OBITUARIES
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/obits/57736/
Bella Vista
Bette Lea Boatman, 69, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Ark. She was born May 9, 1938, in Boston, Mass., to Chester Mac-Donald and Millicent Kenning MacDonald.
She married Edward L. Boatman on Aug. 31, 1956. She lived in Sherman, Texas, for 48 years and raised her family there. At the age of 40, she went to school and became a registered nurse. She worked in an emergency room, for a health department and for physicians. Approximately four years ago, she moved to Bella Vista from Sherman.
Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Edward L. Boatman; a son and daughter-in-law, Terry Boatman and Leta Boatman of Garland, Texas; two daughters and sonsin-law, Robin Stilwell and Dana Stilwell of Bentonville, Ark., and Stacy McDaniel and Tom McDaniel of De Forest, Wis.; two brothers, Chester MacDonald of Natick, Mass., and Samuel MacDonald of Revere, Mass.; two sisters, Peggy Chaffin of Waban, Mass., and Tinty Cerrone of Revere; seven grandchildren, Danielle May, Benjamin May, Anthony Gallion, Drew Boatman, Emily Boatman, Michael McDaniel and Jessica McDaniel; and a great-grandchild, Isabella May.
No local services are planned.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Sherman, Texas.
Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation. com.
The Ron Marshall obituary is being republished to include a photo that was omitted by The Daily Record.
Ron J. Marshall, 60, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at his home. He was born April 24, 1947, in Bryan / College Station, Texas, to F. R. Marshall and Ruth Ann Mc-Whorter Marshall.
He was raised in Bryan and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. He served in the U. S. Navy for four years. He graduated with honors from Texas A & M University, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He was employed with the Social Security Administration for 34 years until his retirement in 2004. He was an avid golfer and football fan.
Survivors include his wife, Shonet Marshall; two daughters and a son-in-law, Michelle Marshall of Lubbock, Texas, and Heather Johnson and Matt Johnson of Houston, Texas; a stepdaughter, Nicole Collier of Fernley, Nev.; and three grandchildren, Bryce Johnson, Brogan Johnson and Brandt Johnson, all of Houston.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by the Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St. in Rogers, Ark.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. Online condolences may be made at www. bentoncountyfuneralhome. com.
Colcord, Okla.
Thomas Lee Williamson, 46, of Colcord, Okla., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital in Siloam Springs, Ark. He was born Aug. 7, 1961, in Bakersfield, Calif., to Kenneth Dale Williamson and Berthena Marie Small Williamson. He lived most of his life in Delaware County, Okla. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Williamson. Survivors include his mother, Berthena Marie Small of Colcord; two brothers, Michael Glenn Williamson of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Kelvin LeRoy Williamson of Colcord; and two sisters, June E. Williamson and Susie Jones, both of Colcord. A memorial service will be held at 1 p. m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Church of Christ in Colcord with Larry Ellis. Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, 441 Highway 412 W. in Siloam Springs, Ark. Online condolences may be made at www. wassonfuneralhome. com.
Decatur
Billy Carl Hopkins, 80, of Decatur, Ark., died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Springdale Health and Rehabilitation in Springdale, Ark. He was born April 2, 1927, in Gravette, Ark., to Walter Hopkins and Rosa Arnold Hopkins.
He married Roberta Peterson on May 26, 1948, in Decatur. He was a member of the Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Gentry, Ark. He was a U. S. Navy veteran, having served during the Operation Crossroads, Bikini Atoll nuclear testing. He was a hatchery foreman with Peterson Industries for 46 years.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred Hopkins and Melvin Hopkins; and three sisters, Nancy McCarthy, Frances Gunter and his twin sister, Betty Wilmoth.
Survivors include his wife, Roberta Hopkins; a son and daughter-in-law, Rob Hopkins and Tami Hopkins of Decatur; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynda Lemke and Al Lemke of Siloam Springs, Ark.; a brother-in-law, Bill Wilmoth of Decatur; two sisters-in-law, Lowess Jasper of Gravette and Marie Hopkins of St. Louis, Mo.; four grandchildren, Greg Lemke of Gentry, Ark., Amber Jones of Sebree, Ky., and Brent Hopkins and Megan Oaks, both of Decatur; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Wasson Funeral Home, 441 Highway 412 W. in Siloam Springs, Ark.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p. m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Gentry, Ark., with the Rev. Larry Hendren, Dr. John Terry and Buddy Ammermon.
Burial will be at the Decatur Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education, 2422 N. Thompson, Springdale, AR 72764; or to Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Gentry, Ark.
Online condolences may be made at www. wassonfuneralhome. com.
Estes M. Philpott, 76, of Decatur, Ark., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Ark. He was born April 16, 1931, in Decatur to Frank Philpott and Violet Wilmoth Philpott.
