Mary Pearl Pool Detherage, 88, of the East End Community (Saline County) died Friday, January 20, 2017, at the Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, W.T (Bill) Detherage. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Detherage Ward (Neal); her son, Tom Detherage (Connie); four grandchildren, Beth Detherage Dority (Andrea), Nicole Ward Blood (Nick), Drew Detherage, and Natalie Ward Allen (John); four great grandchildren, Alyssa Jo Richmond, Jack Ward Allen, Kinsley Mae Blood, and Josephina Pearl Allen; brother-in law, Dorman Preston Speer (Carolyn / Melba); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Jarrett Pool and Ola Ethel Pool, and her sisters; Vera Geneva Hollowoa, Eva Lucille (Parson) DuBose, Mattie Lena Goad, Ruby Ernestine (Abercombie) McColloch, Doris Irene Burks, Ida Katherine (Warford) Jenkins, and Carolyn Virginia Speer. Mary was born April 17, 1928, in Buckville, Arkansas. She was raised in Lonsdale, Arkansas, and she graduated from Rural Dale School in 1946. Mary retired from Kmart in 1986. She loved to quilt, sew, and create plastic canvas crafts. She enjoyed being on her computer, and she had included over 800 members into her online family tree. Most of all, she loved her family and friends. Mary Pearl, or “Pug” as known to many, was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Visitation will beThursday, January 26, 2017, at Ashby Funeral Home (Benton, Arkansas) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Services will be held Friday, January 27, 2017, at 10:00 AM at Ashby Funeral Home, and she will be interred in a family plot at Ten Mile Cemetery in Lonsdale, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ten Mile Cemetery Fund c/o Jerry Westerman 16076 Hwy 70 Benton, Arkansas 72019 Pall Bearers: Darrell Ford, Eddie Harris, Charlie Lee, Bill McCollough, Thearon McKinney, Doug Speer, John Thorpe, and Eddie Warford. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Mamie Nell Reeder, 82, of the East End community passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Saturday, January 21, 2017. She was born on the same property August 17, 1934 to the late Ross and Virgie Mashburn. She was proceeded in death by: her parents; her husband of 55 years, Bobby J. Reeder; Bothers – Carl Mashburn, Waldon Mashburn, Johnny Mashburn, Ross (Junior) Mashburn, Billy Mashburn; Sisters – Pearl Mashburn, Hilmer Ball, Lucile Brannon; Grandson Heath McGinley. She is survived by: Daughter and Son-in-law, Sherre and Dale McGinley of East End; Grandson and wife, Brad and Serena McGinley and great-grandchildren Gracie, Gavin, Miley, and Eva McGinley of Sheridan; and numerous nieces and nephews, for which she cared for deeply. She worked as a Store Clerk for S.H. Kress in Little Rock for many years until its closing. In addition, Mamie and Bob owned and operated East End Auto Service for 10 years and Reeder Christmas Tree Farm for 28 years. Known for her hard work, she loved to see their Christmas Tree customers come back year after year for their trees. Mamie also served as the secretary for the Arkansas Christmas Tree Growers Association for many years, and was a faithful and devoted member of Sardis Methodist Church. Special thanks to Central Arkansas Hospice, Ashley Kell, Deanna Bobus, Susan Coleman, Lori Hefley for their support of the family and loving care of Mamie. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Ashby Funeral Home of Benton. Services are to be held 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Sardis Methodist Church and Burial at Salem Cemetery in East End, with Rev. Bryan Diffee, and Bro. Phil Stein presiding. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Leonard A. (L A) O’Kelley, Jr. 88 of Bauxite, passed away January 23, 2017. He was born August 29, 1928 in Benton to the late Leonard and Montene Sanders O’Kelley. L A was a member of Brooks Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. He was retired from Reynolds Metal Corp. L A was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and six sisters. He is survived by his wife of 66 ½ years, Helen O’Kelley of Bauxite, son, Jimmy (Susan) O’Kelley, daughter, Joy (Ray) Wright and four grandchildren, six great grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be J.U.S.T Group from Brooks Bethel Church. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday with Bro. Keith Chamberlain officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Loye Dwayne Beck 79 of Benton, passed away January 26, 2017. He was born January 4, 1938 in Benton to the late John Wylie and Allice Rossetta Price Beck. Survivors, wife, Linda Beck, daughters, Julie E. Beck and Dana Jones, brother John Beck and sister, Betty McElhaney, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Cremation was through Ashby Funeral Home.
