Montgomery County, Arkansas
Obituaries
Montgomery County ArkansasGenWeb Project
Submissions welcome
The Montgomery County News is published every Thursday.
Montgomery County News March 12, 1998
Lou May McKAY
Lou Ella McKay, age 63, resident of Hot Springs, died Thursday, March 5,
1998 at St Joseph's Regional Health Center in Hot Springs. She was born June 30,
1934 in Oden, to William Fred Counts, and the late Lillie Manley Counts. She was
untied in marriage to Earl Thomas McKay, September 4, 1960. Survivors include her
husband, Earl McKay of Hot Springs; one sister, May Lou Inman of Havanna; her father,
William Fred Counts of Oden one nephew of Scott Mofatt of Oden; one niece, Sherry Bowling
of Mena. She is preceded in death by two sons, Michael Cassady and Reginald Thomas
McKay. Services were held Monday, March 9. 1998 at the Brushy Baptist Church in
Oden. Burial followed in the Brushy Cemetery, under the
direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
Montgomery County News April 29, 1998
Raymon M. MAYBERRY
Raymon M.Mayberry,74, of Royal, died Saturday, April 18, 1998, in a Hot Springs hospital.
He was born March 31, 1924, in Silver. He was a WW2 veteran of the US Army
and a member of the New Home Missionary Baptist Church. He is predeceased by one
son, Donnie Mayberry, two grandchildren, Tracy Mayberry and Timothy Kemp. Survivors
include: his wife, Mary Mayberry, of Royal; three sons..., four daughters...., a brother,
Arless Mayberry of Boonesville; a sister, Merline Tedford of Royal; 21 grandchildren, five
great grandchildren, and one gggrandchild. Services were Tuesday, April 21, at 2:00
p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel with Elders Leroy Hill and Donald Kemp
officiating. Pallbearers were Jacob Moss, J.B. Moss. Stephen Whatley, Terry Sunderland,
Bunkey Kemp and Rusty Mayberry.
Montgomery County News 9 Sept., 1999
Odar MAYS
Odar Mays, 84, of Pencil Bluff, died August 24, 1999 in Eugene, Oregon while visiting
family there. He was born October 3, 1914 in Cherry Hill to the late Frank Mays and the
late Inda M. Miller Mays. He was united in marriage to Rosebell Wilhite in Pencil Bluff on
March 14, 1936. He worked for Weyerhaeuser Company as a dry kiln stacker for ten years
before becoming a poultry farmer in Arkansas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Alvin Mays. Survivors include his
wife, Rosebell Mays of Pencil Bluff; son and daughter-in-law, ...; daughter and
son-in-law, .... of Pencil Bluff; a sister, Elsie Mae Willhite of Mena; five grandchildren
and eleven great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Wednesday, September 1 at the
Cherry Hill Cemetery with Bro. Dean Egger officiating. Interment was under the direction
of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 5 August 2005
Mount Ida - Jerry Don Minor, 62, of Mt. Ida, Arkansas, passed away
Tuesday, August 2, 2005 in a Ft. Lauderdale Hospital. He was a member of Waldron
#132 Free and Accepted Masons and a machinist. Memorial service will be at 11
a.m. August 6, 2005 at Little Fir Pavilion. He is survived by his wife, Roseann
of the home; five daughters, Briggette Johnson, Rebekah Cook, Rachel Harmon,
Shelby Luttrell and Tammy Shillcutt; four sisters, Alice Carter, Brenda Hopkins,
Cathy Betts and Bobbie Sue Strickland; one brother, Chester Minor; and 10
grandchildren.
Montgomery County News 25 Feb, 1988
Oma Lee MINTON
Mrs. Oma Minton, 75, of Mount Ida died Thursday, February 18, at her home.
She was born February 18, 1913 in Mena, to the late Frank Edmonds and Minnie
Stanford Edmonds. She was a housewife, a member of the Church of God and had been a
resident of this area most of her life. Survivors include her husband , O.D. Minton
of Mt. Ida; four grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and
a host of friends. Services were conducted Saturday, February 20, in the Mount Ida
Church of God with the Rev.Bill Singleton officiating. Pallbearers were: Keith;
Edmonds, Arvin Edmonds, Mike Baxtor, Clyde Minton, Ezra Minton, and Robert (Hook) Minton.
Burial was in the Barber Cemetery the direction of the Thornton Funeral Service of
Mount Ida.
Montgomery County News 29 Mar. 1990
Mary Catherine MONTGOMERY
Mary Catherine Montgomery, 89, of Mount Ida died March 22, 1990 in a Hot
Springs hospital. She was born August 24, 1900 in Milan, Missouri, the daughter of
John Sterling and Emma Cochran. She had been a resident of Mount Ida for the past
five years. She was a retired school teacher and a Protestant. Survivors
include one son, John Montgomery of Lyons, Kansas; two daughters, Betty Jones of Mount Ida
and Maurine Johnson of Overland Park, Kansas;.... Services were held in Milan, Missouri.