He was raised and educated in Decatur. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He married Erlene Carlile Wise on April 20, 1964, in Gravette, Ark. He was a long-haul truck driver until he began working as a meat inspector for the U. S. Department of Agriculture. He was also a cattle farmer in the Decatur area. He served as a justice of the peace in Benton County, Ark., from 1998 to 2000. He was a member of the Masons, the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Roberta Wofford.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Erlene Philpott; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Douglas Wise of Wichita, Kan., Bradley Wise of Bentonville, Ark., and Phillip Philpott and Donna Philpott of Conway, Ark.; a daughter and son-in-law, Tammy Johnston and Donald Johnston of Springdale, Ark.; a brother and sister-in-law, Van Philpott and Colene Philpott of Decatur; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 7 p. m. to 9 p. m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd. in Bella Vista, Ark.
Funeral services will be at 2 p. m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Richard Hogan.
Burial will be at the Falling Springs Cemetery near Decatur.
Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation. com.
Gentry
Beulah Mae Kelly, 96, of Gentry, Ark., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. She was born Nov. 27, 1911, in Beaver County, Okla., to Elmer Judd and Pearl Judd. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Highfill Willing Workers and the Highfill Baptist Church in Highfill, Ark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Kelly, in 1991; and a daughter, Jeanie Copelin. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert A. Kelly and Dean Kelly of Gentry, Ark., Jerry Ray Kelly and Elta Kelly of Jay, Okla., and Darrell D. Kelly and Kay Kelly of Bella Vista, Ark.; a sister, Thelma Pierson of Beaver, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 p. m. to 7: 30 p. m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Wasson Funeral Home, 441 Highway 412 W. in Siloam Springs, Ark. Funeral services will be at 2 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Wasson Memorial Chapel with Elder Long. Burial will be at the Gentry Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www. wassonfuneralhome. com.
Rogers
Janet Marie Smrt, 75, of Rogers, died on January 12, 2008, at Heritage Park Nursing Home in Rogers. She was born on March 10, 1932, in Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin, the middle child of Charles August and Lydia Ann Zimpel.
She graduated form nursing school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953. In 1954 she married Adelbert Eugene Wright and they moved to Denver, Colorado, where they made their home and had six children. She also began her nursing career there, where she worked in several different capacities, including surgery, emergency medicine and cardiac care. After the untimely death of her husband, she and the children moved to the Rogers area. In 1982 she married Robert “ Bob” Smrt and continued her nursing career until her retirement from St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers. Jan was an avid bird watcher, loved the outdoors, boating, fishing and music and gardening. She and Bob also traveled extensively.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Stephen Patrick Wright in 1983; and her husband, Bob, in 2007.
Survivors include her children, Anne Brush of Avoca, Barbara Cordray of Somerset, OH, Mary Todd of Troupe, Texas, Dan Wright of Fayetteville, AR, Margie Johns of Rogers and Pat Gabel of Tinley Park, IL; one brother, Doug Zimpel of Avoca; one sister, Patricia Stoch of Duluth, MN; 19 grandchildren; and 9 greatgrandchildren.
Jan was a teacher and mentor to many people. We admired her quiet wisdom, her nature of fairness and her ability to make you feel part of the family. Jan’s compassion for family and the lives of those around her set foundations for all those who came into her life. We loved her so much and will dearly miss her.
Bentonville
Harold Donald Ayres, 85, of Bentonville, died Friday, January 11, 2008. He was born May 20, 1922, the son of the late Harvey and Elsie Ann Ayres. Harold Ayres was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville; was retired from the U. S. Coast Guard; a Master Mason; Past Associate Guardian (Job’s Daughters ); and served on the Board of Directors with Helping Hands in Bentonville, where he also volunteered for 25 years serving 50 hours per week. In 2005 he was awarded The Adult Good Samaritan Award by the American Red Cross. Above all, Harold was known for his genuine character and his passion for helping others.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Darlene Ayres; and one child, Arthur Barton Kummell. He is survived by children, Colleen Ayres-Griffin of Broken Arrow, OK, Terry Kummell of Danville, CA, Darlene Jones of Asheboro, NC; 8 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 1 p. m. to 2 p. m. Friday, January 18, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville with services following at 2 p. m. Graveside will be 11 a. m. Saturday, January 19, 2008, at Armstrong Cemetery in Rushville, Missouri.
The family would like to thank Harold’s many friends for their love and support. Your caring attention and efforts allowed Harold’s wishes to be honored and for him to remain in his home and the community he knew and loved.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands, 302 Airport Road, Bentonville, AR 72712; or to the First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2 nd Street, Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements are entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Springdale. www. backstrom-pyeatte. com.
Chicago, Ill.
Thomas Payne Slipping quietly into the night at age 97 1 / 2, and with his loving son, David Payne, by his side, Thomas Payne departed this world on December 15, 2007. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lucille Payne. Tom Payne is survived by 2 sons, John Payne, Ed. D., Math Professor of Chandler, Arizona, and David Payne, Financial Planner of Algonquin, Illinois; one daughter, Marjorie Bourgeois, Physical Therapist, of Church Point, Louisiana. He left to mourn 4 grandchildren, Melody Payne, B. A. in Psychology, and Matt of Portland, Oregon, Jason Bourgeois, Architect, and wife, Andrea, of Brooklyn, New York, Matthew Bourgeois, MFA College Art Instructor, and wife, Katie of Plaquemine, Louisiana, and Melissa Bourgeois, LSU student, and Mike of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He had one step-great-grandchild, Hayden of Plaquemine, La. Tom Payne spent his life in the service of others. He graduated as a young man from Ouachita Bible College. He spent several years before World War II teaching and working in school administration in rural schools in Arkansas. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was trained as a Chaplain at Harvard Divinity School. Stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska, he met his wife, whom he often referred to as “ the reason I have a life. ” She brought great joy to him during their 62 years together. When she suffered dementia, Tom lovingly cared for her during her last 5 years of life. He was devastated by her passing.
