Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Ronald E. Miller
Ronald E. Miller, age 75, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. Born in West Virginia on March 21, 1930, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Bertha Miller. Mr. Miller was retired from the United States Air Force. He had lived at North Fork for ten years and returned to Heber Springs four years ago. Survivors include one son, Ron Miller and his wife Meredith of Nashville, Tennessee; three brothers, Ralph, Delmer, and Jerry; and two sisters, Nelda and Earline. Mr. Miller is also survived by a granddaughter, Lauren Windsor as well as other relatives and his many friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 27, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel. Interment will follow in Chastain cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Hazel Lavanche Ramsey
Hazel Lavanche Ramsey went to be with the Lord on the 22nd of January, 2006. She was born on the 10th day of May, 1927 to Alice and Luther Oden of Ashley County, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, thirteen brothers and one sister, the father of her children, Lee A. Wyman, and her second husband, David 'Pete' Ramsey, and her son, George Wyman.
She is survived by eight children, Annette Winkle, Flo Turner, Carlton Wyman, Eula Adams, Dean Wyman, Stuart Wyman, Christene Wyman, and Debbie Tucker, 23 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Tilman 'Doc' Oden and Charles 'Peat' Oden, 3 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 28, at 4:00 p.m. at the River Oaks Village Apartments, 3012 E. Moore, Searcy, AR.
Mr. Walter Marcus James
Mr. Walter Marcus James, age 90, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Monday, January 23, 2006. Born in Shiloh, Arkansas, on October 7, 1915, he was the son of the late Joseph W. and Anna (Hoover) James.
Mr. James was a retired locomotive engineer for the Rock Island Rail Road and lived in Kansas City, Kansas, and Shawnee, Kansas, from 1942 to 1975. A veteran of the United States Army, he was stationed in the Pacific during World War II and worked as a construction engineer. Mr. James had lived most of his life in Drasco and Heber Springs
and enjoyed fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed singing gospel music, which he wrote and published. Mr. James was a member of the Pleasant Ridge General Baptist Church. His wife, Addie, preceded him in death on November 6, 2000.
He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Junetta and Kenneth Hebert of Houston, Texas; one granddaughter, Rita Hebert of Galveston, Texas; and one brother, Frank James of Heber Springs. Mr. James is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the Pleasant Ridge General Baptist Church with Rev. Cecil Robertson officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch cemetery. Pallbearers will be Loy Wells, Junior Wells, Wayne Radford, Noel Lacy, Paul Hartwick, and Wayne Moore. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Doilas Lee Deckard Surgener
Doilas Lee Deckard Surgener the daughter of Charlie Milton and Martha Ellen Vance Deckard was born in Drasco, Arkansas on December 22, 1920 and passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 20, 2006 at the age of 85 years. Mrs. Surgener was a resident of Drasco for most of her life, she lived 5 years in Indiana. She was a school teacher and was retired from Ely Walker factory in Heber Springs. She was a member of the Drasco General Baptist Church, the Sunday School Secretary and active in helping hands at the church. She was the past worthy matron of Eastern Star, past president of Cleburne County E.H.C., president of the Drasco Fire Department Auxiliary and a founding member of the Ozark Craft Guild. She was preceded in death by her husband Charlie Surgener who passed away on November 9, 1994, her parents and three brothers Elmer Deckard, Carl Deckard and Earl Deckard. She is survived by her daughter and son in law Charlsie and James Junior Baker of Pangburn, three grandchildren Jimmy Baker of Melbourne, Florida, David Baker of Pangburn and Ronn and Stephany Baker of Pangburn, two great grandchildren Emilee and Zachary Baker both of Pangburn. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and five sister-in-laws besides other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 22, at Olmstead Funeral Home from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. and funeral services will be on Monday, January 23, at 2:00 P.M. in the Drasco General Baptist Church by Rev. Billy Henderson and Rev. Brian Harlan. Interment will follow in the Antioch cemetery by pall bearers Earl Southerland, Richard Deckard, Dale Deckard, Kelly Deckard, Bill Deckard and Lee Lustfeldt, Honorary Pallbearers will be Dewayne Ezell, Tim Southerland, Gary Southerland, Jason Cornelison, Lucille West and Willard Burks. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Mr. Theodore Mayhile Ring
Mr. Theodore Mayhile Ring, age 79, of Houston, Arkansas, passed away Friday, January 20, 2006, at the Morrilton Healthcare Center in Morrilton, Arkansas. Born in Pocahontas, Arkansas, on February 23, 1926, he was the son of the late Iddo M. and Josie E. (Prator) Ring.
