. Pratt and his son Landon J. Pratt II. He is survived by his wife, Betty, his son and daughter-in-law, Leon V. and Margo Pratt of Garland, Texas, his son, Leonard Michael Pratt of Golden, Colorado, and his daughter, Shirley Ann McNutt of Glen Ellen, California, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home September 17, 2004 at 4:00 p.m.
Geraldyne (Gerry) Huntley Rhodes Newcomb
Geraldyne (Gerry) Huntley Rhodes Newcomb, age 83, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Monday, September 13, 2004, at Beverly HealthCare in Heber Springs. Born in Crowell, Texas, on April 24, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Walter Lea and Ameda Harrison Huntley. Mrs. Newcomb grew up in west Texas. She met and married
her first husband, Clinton C. Rhodes, in 1940, and they lived in Pine Bluff for over forty years. After his death, she moved to Fairfield Bay for three years and had lived in Heber Springs for the past eleven years. Mrs. Newcomb was a retired sales clerk for a retail clothing business. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Heber Springs. Mrs. Newcomb was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, one sister, Marylea McAnelly, and one grandson, Cory Watts. Survivors include her husband, Aaron E. Newcomb three daughters, Sandra Sneed and her husband, Louis, Jan Hearn and her husband, Bruce, and Joye Singletary and her husband, Frank, all of Heber Springs, AR, six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Mrs. Newcomb is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 10:00 A.M. in the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs with memorial services beginning at 10:45 A.M., officiated by Dr. J. R. DeBusk. Interment will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, at 11:00 A.M. in the Pine Bluff Memorial Park cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association and Cleburne County Hospice. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