After World War II, Tom Payne attended the Southern Baptist seminary in Kansas City, Mo., while living and preaching in Adams, Neb. As a Southern Baptist Minister, he led churches in Centertown and then Kansas City, Mo. Continuing his service to others, Tom Payne taught school and preached after moving to Parkville, Mo. He and his wife raised their children and sent them off to college from this location. Tom’s motto was “ every generation owes the next generation an education. ”
Tom and Lucille Payne spent many happy years together after they retired and moved to Bella Vista and then Concordia, Arkansas. As avid students of life, they enjoyed learning about the people and locations in which they lived and to which they visited. Tom learned to play golf at 81 years of age. A lengthy article in the Bella Vista newspaper spotlighted this achievement. He and Lucille also enjoyed playing bridge, fishing, going to dances where he never sat out a dance, and visiting their children. Tom had an acute mind and grasp of current events. He often wrote and had his letters published, which he sent to the editors of various newspapers.
It is quite evident Tom Payne lived a very full and eventful life. He was always proud of his Arkansas heritage. He was thankful to have begun his life in Arkansas, and then to have spent most of his last years in the state he loved.
Highfill
Noretta James, 69, of Highfill, Ark., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. She was born May 5, 1938, in Springlake, Texas, to Louis Bolinger and Mildred Franklin Bolinger. She married Jerry Dell James on Oct. 31, 1956, in Lubbock, Texas. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Highfill and the Heartbeat of the Ozarks Car Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry James. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Fred James and Wanda James of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Jason James and Janet James of Gentry, Ark.; a daughter and son-in-law, Marquetta Lucas and Rusty Lucas of Gentry; a brother, Leroy Bolinger of Highfill; a sister, Louise Buser of Bentonville, Ark.; her mother-in-law, Edith James of Highfill; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at Wasson Funeral Home, 441 Highway 412 W. in Siloam Springs, Ark. Funeral services will be at 2 p. m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Highfill Baptist Church with the Rev. Bruce Holland. Burial will be at the Highfill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of the Heartbeat of the Ozarks Car Club. Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72764; or to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www. wassonfuneralhome. com.
Kingston
Ralph Shannon, 67, of Kingston, Ark., died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born Oct. 14, 1940. Arrangements are pending with Stockdale Funeral Services, 2898 W. Walnut St. in Rogers, Ark.
Rogers
Charles A. “Bud” Rosenthal Jr., 77, of Rogers, Ark., died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, Ark. He was born Jan. 8, 1930, in St. Louis, Mo., to Charles A. Rosenthal Sr. and Margaret Short Rosenthal. A memorial service will be held at 3 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers.
Burial will be at the White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Mich.
Arrangements are by the Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St. in Rogers.
Online condolences may be made at www. bentoncountyfuneralhome. com.
Calvin Frederick Zoltner, 89, of Rogers, Ark., died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Ark. He was born Dec. 9, 1918, in Huron, Ohio, to Martin Henry Zoltner and Aletha Winifred Zoltner.
He graduated from Huron High School and the School of Commerce. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He married Mary Ada Braun on Feb. 21, 1941. He worked for Bendix in Elyria from 1942 to 1953 and as a plant manager in Oklahoma City for 28 years. He was a member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Men’s 9-Hole Golf Association and the Transportation Club. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Zoltner. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Zoltner; a son, David Zoltner of Denton, Texas; a daughter and son-inlaw, Mary Beth Blanks and Donnie Blanks of Ijamsville, Md.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a. m. Monday, Jan. 21, at the United Lutheran Church in Bella Vista, Ark., with Pastor Fred Nelson and Fred Schaap. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road, Bella Vista, AR 72715; or to the Parkinson Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation. com.
Winslow
Earl Otto Farris, 89, of Winslow, Ark., died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born Aug. 15, 1918, in Hazard, Ky., to Robert Frank Farris and Mackey Sue Lewis Farris. He married Carma Judd on April 18, 1941, in Festus, Mo. He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II and fought at the Battle of Normandy. He worked as a chemical worker with Mallinckrodt Chemical.
He was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Carma Farris; a son and daughter-in-law, Tom Farris and Vergie Farris of Winslow; five grandchildren, Chris Farris, Gregory Farris and Tabitha Farris, all of Winslow, Merrilee Broussard of Shreveport, La., and L. J. Frisard of Fayetteville, Ark.; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be at 10 a. m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark., with the Rev. Carl Swiney.
Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, 441 Highway 412 W. in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Online condolences may be made at www. wassonfuneralhome. com.