Mr. Ring was a retired truck driver and mechanic. A resident of Quitman for most of his life, Mr. Ring enjoyed fishing. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy, and was a member of the V.F.W. Mr. Ring was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended the Kingdom Hall in Heber Springs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida May (Tyler) Ring.
Survivors include four sons, Larry Ring of Houston, Joe Ring of North Little Rock, Billy Ring of Little Rock, and John Ring of Paragould; four daughters, Brinda Richardson of Springfield, Missouri, Paulette Duncan of Heber Springs, Marry Ann Lester of Little Rock, and Virginia Elizabeth Eddy of Casa; one brother, Paul Ring of North Carolina; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Ring is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 23, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services for Mr. Ring will be held Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel with Rev. Stan Wallace officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s cemetery. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Teddy Brent Nickell
Teddy Brent Nickell, age 65, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Monday, January 16, 2006 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Born in Mangum, Oklahoma, on August 23, 1940, he was the son of the late Theodore Rosevelt and Francis Verona (Brooks) Nickell.
A former resident of Fox, Mr. Nickell had lived at Quitman for ten years and was a retired truck driver. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Mr. Nickell was preceded in death by one sister, Lola McCaslin.
He is survived by one son, Nelson Nickell of Tupelo, Mississippi; one daughter, Rhonda Deanna Hampton of Porterville, California; three sisters, Louise Bryson of Fresno, California, Ruby Mooney of Coalinga, California, and Chris Ash of McFarland, California; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Nickell is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 20, at Olmstead Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10:00 a.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Carman Foster officiating. Interment will follow in the Fox cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Eunice (Bell) Schlem Edwards
Eunice (Bell) Schlem Edwards, age 85, of Damascus, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2006, at Southridge Village Nursing Center in Heber Springs. Born in Newport, Arkansas, on April 26, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Alanzo C. and Cora Ellen (Thomas) Bell.
Mrs. Edwards had been a resident of the Damascus area for thirty years. She was a retired nurse’s aid for Arkansas Home Health, and her hobbies included fishing and gardening. Mrs. Edwards’ religious belief was Baptist. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Bell of Providence and Charles Bell of Brownsville, and two sisters, Pearl Gravette of Heber Springs and Maude Querry of Oregon.
Survivors include two daughters, Ivia Betnar of Quitman and Sharon Fry of Heber Springs; one son, Ronnie Schlem of Judsonia; four grandchildren, Jerry Betnar of Heber Springs, Ann Marie Betnar of Quitman, Chuck Fry of Heber Springs, and Justin Schlem of Searcy; six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Pike, Caleb Pike, Jared Betnar, Jenny Betnar, Haley Fry, and Ashton Schlem; one great-great-grandchild, Madison Leigh Pike; and her nieces and nephews. Mrs. Edwards is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Graveside services for Mrs. Edwards will be held Friday, Jan. 20, at 1:00 p.m. in the Sypes cemetery with Rev. Susan Miles officiating. Pallbearers will be Roger Kendrick, Larry Poff, Robert Galt, Justin Schlem, Jerry Betnar, Caleb Pike, and Don Davis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cleburne County Hospice. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Dr. William Ray Perryman
Dr. William Ray Perryman, age 75, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2006, at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock. Born in Ash Flat, Arkansas, on December 3, 1930, he was the son of the late Claude and Maxine (Harris) Perryman.
Dr. Perryman was a professor of music at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for thirty-five years. He was a concert pianist and music teacher who was revered by his students. Dr. Perryman had been a resident of Little Rock since 1970 and loved to travel. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Little Rock.
Survivors include one brother, James Perryman of Wichita, Kansas; two sisters, Kay Richardson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Sue Norman of Jamestown, Tennessee; his nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Dr. Perryman is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services for Dr. Perryman will be held Wednesday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with Rev. John Miles officiating. Memorials may be made to the Dr. William Perryman Scholarship Fund, c/o Dr. Victor Ellsworth, Department of Music/UALR, 2801 South University, Little Rock, AR 72204. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Robert Ray Cannon
Robert Ray Cannon, age 56, of Drasco, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2006, at the Baptist Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi. Born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, on February 14, 1949, he was the son of Cloyce Ray and Dorothy (Peel) Cannon.
A lifetime resident of Cleburne County, Bob was an employee of the United States Postal Service, and he was also a cattle farmer. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Bob loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he was a friend of everyone. His religious belief was General Baptist.