James Ronald Tanner, age 70, of Traskwood, passed away Monday, January 30, 2017. He was born March 25, 1946 in Malvern, Arkansas. James retired from Alcoa and was a member of Glen Rose Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delta Tanner and father, James Olin Tanner. He is survived by his son, Ronnie Tanner of Traskwood; daughter, Lesha Tanner of Shannon Hills; mother, Lillie Marie Tanner of Traskwood; sister, Patsy Shuffield of Little Rock; four grandchildren, Jennifer Hall, Amanda Williams, Rachel Moreland and Joshua Tanner and six great-grandchildren, Skyler Hall, Chloe Hall, Ayden Doherty, Karri Doherty, Walker Doherty and Parker Rodgers. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2 at Glen Rose Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Fairplay Cemetery. Bro. Tony Williams will be officiating.
Anne Kline passed away on Monday, January 23, 2017. She is survived by her daughter Dianne Lee, Dianne’s father, Henry Robinson and many members of the Burawa and Kline extended families. She was preceded in death by her Parents: John and Mildred, Sister: Margaret Burawa and Husband: Ralph Kline. Anne worked for many years at E.I. DuPont in Akron, OH as a very popular receptionist and switchboard operator. She was a member of the Eastern Stars, Chapter 245 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH for over 20 years. After retiring, she and Ralph moved to Hot Springs Village, where they enjoyed boating, dancing and golfing. Anne had a creative gift for flower arranging and a passion for crossword puzzles, Scrabble and books. She will be laid to rest at CedarVale Cemetery on Friday, January 27, 2017.
Jack Martin of Hot Springs Village died Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred (Millie) Martin, Children: Lynn E. Vinyard, J. Scott Martin, Steve T. Martin as wall as Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. A Celebration Mass of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church located at 295 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village, AR with Rev. William Elser officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale, The Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Lawrence D. Ebner passed away in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, on January 28, 2017. The first of three children born to Karl Mathew Ebner and Janet Gadd Ebner, Larry was born on November 20, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Graduating from Lincoln High School, Larry became a student at the University of Nebraska. Drafted by the U. S. Army in August 1951, he was sent to serve in Korea until August 1953. Designated to front line duty as gunner, Larry was quickly assigned as a company clerk when his administrative skills were recognized. He was cited for his meritorious service and received a citation, commendation ribbon, and metal pendant. His typing skills were highly valued by officers and Admiral Van Fleet invited Larry to dine in their mess hall. Using the GI bill, Larry returned to the University of Nebraska and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1955. Ceremonies that year saw three Ebners cross the stage for diplomas: Larry, his brother Stan, and his mother Janet. Larry married Amy Reagan on September 3, 1954. Before the decade was over, their children, Steve and Julie had joined the family. After serving years as the business manager of Peru State College in Nebraska, Larry was a consultant to numerous corporations and organizations that benefited from his financial expertise. In 1990, the Ebners moved to the Village from Lincoln, Nebraska. Larry had planned to play golf, but he and Amy were claimed by the HSV Tennis Association and enjoyed many years of competitive participation. Additionally, Larry was elected by Villagers to serve on the POA board and used his business experience to address the needs of a rapidly expanding community. Always a gentleman, Larry had an infectious smile, a wry sense of humor, a strong code of ethics, and a bulldog’s determination that justice prevail for all levels of society. His Lutheran heritage served him well, and he was a long-time member of Christ Lutheran Church. Larry is survived by wife Amy; son Steve Ebner, DDS, of Lake Alfred, Florida; daughter Julie Ebner Isenberg (Jeff) of Acworth, Georgia; grandsons Alex and Travis Isenberg; brother Stan Ebner (Shirley) of Spring, Texas; sister Karlyn Ebner Rookey (Fran) of Rochester, Minnesota; brothers-in-law Gerald and Ron (Jane) Reagan; numerous nephews and nieces, and many, many friends. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. on February 3rd at Christ Lutheran Church, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Rev. Warren Freiheit presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hot Springs Inpatient Center located at CHI St. Vincent. 300 Werner St, 5 West, Hot Springs, AR 71913 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale, The Hot Springs Village Funeral Home. For online condolences visit at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com
Delphine Ladd 82 of Benton, formally of Spokane, Washington passed away on January 22, 2017 with her daughters by her side. She was born to the late, Julius and Julia O’Bee in Detroit, Michigan. Delphine was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed snow skiing, sailing, golfing and painting. Delphine is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Donald Ladd; son, Don Ladd; daughter, Mary Ellen Ladd; her parents and brother, Jerry O’Bee. She is survived by her loving children, Linda Mahoney (Tom), Michael Ladd (Sally) and Terese Cocke (Mark Kelley); six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held in Spokane at a later date. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank Saline Hospice for the love and support show to their mom and to the entire family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant, Arkansas.
