Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Richard Lee Meraz
Richard Lee Meraz, age 72, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on September 4, 1934, he was the son of Pauline Saldana Meraz Murray and the late Frank Meraz.
Mr. Meraz had been a resident of Fairfield Bay for eleven years and was the owner of the bowling alley. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Meraz was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church at Fairfield Bay.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Meraz; one brother, Alfred Meraz; one sister, Geraldine Hart; and one grandchild, Ariel Meraz.
Survivors include his wife, Petra Meraz of Fairfield Bay; three sons, Rev. Jonathan Meraz of Plainview, Nebraska, Rev. Michael Meraz of Jacksonville, Missouri, and Phillip Meraz of Ames, Iowa; one daughter, Yvonne Meyer of Glendale, Arizona; his mother, Pauline Murray of Sun City, Arizona; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Meraz is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
A memorial service will be held Sat., March 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the Faith Lutheran Church at Fairfield Bay with Pastor Thomas Sayre officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc., 601 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543.
Patrick Don Stanford
Patrick Don Stanford, age 66, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. Born in McAlister, Oklahoma, on March 13, 1940, he was the son of the late Harley and May (Nelson) Stanford.
Mr. Stanford was retired from military service as a United States Navy Seal and also the United States Marines. He was a member of the American Legion Post 64. His religious belief was Baptist. Mr. Stanford was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Ann Stanford.
He is survived by two sons, Randy Stanford of Conway and Rory Reed of Odessa, Texas; three daughters, Penny Brimhall and Carla Williams, both of Heber Springs, and Tammy Ragland of Marshall; 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Mr. Stanford is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 8, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Dr. Dennis Powell officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Aaron McCmuspey, Christopher Miller, Bob Williams, Victor Grandmaiter, Jamie Ragland, Nicholis Brimhall, Thomas Ellage, and Colorado Norton. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Lula Jane Davis
Lula Jane Davis, age 89, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2007, at the Golden Living Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born in Ida, Arkansas, on September 27, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Levi and Dora Jane (Deckard) Lacy.
Mrs. Davis worked as a housekeeper for the Red Apple Inn, and she had also been a teacher. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odus Franklin Davis; four brothers, Billie, Willie, Doyle, and Lewis Lacy; and two sisters, Lana Bradford and Lela Kennedy.
Mrs. Davis is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Greg Luetschwager of Quitman; one brother, Carl Lacy of Ida; one sister, Stella Cranford of Heber Springs; and one granddaughter, Ashley Bellnap of Mt. Home. Mrs. Davis is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation for Mrs. Davis will be held Friday, March 23, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. in the Antioch Church with Elder James Isaacs officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch cemetery. Greg Luetschwager, Brad Lindsey, Robert Son, David Cranford, Andrew Cranford, Scott McDearmon, and Danny Roberts will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Delores Estella Watson Arnhart
Delores Estella Watson Arnhart, age 80, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Monday, April 23, 2007, at her daughter’s home. Born in Alread, Arkansas, on March 20, 1927, she was the daughter of the late William Marshall and Hazel (Kingsley) Watson.
Mrs. Arnhart was a homemaker and had been a resident of Quitman since 1963. She was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post 7514 of Quitman. Mrs. Arnhart enjoyed reading, flowers, feeding birds, and taking care of her kids and grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Arnhart, Jr. on October 22, 1988. She was also preceded in death by one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Tolley.
Mrs. Arnhart is survived by one son, William Arnhart of Batesville; five daughters, Margret Barger, Joyce Clayton, Connie Goff, and Bobbie Pike, all of Quitman, and Sammie Armstrong of Heber Springs; one brother, William Watson, Jr. of Clinton; two sisters, Enid Hefner of Clinton, and Marie Saunders of Wrangell, Alaska; fourteen grandchildren, Edward Barger, Roger Barger, Michelle Tolley, Tom Stanford, Jerri Sneed, Lynn Cameron, Jim Cameron, Michael Cameron, Stephanie Carl, Sara Lawrence, John Arnhart, Clay Arnhart, Melinda Wortham, and David Pike; and 26 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Arnhart is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 25, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services for Mrs. Arnhart will be held Thursday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m. in South Cross Roads Church with Rev. Kenneth Rolland, Jr., Rev. Roy Archer, and Rev. Ammon Collins officiating. Interment will follow in the Crabtree cemetery. Pallbearers will be Edward Barger, Roger Barger, Tom Stanford, Jim Cameron, Michael Cameron, John Arnhart, Clay Arnhart, and David Pike. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Rhuey I. (Palmer) Cathey-Freeze
Rhuey I. (Palmer) Cathey-Freeze went to be with our Lord on April 25, 2007. She was born on January 16, 1919, in Pine Snag, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Alonzo Palmer and Ethel Wright Palmer, her step-mother, Viola Jordan Palmer, her foster parents, the Rev. Seth Spears and Anna Davis Spears, one sister, Marie Palmer, one brother, Thelman Palmer, and daughter-in-law, Ruth Cathey. Her first husband, Lloyd Cathey, preceded her in death, and she was also preceded in death by her second husband, Tom Freeze.