Bob is survived by his parents, Cloyce and Dorothy Cannon of Drasco; his sister and brother-in-law, Nite and Vernon Altom of Ida; one nephew, Ashley Altom of Ida; one niece, Melissa Lamb and her husband, Glenn, of Aurora, Missouri; and two great-nephews, Noah and Hunter Lamb. Bob is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. in the Drasco General Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Concord cemetery with military honors provided by the V.F.W. Post #3543. Wayne Reeves, Larry West, Kenny Allen, Sammy Allen, Ashley Altom, and Allen Cannon will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Surguine, Pete Hoover, Robert Simmons, and Bob Novy. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
HAZEL MARIE GREEN
HAZEL MARIE GREEN, AGE 93, passed away FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2006 AT HER HOME. BORN JANUARY 24, 1912 AT MAYFLOWER, ARKANSAS, SHE WAS 93 YEARS OF AGE. SHE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF THE LATE JAMES MADSON ADAMS AND MARTHE ELIZABETH (FAVORS) ADAMS. HAZEL WAS A HOMEMAKER, A MEMBER OF FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH IN HEBER SPRINGS, AR., ENJOYED HER GARDENING AND RAISING FLOWERS. SHE HAD BEEN A RESIDENT OF HEBER SPRINGS SINCE 1989, COMING FROM ROSENBURG, TEXAS. BESIDES HER PARENTS, HAZEL WAS preceded in death BY HER TWO HUSBANDS, C.S. PIERSON AND FABURN MURL GREEN, HER DAUGHTER, HAZEL PIERSON BREWER, AND 11 BROTHERS AND SISTERS. HAZEL IS SURVIVED BY HER DAUGHTERS, DOROTHY PIERSON NOBLE OF CHARLESTON, ARKANSAS AND CAROLYN PIERSON MUNDY OF HEBER SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. A SISTER, LUCILLE PATRICK OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, 15 GRANDCHILDREN, 29 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, 9 GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, 3 GREAT-GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, OTHER RELATIVES, AND MANY FRIENDS
SERVICES WERE MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2006 AT FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH IN HEBER SPRINGS AT 11:00 A.M. WITH REV. RON KELLEY AND REV. LEE BROWN OFFICIATING. INTERMENT FOLLOWED AT CLEBURNE COUNTY MEMORIAL GARDENS WITH WILLIAM NOBLE, MATTHEW E. NOBLE, GARY E. PRUETT, SCOTT R. PRUETT, SAMUEL J. PRUETT, AND W.T. BREWER 111 SERVING AS PALLBEARERS. HONORARY PALLBEARERS WERE THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS OF FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, HEBER SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. MAKE MEMORIALS TO CLEBURNE COUNTY HOSPICE OR FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH. VISITATION WAS SUNDAY 6-8 P.M. AT FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH. ARRANGEMENTS BY OLMSTEAD FUNERAL HOME, INC. HEBER SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
JUNELLA TURNEY DOLLAR
JUNELLA TURNEY DOLLAR, DAUGHTER OF THE LATE JESSE AND FLOSSIE ETTA TURNEY, passed away FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2006 AT HER HOME. BORN FEBRUARY 16, 1925 AT HIGDEN, ARKANSAS, SHE WAS 80 YEARS OF AGE. JUNELLA HAD SPENT MOST OF HER LIFE IN HIGDEN, ARKANSAS. SHE WAS A MEMBER OF POST OAK BAPTIST CHURCH, HAD BEEN A SECRETARY FOR THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WEST SIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND COTHERNS GROCERY IN GREERS FERRY, ARKANSAS. BESIDES HER PARENTS, JUNELLA WAS preceded in death BY HER DAUGHTER, MARSHA ANN GARDNER. SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER HUSBAND, LUTHER DOLLAR OF GREERS FERRY, 4 GRANDCHILDREN, SHELLIE VANDIVOR OF HEBER SPRINGS, TERESA JO DAVIDSON OF GREERS FERRY, BRADLEY GARDNER OF ELKO, NEVADA, AND HEATHER CORDOVA OF GREENSBORO, PENNSYLVANIA, 10 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, ONE BROTHER, J.E. TURNEY OF HIGDEN, OTHER RELATIVES, AND MANY FRIENDS.