Sherry Morshedi, 62, of Little Rock, passed away January 25, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born on January 3, 1955 to Charles and Sarah Southerland in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sherry was a member of The Church at Rock Creek where she was involved in the Greeting Ministry and held a Women’s Bible Study in her home. She retired from Dr. Benny Green’s office after 26 years. Sherry enjoyed gardening, reading and baking. Her greatest joy was being a Nana to her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Southerland and her brother, Tim Southerland. Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Ali Morshedi; mother, Sarah Dombrowski (Larry); three children, Brandon Morshedi (Diana), Grant Morshedi (Anna) and Jennifer Shook (Michael); seven grandchildren, Lucas, Elayna, Miles, Andrew, Molly, Chloe and Austin; brother, Terry Southerland; her beloved dog, Joey and a host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 2:30 at The Church at Rock Creek at 11500 West 36th Street, Little Rock. The family would like to give a special thanks to Aunt Nancy Hale for the love and support that she has given to Sherry and the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the homeless ministry c/o The Church at Rock Creek. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
James “Jim” Wayne Lewellen, 77, of Mabelvale passed away on January 30, 2017 with his family by his side. He was born on May 20, 1939 to the late, Joseph and Francis Lewellen in Little Rock, Arkansas. James enjoyed to be outdoors working in his yard. He loved his family with his whole heart. James is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Keith Lewellen and Jimmy Lewellen; three brothers, Tom, Gene and Bill Lewellen and grandson, Bientley. He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth Lewellen; son, Steve Lewellen (Barbara); daughter, Terri Singleton; daughter in law, Darla Lewellen-Brooks; fourteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends that will miss him dearly. Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, February 3, 2017 at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Grandsons will act as pallbearers. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Inez Hupp, 84, of Little Rock, passed away January 19, 2017. She was born December 10, 1932 in Collegeville, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents Ed and Ruby Whitmire; and her husband Ray Hupp. She is survived by her daughter Sherry (Mike) Smith of Mabelvale, and her son Michael (Sharon Grissom) Russ of Alexander; her granddaughter Jessica Smith of Little Rock; special friends Cindy Russ and Polly Barger; and many loving cousins. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to CARTI. To sign the online guestbook go to www.griffinleggettforesthills.com
Kathryn Garrett, 88, of Alexander, passed away January 21, 2017. She was born February 3, 1928 in McCroy, Arkansas to the late Wilmer “Bill” and Mattie Lou McCuan. She was a previous charter member of Baseline Missionary Baptist Church, and was a current member of Vimy Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Hester Burleson, and son Larry Joe Garrett; her sister Zula Cooper, and her brother Gerald McCuan. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, George Garrett; her sons Ronnie (Mary) Garrett of Griffithville, Arkansas, Danny Garrett of Alexander, and Jimmy (Jeanne) Garrett of Bryant, and her daughter Joan (Donnie) Reid of Alexander; her brother Wayne McCuan of Crownpoint, Indiana; her sisters Anna Lee Fraze of Newark, California, Carolyn (Bill) Henderson, Betty Melvin, and Wilma (Ray) Stokes, all of Fair Oaks, Arkansas; 14 grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; and 1 great- great- grandson. Services will be held Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home with Brother Dennis Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior to service. 10200 Hwy 5 North Alexander, Arkansas 72002. To sign the online guestbook go to www.griffinleggettforesthills.com
George Lewis Robinson, 74 of Benton, passed away January 19, 2017 in Benton. He was born April 16, 1942 in Omaha, IL to the late Horace Edward and Mollie (Hammond) Robinson. Mr. Robinson was a member of Rose Hill Church of the Nazarene, an U. S. Army Veteran and a retired truck driver. He is preceded in death by parents; his first wife, Loraine Bailey; his daughter, Charlotte; and one brother, Alec. Survivors include wife, Carolee Robinson; two sons, Horace Robinson, of MA and George D. Robinson, of Lowell, IN; one daughter, Lina Lee Baxley, of Benton; two step-daughters Cynthia Hayes of Mabelvale and Julie Sharp, of Benton grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Ashley Gardner, Dylan Robinson, Michael Robinson, Brittney Robinson, Bryan and Kayla Neal, Kaylee Sharp, Garrett Sharp, and Jessica Hayes; seven great-grandchildren; four sisters, Rufina Sherman, Marshella Michal, June Hancock, all of Spartanburg, SC, and Cathy Calahan of Charlotte, NC; three brothers, Dwight Robinson, Curtis Robinson, both of Spartanberg, SC, and David Robinson of WV; canine companion, Buster. A time of visitation will be held at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 PM. Funeral service is scheduled for Monday January 23, 2017 at 1:30 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Comeans officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Garrett Sharp, Greg Hayes, James Jones, Cody New, Steven Zachary and Michael Robinson.