She is survived by her son, Joe Cathey of Heber Springs, her daughter, Janet A. Birdsong, son-in-law, Luther G. Birdsong of Cabot, Arkansas; her grandsons, Stewart Birdsong, James Cathey, Charles Birdsong, and Jerry Cathey; five great-grandsons, Steven Cathey, Jayson Cathey, Kenneth Birdsong, Jacob Birdsong, and Charles Steven Birdsong.
Rhuey was a member of the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Garden Club. Rhuey was a resident of Heritage Living Center in Conway, Arkansas.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 27, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Dale Arnold Osburn
Dale Arnold Osburn, age 48, of Vilonia, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2007, at the Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway, Arkansas. Born in Bradford, Arkansas, on July 20, 1958, he was the son of Henry C. and Zelma (Smartt) Osburn.
A former resident of Heber Springs, Dale had recently moved to Vilonia where he had lived for the past year and a half. He was a certified welding instructor and inspector. Dale loved fishing and hunting, and he enjoyed working on old vehicles. He served as an A.A. and N.A. sponsor. Dale was in martial arts when he was younger. He attended the Friendship Baptist Church.
Dale was preceded in death by one daughter, Leasha Kay; one son, Channon Henry; three brothers, Henry C. Osburn, Jr., James C. Osburn, and Anthony L. Osburn.
He is survived by: his parents, Henry and Zelma Osburn of Edgemont; three sons, Christopher Dale Osburn of Conway, Robert Eugene Osburn of Heber Srpings, and Scotty Garner of Little Rock; one daughter, Amra Nikkole Osburn of Heber Springs; his fiancée, Johnita McCoy of Vilonia; three brothers, Gary Dewayne Osburn of Mt. View, Danuel Robert Osburn of Edgemont, and David Colin Osburn of Maumelle; two sisters, Elizabeth Joan Willyerd of Heber Springs and Nancy Denise Carlton of Prim; three grandchildren, Alicia Kaye Osburn, Xavier Dale Osburn, and Scotty Garner, Jr.; his aunt, Nancy Everett of Prim; two cousins, Cathy Knapp and Jackie Robinson; and a host of nieces and nephews and his many friends.
Vistiation will be held Tuesday, April 24, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the Parma Full Gospel Church with Bro. Lovell Carlton, Bro. Jack Robinson, and Bro. Ken Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in the Smartt cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Osburn, Danuel Osburn, Justin Carlton, Jarrod Carlton, Joseph Carlton, and Calvin Carlton. Honorary pallbearers are Danuel Osburn, Henry Osburn, Gary Osburn, and David Osburn. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Norma Eugene (French) Jones
Norma Eugene (French) Jones of Heber Springs was born on October 22, 1921, and departed this life on April 21, 2007, in the quiet serenity of her home under the care of hospice and her good friend, Patsy Jones. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Jones; her parents, Albert Sidney and Ninnie Hudson French; her brothers, Hubert and Herbert French; her sisters, Iva McCluney, Gwen East, Irene Holifield and Ruby Lee French; and nephews, Ronald French and Joe French. Although Norma had no children of her own, she is survived by her niece, Carolyn Harwell, and nephews, George French, Brooks Holifield, James French, Larry French, and Scott East as well as a host of friends and other family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2007, at Heber Springs First United Methodist Church. Following the service there will be a reception for family and friends.
She will be interred at Woodland Heights cemetery in Rector, Arkansas.
Oneta Fortenberry
Oneta was born on December 20, 1930 in Higden, AR and went to be with our heavenly Father on March 11, 2007 in Tucson, AZ surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents Neual Barnum, Cordie Barnum Presley and Bonnie Presley, brother, Glenn and loving husband, Ray Bradford. She is survived by her children; Wilma (John), and Jack; five grandchildren, Jacqueline (Paul), Leslie (Mike), Jeffrey (Kacey), Matthew (Karina), and Joanna (Greg); and five great-grandchildren, Konnar, McKay, Brandon, Aiden, and Allison. Also survived by a younger sister, Lola Neighbors of Concord, AR. Oneta moved to Morenci, AZ with her husband and children in 1952 and lived there until Ray's death in March 1974. Returning to Arkansas where she would live until 1994 when she moved back to Arizona. She loved God and believed He was always with her. She taught us many lessons during her life about faith, family, strength and courage. She was generous, compassionate always showing us how to treat and love each other and she made it easy to love her. Her loving family and friends will dearly miss her.