SERVICES WERE HELD SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2006 AT 2:00 P.M. AT OLMSTEAD CHAPEL, HEBER SPRINGS, WITH REV. BENNIE FOSTER AND REV. CURTIS ALTOM OFFICIATING. INTERMENT FOLLOWED AT SHILOH CROSS ROADS cemetery WITH GRADY BROWN, SANFORD BIRDSONG, DWAIN NELSON, RONNIE MAJORS, TEAGUS MAJORS, AND RANDY VERSER SERVING AS PALLBEARERS. J.D EVERETT AND JAKE SMITH SERVED AS HONORARY PALLBEARERS. ARRANGEMENTS WERE BY OLMSTEAD FUNERAL HOME, INC. HEBER SPRINGS, AR.
Fern Collins
Fern Collins, born March 27, 1932 to the late Fred and Lula (Lacy) Deckard, passed away January 12, 2006 at her home in Ida at the age of 73. Mrs. Collins was a member of the Pleasant Ridge General Baptist Church. She was retired from Bosch Power tools and recently from Aromatique. She was a very devoted mother and grandmother; her greatest pleasures were her daughter, granddaughters, and great grandchildren. She also truly enjoyed reading, quilting, and cooking for family and friends. Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by her husband Edgar Collins, a great granddaughter Payton Sparkman, two sisters, and two brothers. Mrs. Collins is survived by one daughter Kathy White and husband Randy of Ida; two granddaughters Stephanie West and husband Travis of Drasco and Samantha Sparkman of Maumelle; two great grandchildren Abi Grace West and Graham West; two sisters Telsie Warren and Nelsie Gilpin, both of Ida; many other relatives and friends.
Services for Mrs. Collins will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge General Baptist Church with interment at Antioch cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Ruby Clemmons
Mrs. Ruby Clemmons, age 75, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2006, at Beverly Health Care in Heber Springs. She was born in Marianna, Arkansas, on July 9, 1930. A former resident of Forrest City, Mrs. Clemmons had lived in Heber Springs for the past twelve years. She was a homemaker, and her religious belief was Baptist. Mrs. Clemmons was preceded in death by three brothers, L. C. Patterson, Bill Buchanon, and Lloyd Buchanon. Survivors include one son, Walter Lee Clemmons of Arizona; her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Mrs. Clemmons is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 13, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 10:00 a.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Dr. J. R. DeBusk officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Ridge cemetery. Anthony Canard, Jason Armstrong, Stephen Dawkins, Phillip Patterson, Adam Patterson, and Michael Canard will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Mary Ruth Davis
Mrs. Mary Ruth Davis, age 88, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. Born in Sidon, Mississippi, on March 17, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Elon and Ruth (Lavinder) Davis.
A resident of Heber Springs since 1981, Mrs. Davis was a retired employee of the Revenue Department for the State of Louisiana, and she was a former resident of Baton Rouge. Mrs. Davis was an avid bridge player and a member of the Junior League, Chi Omega, and St. Francis Episcopal Church. She was a preceded in death by her brother Elon Ellis Davis. Survivors include her husband, Silas W. Davis of Heber Springs; one son, Silas Davis, III, of Tualatin, Oregon; one daughter, Patricia Hearn and her husband, Rev. Arnold Hearn, of Mt. View; two grandchildren, Silas Davis, IV and Erica Christine Davis, both of Tualatin, Oregon; two nephews and one niece.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church with Rev. R. E. (Andy) Jackson officiating. Interment will be in the St. Francis Episcopal cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church in Heber Springs. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Inez Reeves Billings
Inez Reeves Billings, age 93, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2005, at the Indian Rock Village in Fairfield Bay. Born in Eglantine, Arkansas, on April 27, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Marve and Laura (Bates) Ward.
Mrs. Billings had been a resident of Heber Springs for most of her life. She was a homemaker and mother, and she was a member of the Heber Springs First United Methodist Church. Her husbands, Buster Reeves and Jim Billings, preceded her in death.