Lexie Calestia Parsons Smyth passed away in her home surrounded by her family on January 20, 2017, at the age of 93. Calestia was born on April 20, 1923, in Bauxite, Arkansas, to Jay Parsons and Kathrine Fite Parsons. She graduated from Benton High School and worked as the office manager for the Easy Way Tire Company in Benton. On May 7, 1944, she married Glee Greenhaw Smyth and began her life as an Air Force wife. After he retired, they bought a farm at Shaw where she lived until her death. She was the owner of Smyth’s Vinyl Products, and her purses were sold throughout the United States. She also was one of the founders of the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department. She is survived by her son James Smyth and daughter-in-law Christy of Shaw; daughter Nathania Smyth Sawyer and son-in-law Paul Sawyer of Little Rock; granddaughters Jenni Pittman and Brandi Smyth of Shaw; and great grandchildren Makenzie Pittman, Lane Pittman, and Montana Smyth of Shaw. She was preceded in death by her husband after 68 years of marriage. Her funeral will be held at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull at noon on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2017 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department, 5513 Highway 35, Benton, AR 72015.
Daniel Lowell Simpson, 37, of Hot Springs Village, AR died January 9, 2017. Mr. Simpson was born June 25, 1979 in Little Rock, AR to Lowell and Linda Simpson. Survivors include his wife, Erin Simpson, one brother, Tim Simpson of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two stepbrothers; and one sister. Rosewoodcremation.com/onlineguestbook
Loretta Jean Woods, 75, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 20, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born March 20, 1941 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Star Allen and Mary Williams. Loretta was of the Baptist faith. She spent much time reading her Bible. Loretta enjoyed working outdoors in the yard. She was an animal lover, especially her cats, Buddy and Little One. Loretta loved listening to gospel music. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Wilburn Williams, Buster Williams, Wayne Williams, and Eugene Williams; and two sisters, Helen Holcombe and Shirley Williams. She leaves to cherish her memories her children, Rodger Woods and wife Lanita of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Kim Woods of Benton, Arkansas, Ann Whatley and husband Sonny of Benton, Arkansas, and Richard Woods and wife Trisha of Perryville, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Hannah Brooke Woods, Carmen Rena Whatley, Alan Garret Whatley, Michelle Woods, Richelle Wright and husband Brandon; two great-grandchildren, Madison Wright and Peyton Wright; brother, Mike Williams and wife Anita of Saline County, Arkansas; and many more family members and friends who loved Loretta and will miss her always. Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, January 27, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Saline County Humane Society. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Jerry DeWayne Blair, 58, of Haskell, Arkansas went to be with the Lord, Saturday, January 21, 2017 peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 1, 1958 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Alton “Yogi” Jr. and Martha Blair. Jerry was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Dotted Lake Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed to hunt and fish with his family and good buddies. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Terry Blair and Robbie Blair; and brother-in-law, Ricky Loughary. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of fourteen years, Christie L. Blair of Haskell, Arkansas; son, Jason Blair of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Jamie Holcombe and husband Denny of Glen Rose, Arkansas; brother, Bryan Blair and wife Cathy of Malvern, Arkansas; sister, Chandra Loughary of Haskell, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Terry Hart and wife Kim of Benton, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Lauren Rochelle “Sis” Smith of Benton, Arkansas; seven nieces; six nephews; three great-nephews; and many more family members and friends who loved Jerry and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM; Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Carl Higgs, will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fairplay Cemetery with Shane Gage, Bill Hampel, Mike Hampel, Keith Burks, Kenneth Burks, and Travis Howe assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Dotted Lake Hunting Club. Special thank you to Dr. Harrington, Dr. Stern, Central Arkansas Hospice, friends and family for their exemplary care and compassion for Jerry throughout his battle. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Clinton Noyes Jewett, 82, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed away January 23, 2017. He was born September 9, 1934 in Whitefield, Maine to the late Clinton S. and Doris (Noyes) Jewett. Dr. Jewett served in the Air Force and was a veterinarian. He leaves to cherish his memories a daughter, Elizabeth Martin. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, certified Veterans Funeral Care provider. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Georgia Virginia Raper, 81, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 25, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was born December 8, 1935 in Dewitt, Arkansas to the late Miles Emet and Alice Jackson. Georgia was a homemaker who loved her children and grandchildren. She was a spunky lady who enjoyed being with her friends at Four Seasons and sitting on the front porch swing. Georgia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Miles Jackson, Jr. and Melvin “Skippy” Jackson; sister, Noralee Watkins; and grandson, Heath Mannis. She leaves to cherish her memories four daughters, Debra Johnson and husband mark of Vilonia, Arkansas, Nancy Burks and husband Tony of Benton, Arkansas, Kim Moseley of Benton, Arkansas, and Loretta Malone and husband Chris of Paron, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Alma Morris of Heber Springs, Arkansas; brother, John Bill Jackson and wife Addelene of Dewitt, Arkansas; and many more family members and friends who loved Georgia and will miss her always. Family extends special thank you to Four Seasons and Saline Memorial Hospice for their exemplary care and compassion shown to Georgia. Visitation will be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, January 27, 2017, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Raymond Mannis and Bro. Bartley Mannis, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial following at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery with Brad Moffett, Neil Powell, Mark Johnson, Jake Carper, Greg Taylor, and Dalton DeMaine assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Four Seasons and Saline Memorial Hospice staff members. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Dr. Lloyd Rollan Warford, 81, of Bryant, AR passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017. He was born on July 28, 1935 in Benton, AR to Audie Jason and Dovie (Bowning) Warford. He was a Physician in the health care industry, and a member of Fellowship Bible Church. Dr. Warford graduated in 1961 from the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock, followed by a residency and internship in pediatrics. His pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric hematology was completed at Duke University. He began his pediatric practice with Dr. Robert Henry, a partnership which evolved into the Little Rock Pediatric Clinic. They practiced together for over 20 years. Looking for a way to spend more time with family, he entered the practice of emergency medicine. Many may remember him as their “ER doc” at Doctor’s Hospital and Saint Vincent’s Infirmary. He loved the challenge of the work and threw himself into it. Dr. Warford also joined a medical group in founding Arkansas Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine. This was the first hyperbaric medical practice in Arkansas. He loved the regular contact with his patients and many looked forward to their appointments with him. Dr. Warford was a devoted family man with many interests. He looked forward to spending time on his farm. He often said he’d rather be there than any other place on earth. He was a master gardener who planted vegetable and flower gardens every year. He was also a fisherman, a beekeeper and a woodworker who enjoyed camping and long RV trips with friends and family. Dr. Warford will be remembered for his unassuming and kind nature. By valuing and respecting everyone he met, he was a godly man who lived a life of love, blessing his neighbors and community with quiet acts of service. He will be sorely missed. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Warford of Bryant; children, Connie Ozbirn (David) of Dallas, TX, Jay Warford (Elizabeth) of West Monroe, LA; Lloyd A. Warford (Amy) of Benton, AR, Jeremy A. Warford, M.D. (Erin) of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren, Daniel Warford, Whit Warford, Grant Warford, Nathan Warford, Ellie Warford, Olivia Warford and Ian Waford; sisters, Roma Carden and Audie Townsend. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roy Warford. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00pm on Monday, January 23rd at Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 24th at Fellowship Bible Church with Pastor Gayle Bone officiating. Burial to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Alexander, AR. Memorials may be made by check to Samaritan’s Purse, to the attention of World Medical Mission, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or through their website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/in-memory-of/?source=/service.php/sp/memorialprototype/page.html/9d5310e8-a048-4013-925a-707f84666fae Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Dr. Warford’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Robert Eugene Huggins, 87, of Benton, passed away January 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Ira Huggins, five children and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be private. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Robert’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