A celebration of Oneta's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 in Heber Springs at Olmstead Chapel and internment following at Higden McLehaney cemetery.
Robert James Bond
Robert James Bond, the son of Richard and Verna Brush Bond, was born in Parksville, New York, on August 28, 1937, and passed away in Drasco, Arkansas, on April 7, 2007, at the age of 69 years.
Robert was a cheese maker, having retired from Hillsvalley Foods in Batesville, Arkansas. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed nature, the outdoors and traveling. Robert had been a resident of Cleburne County since 1948. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Fred Bond; a sister, Elizabeth Gifford; and a great nephew, Justin Gifford.
He is survived by his brother, Richard A. Bond of Concord; a sister, Joyce Bond of Batesville; a nephew, Charles Gifford and wife, Carrie, of Concord; a niece, Donna Parrish and husband, James, of Concord; 8 great nieces and nephews, 2 great, great nephews, and 1 great, great niece.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 9, 2007, at Olmstead Funeral Home with family from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., and funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel by Rev. Robert Lindeman. Interment will be in the Concord cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Honor Guard Post #64 of Heber Springs. Pallbearers were Rocky Hartwick, John James, James Parrish, Luke Milholen, Hunter Stone and honorary pallbearer Neal Hartwick. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Mr. Ottis Ray Johnson
Mr. Ottis Ray Johnson, age 95, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, April 5, 2007, at Southridge Village Nursing Center in Heber Springs. Born in Quitman on September 30, 1911, he was the son of the late James Denver Johnson and Mary Margery Perry Johnson.
Mr. Johnson was a lifetime resident of Quitman. He was a retired farmer and construction worker for Ben Hogan. Mr. Johnson loved horses and riding, and he enjoyed gardening. He was a member of the Goodloe Community Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Mae Beashears Johnson, and one son, James Fredrick Johnson and wife Lou Ann Johnson.
Mr. Johnson is survived by two sons, Charlie Delmore Johnson and wife Laura Cathryn of Quitman, and D. (Squeak) Johnson and wife Helen of Bryant; one brother, Johnnie Johnson of Heber Springs; 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Mr. Johnson is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 8, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Graveside services will be held Monday, April 9, at 2:00 p.m. at the Goodloe cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Rolland, Jr. officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Susie Ester Spears
Mrs. Susie Ester Spears, age 96, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at the Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton. Born in Wilburn, Arkansas, on July 7, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Henry and Mollie Elizabeth (Butler) Allen.
Mrs. Spears was a homemaker, and she enjoyed crocheting and sewing. She was a member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in North Little Rock. Her husband Brose Spears preceded her in death on February 11, 1994.
Mrs. Spears is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Brose C. and Marguerite Spears of Benton; her brother and sister-in-law, Telford and Velma Allen of Heber Springs; one grandchild, Steven Spears and his wife, Cindy, of Little Rock; one great-grandchild, Keli Spears; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Spears is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Graveside services and interment for Mrs. Spears will be held Saturday, April 7, at 9:00 a.m. at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with Rev. Freddie Holmes officiating.
Memorials may be made to Faith Missionary Baptist Church in North Little Rock or Saline Memorial Hospice, 23157 Hwy. I-30, Bryant, AR 72022. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Hope Virginia Brackett
Hope Virginia Brackett, age 74, of Desha, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at the White River Medical Center in Batesville. Born in Oil Trough, Arkansas, on January 11, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Marley and Birdie (Hayes) Arnold.
Mrs. Brackett was a homemaker and enjoyed quilting, singing, and playing music. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Her husband, Claud W. Brackett, preceded her in death on November 19, 1984. Mrs. Brackett was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, L. D. Arnold, Doyle Arnold, Arbon Arnold, and Noel Arnold; and two sisters, Lois Newman and Sylvia Dye.
She is survived by three sons, Michael Brackett of Jacksonville, Mark Brackett of Desha, and Tim Brackett of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; one daughter, Brenda Armijo of Desha; one sister, Dorothy Lafkin of Heber Springs; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Mrs. Brackett is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 31, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 1, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Olan Hicks officiating. Interment will follow in the Concord cemetery.
Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Edna Pauline Bradford
Edna Pauline Bradford, the daughter of Homer and Pearl Stanley Harmon was born in Burnt Ridge, Arkansas on May 9, 1921 and passed away at Ozark Health Nursing Center in Clinton, Arkansas on May 27, 2007 at the age of 86 years.
Mrs. Bradford was retired from Banquet foods after 20 years of service. She was a member of the Church of God and enjoyed going to church and singing. She enjoyed gardening and flowers, crocheting, quilting and helping others.
She was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Pearl Harmon, her husband Clones who passed away on March 6, 1990, two sons Jerry Bradford and Gary Lane Bradford, three brothers George, Ralph Linberg and Allen Harmon, two grandchildren Sherry Bradford and Gary Lane Bradford, Jr. and one great grandchild Samuel Kie Bradford.
Mrs. Bradford is survived by two sons Clofus Bradford and his wife Sharon of Shirley, Lenny Bradford and his wife Marsha of Shirley and a daughter Brenda Brown and husband Garner of Shirley, one brother Jerry Harmon of Morrilton, thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren besides other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be Monday, May 28 at Olmstead Funeral Home Woodland from 6:00 Until 8:00 PM and funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at Eglantine Church of Christ at 10:00 AM with interment in Eglantine cemetery by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs. The services will be conducted by Chip Paden and Walt Barfield and pallbearers will be Brad Brown, Sammy Bradford, Scott Bradford, Doug Brown, Jason Bradford, Brandon Bradford and Blake Bradford.
Catherine "Cassie" Riddle
Catherine "Cassie" Riddle, age 85, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2007, at the Golden Living Center in Heber Springs. Born at Shiloh, Arkansas, on August 28, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Weldon and Het (Haskins) Stark.
A lifetime resident of Greers Ferry, Mrs. Riddle was a former motel manager and cook for the Narrows Inn, as well as a homemaker. She loved to garden and grow flowers, piece quilts, read and sit around a lot, and do crossword puzzles. Mrs. Riddle was a member of the Higden Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Riddle, who died on October 26, 1982.
She is survived by two sons, Johnny Riddle and his wife, Charlene, of Greers Ferry and Jack Riddle and his wife, Carla, of Atkins; two daughters, Brenda Seymore of Heber Springs and Sandra Cossey and her husband, James, of Naylor; two brothers, J. W. Stark of Ida and Carl Stark of Heber Springs; three sisters, Pauline Bailey, Lavena Hearst, and Oretha Jean Stark, all of Greers Ferry; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mrs. Riddle is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 18, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 19, at 2:00 p.m. in the Higden Church of Christ with Carroll Sites officiating. Interment will follow in the Shiloh Cross Roads cemetery. Don Seymore, Kevin Riddle, Corey Riddle, Jordan Riddle, Tom Ed Hurst, and Gerald Bailey are serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Chad Carr and Derek Carr. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Rader Jean Rowlett
Rader Jean Rowlett, the infant son of David Greg Rowlett and Shawnna Rosetta Qualls passed away April 27, 2007 at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. He is survived by his parents, his grandparents: Larry and Norma Rowlett of Quitman, Tommy and Pam Williams, Chris and Cindy Russenberger of Judsonia, Great grandparents Floyd and Hazel Wildman of Hopewell, Margarette Russenberger of Hickory Flat and Great Grandmother Fern Williams. Sister Albrey Rowlett of Heber Springs, Brother Preston Rowlett of Heber Springs, Brother Allen Harris of West Memphis, Sister Cynimon Harris of Judsonia and Sister Bethany Harris of Judsonia. Rader is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins besides other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 1, 2007 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. and Funeral Services will be Wednesday, May, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel by Rev. Mark Bishop with interment in Martin cemetery by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Janice Oleida Duncan Gill
Janice Oleida Duncan Gill, age 72, of Pangburn, Arkansas, passed away Monday, April 30, 2007 at her home. Born in Leechville, Arkansas she was the son of the late William and Rosetta (Medrus) Duncan.
Mrs. Gill was retired from Crown Tomato in Bartow, Florida. She was a member of the Pangburn Church of Christ, enjoyed cooking and fishing and had a deep love for her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and her husbands Bill Arnold and Gerald Gill.
Mrs. Gill is survived by a daughter, Melina Simpson of Pangburn, Arkansas, 2 sons, Billy Arnold of Pangburn, Arkansas and Stacy Warden Gill of Texas, 13 brothers and sisters, as well as, other relatives and many friends.
Services will be held Wednesday, at 2:00 pm in the Pleasant Ridge Union Church with Pastor Odell Altom officiating. Interment will be in the Pleasant Ridge cemetery.
Arrangements by: Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