Survivors include two daughters, Betty Morris of St. Louis, Missouri, and Becky Byrd of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mrs. Billings is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Clinton. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Wilma Fronia Turney
Mrs. Wilma Fronia Turney, age 93, of Lonoke, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. Born in Higden, Arkansas, on November 17, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Timothy and Lillie (Cody) Potter. Mrs. Turney had lived in Lonoke for five years, and she was a former resident of Russellville. She was a homemaker and farmer, and she enjoyed quilting. Mrs. Turney’s religious belief was Pentecostal. Her husband Atlee Turney preceded her in death on May 3, 1972. Survivors include two sons, Atlee Turney, Jr. of Clarksville and Roger Turney of Higden; three daughters, Leopha Ergle of Schater, Mississippi, Barbara Hageman of Phoenix, Arizona, and Pam White of Lonoke; one brother, Billy Potter of College Station, Texas; one sister, Marue Tackett of Schater, Mississippi; twelve grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Turney is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 13, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Higden United Pentecostal Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the Higden United Pentecostal Church with Rev. Clois Sturch officiating. Interment will follow in the Higden-McLehaney cemetery with Bob King, Don Hageman, Allen Turney, Rodney Turney, Chris Turney, and Heath Brock serving as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Wanda Mae Brown Robbins
Wanda Mae Brown Robbins, the daughter of Jess and Eva Heeb Brown was born in Weiner, Arkansas on May 5, 1922 and passed away at her home in Heber Springs, Arkansas on January 7, 2006 at the age of 83 years. Mrs. Robbins was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Heber Springs. She was a retired registered nurse having worked at both Heber Springs Hospital and Cleburne County Hospital. She organized the Medley Club in Heber Springs and enjoyed playing bridge, cooking, reading and gardening. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Joe N. Robbins who passed away on August 3, 1975. She is survived by four children Nevin Robbins and wife Canty, Evelyn Irwin and husband Mike, Jim Robbins and wife Diane and Jon Robbins and wife Adenia. She is also survived by eight grandchildren Jennifer Robbins, David Robbins, Matthew Robbins, Elizabeth Welch and husband Joshua, Riley Robbins, Holly Robbins, Thomas Irwin and Ross Irwin and wife Cassie and one great grandchild Ryan Welch. Mrs. Robbins is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 8 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Olmstead Funeral Home and funeral services will be Monday, January 9 at 2:00 PM in the First United Methodist Church of Heber Springs. Interment will be in the Heber Springs cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. John Miles with pallbearers Jan Sharp, John Cook, Pat Miller, Mark Spanel, Jack Rhodes, Bill Allbright, Kent Hulsey, and Sam Haile. The family request memorials to the Heber Springs Elementary School Library at 800 West Moore Street, Heber Springs, AR 72543. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Rex B. Ruch
Rex B. Ruch, the son of Herschel Allen and Lola Mae Jones Ruch was born in Gentry, Missouri on September 29, 1936 and passed away in Heber Springs, Arkansas on January 6, 2006 at the age of 69 years. His religious belief was the Church of Christ and Mr. Ruch was a retired Master Sargent in the United States Air Force. He also was retired from the Civil Service, was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Moose Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors are his wife Etta Faye Ruch of Heber Springs, one son Steven Ruch of Tucson, Arizona, two daughters Theresa Blackley of Melbourne, Arkansas and Janet Boyles of Greenville, Mississippi, one sister Ova Mae Melbourne of St. Joseph, Missouri and a brother Burl J. Ruch of Albany, Missouri, two step-sons Donald Tharis and Billy Tharis and a step-daughter Sharon Green. Mr. Ruch is also survived by 7 grandchildren 8 step-grandchildren, and 6 step-great grandchildren besides other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be on Sunday January 8 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Olmstead Funeral Home and funeral services will be in the Olmstead Chapel on Monday January 9 at 1:00 PM by Lance Mays. Interment will be in the Heber Springs cemetery by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Mr. Willie Andrew DeFoor
Mr. Willie Andrew DeFoor, age 86, of Concord, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2006, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born in Drasco, Arkansas, on June 27, 1919, he was the son of the late Henry and Georgie (Davis) DeFoor. A lifetime resident of Cleburne County, Mr. DeFoor was a farmer. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army and was stationed in the Pacific with the 96th Infantry. Mr. DeFoor was a member and deacon of the Macedonia General Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed both his church and farming. Mr. DeFoor was preceded in death by one brother, Witee DeFoor, and one sister, Emaline Crawford. Survivors include his wife, Trudy (Wiese) Robbins DeFoor of Concord; one son, Joe DeFoor of Drasco; one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Verdell Stair of Drasco; one stepdaughter, Carol Robbins Huffman of Drasco; one sister, Pearlie Elms of Searcy; two grandchildren, Johnny Stair and Joanna Kingston; seven step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and fourteen step-great-grandchildren; and his many nieces and nephews. Mr. DeFoor is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 7, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, at 2:00 p.m. in the Macedonia General Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Harlan and Rev. Darvin Carlton officiating. Interment will follow in the Macedonia cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lester Cornett, Norman Phillips, Arvin Phillips, Vernon Phillips, Larry Wells, and Donald Prince. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Pounds, Eddie Green, Loy Wells, Jurld DeFoor, and Junior Wells. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