In my quest to find Saline County Obituaries, there are many times that I find interesting people who are not from our county but nearby. This reknown landscape architect from Little Rock is one:
Robert Louis ‘Bob’ Shaheen, (http://landscapeassociatesar.com/) who passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, left a legacy of good works, love, and friendships. Often referred to as ‘The Guru’ of Landscape Architecture by Little Rock folks, Bob provided 50 years of expertise in the profession. He was the founder and principal Landscape Architect for Landscape Associates. This successful and respected man, and his Design/ Build landscape business, have been (and still going strong with long time friends and co-workers) designing and building beautiful landscape environments since 1961. Imagination and artistry are the ‘hallmarks’ of Bob’s work. He approached each project with the excitement of creation. Bob really loved people – he would say how great it felt to provide well designed living environments (mostly for private residences), that influenced and changed lives – helping bring the beauty and wonder of nature to others. Bob grew up in Cleveland Ohio, only child of Louis and Dorothy Shaheen, born Dec. 2, 1934. All of Bob’s grandparents were immigrants. The Shaheen family of Lebanon and the Baus family of Germany. Bob was born with a great love of plants and the landscape. At age 14, Bob won first place in a Delphinium Society event. He recalls being the only youth at the event and how cumbersome it was carrying his 6 foot tall Delphinium (all wrapped in newspaper) on the bus across town to get to the event. Among his various jobs as a youth – Bob was fortunate to be employed by the Mather Estate as a laborer in their grand gardens. He enjoyed working under, learning from, and becoming friends with the head gardener, Rudy Holzheimer, who was a German immigrant and horticulturist. Bob began his college career at Ohio State University. He ultimately completed his studies in Ornamental Agriculture and Landscape Design at the State University of New York. After college, Bob joined the Army to serve his 2 years of the mandatory draft of that time. Bob was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas (he referred to it as the hell hole of the world because of the harsh, barren environment). He had the opportunity to transfer to either Shreveport, Louisiana or Little Rock, Arkansas. Bob told how he knew nothing of either place, so he looked at some topography maps and chose Arkansas because of the many mountains, streams and lakes depicted. While still in the Army and boarding with the late Mrs. Jewel Bird, Bob landscaped Mrs. Bird’s backyard and the rest is history. Bob’s work was welcomed by Little Rock society. Many clients became friends as well as admirers. Bob was presented with the prestigious PIONEER AWARD by the American Society of Landscape Architects, ‘Arkansas Chapter’, in 2001. Bob received many awards and featured publications over the years. For his Design and Work for the Crown Center Hotel interior garden, Kansas City, MO, Bob received his award at the White House in 1974 presented by first lady, Pat Nixon. His collaboration with the late architect, Fay Jones, for his weekend home ‘Stoneflower’, at Eden Isle, was featured in Life Magazine. The Lackey residence in Little Rock was featured and made the front cover of Southern Living. Private residences (tiny pocket gardens to grand estates), along with resorts, institutions, and commercial projects and volunteer work at non-denominational Christian institutions are part of Bob’s story. Once Bob got his ‘feet on the ground’ in Little Rock, he convinced his best friend from college, Curtis Goodfellow, to join him. Curt come to L.R. from Fairfield, Connecticut; where he was working as the foreman of a landscape company. Bob and Curt partnered the business together from the wonderful beginning until their retirement in 2010. Bob lost his long time beloved friend, Glenn West, in 2005. Dear friends at Landscape Associates, Scott Connerly, Allen Stewart and construction crew (current employees share over 100 years of combined experience with Bob), are carrying on the good work. Thanks for everything, Bob, we will miss you! A memorial service at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church will be announced at a later date. Memorials in memory of Bob may be given to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church and the Arkansas Arts Center. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Bob’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.