Montgomery County News Dec 4, 1997
Queenie Elizabeth MULLENIX
Queenie Elizabeth Mullenix, 91, 0f Mount Ida, passed away November
29, 1997 at the Montgomery County Nursing Home. She was born March 6, 1906 in Norman
to the late John Warren and the late Martha 'Mattie' E. Black Warren. Mrs Mullenix
was a retired Assembly of God Minister and started the Assembly of God Church in Mount
Ida. She is survived by one daughter, Elise Wallace of California; one son, Randy
Phillips of Mount Ida; a special nephew, Kenneth Warren of Hot Springs; and several nieces
and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Black Springs, at the Gaston
Cemetery with the Rev. Roy Brooks officiating, Thursday, December 4, 1997 at 2:00pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home.
Montgomery County News 23 Oct. 1997
Dorsey Ernest "Nick" NICHOLAS
Dorsey Ernest "Nick" Nicholas, 87, of Oden, died
Wednesday, October 15, 1997, at the Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith. He
was born February 27, 1910, in Boone County, MO, the son of the late Lincoln Nichols and
the late Effie Crump Nichols. He was untied in marriage to Gladie McKay Nichols on
June 2, 1934 in Waldron, who preceded him in death in 1988. He was a janitor for
Oden Schools. Survivors include one son, Jerald Nichols of Hemphill, TX; one
brother, Ross Nichols of Columbia, MO; two sisters, Hazel Faye Holton and Merle Plaster,
both of Hartsburg, MO; Three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Graveside
services were held Friday, October 17, 1997 at the Oden Cemetery with Brother Don Moore
officiating. Burial was in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood
Funeral Home of Mena
Seq. Co Times Sunday, November 16, 2003
Bertha E. CRANFILL NELSON, 91, of Arkoma, formerly of Mena, Ark., was
born Aug. 9, 1912, in Oden, Ark. to James A. McKAY and Nellie Florence JUSTON
McKAY. She died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, in Arkoma. WHITE, McPIKE, BUSKIRK,
RANDALL, EUBANKS.
Austin American-Statesman 8 November 1998
CLAUDIA VAUGHT O'CONNOR
Born January 3, 1909, in Caddo Gap, Arkansas, to J.H. and Bonnie Vaught, she
graduated from high school there, then attended Arkansas State Teacher's College
at Conway, Arkansas. She taught in one room schools for four years. She married
Winburn H. Tackett, a classmate, and they shared 48 rewarding years. She
belonged to Crestview Baptist Church and taught Sunday School classes most of
her adult life. She was past Matron of Woodlawn Chapter #74, OES, Memphis,
Tennessee, and was a past Grand Marshall of Grand Chapter, OES, Tennessee. She
is survived by her husband of 12 years, F. Joe O'Connor, two step-children,
three nieces and three nephews. There is no way to thank the doctors, nurses and
Family Hospice enough for their kind services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial
contribution may be made to Crestview Baptist Church Tape Ministry for Shut-Ins,
or a charity of your choice. There will be family visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
on Sunday, November 8, 1998, at Cook-Walden, Lamar location. Funeral services
will be held Wednesday, November 11, 1998, in the chapel of Davis-Smith Funeral
Home, Glenwood, Arkansas. Burial will follow in Glenwood, Arkansas.
Montgomery County News 16 March 2000
OTRUSINA, Andrew
Former Mount Ida resident Andrew Otrusina, 90, of Hot Springs, AR, died
Tuesday, August 24, 1999, in a nursing home there. He was born November 27, 1908, in
Czechoslovakia, and was a Seventh Day Adventist. He was predeceased by his parents,
Vince and Anna Otrusina. Survivors include: his wife, Ann Otrusina of......, one son ....,
one daughter ...., one brother ....., and nine grandchildren. Services were Friday, August
27, 2999, at Blish Cemetery in Mount Ida, with Rev. Allan
Humphreys officiating. Burial arrangements were by Caruth-Hale Funeral Home of Hot
Springs.
Montgomery County News 16 March 2000
Thomas P. ORR
Thomas P. Orr, 88, of Mount Ida, passed away in Ardmore, Oklahoma on March
5, 2000. He was born on April 9, 1911 to the late Thomas Orr and Sarah Alexander Orr. He
was preceded in death by his wife Louise Orr. He was a conductor for the Santa Fe Railroad
for 37 years. Survivors include one son..., two daughters.... Services were held Monday,
March 13 at Blish Cemetery with Bro. Roland C. Clancy officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida.
Montgomery County News 28 Jan. 1999
Leon QUALLS
Leon Qualls, 66, of Sims, passed away Jan. 23. 1999. He was born on
July 25, 1932 to the late Zelmer Qualls and Anna Tucker Qualls in Sims. Services
were Monday 25Jan, 1999 at Rocky Cemetery in Sims with Bro. Bill Singleton. Services
were under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.
CAR TUMBLES INTO RIVER, KILLING BOY
The Commercial Appeal Memphis, TN 23 July 1998
A Mt. Ida boy was killed when the car in which he was riding flipped over and
went into the Ouachita River in Montgomery County, Arkansas State Police said
Wednesday. Christopher L. Pearson, 14, was riding in a car driven by Brookie
Slater Burrow, 22, of Story, when the car left U.S. 270, hit a guard rail on a
bridge over the river, flipped over and went into the water backward, a police
report said. Christopher Cody Harrod, 16, and John H. Fryar, 17, both of Mt.
Ida, also were injured in the accident at 11:12 p.m. Tuesday, the report said.
Montgomery County News Mar. 29, 1990
Carroll PIERCE
Carroll Pierce, 78, of Mount Ida died Friday, March 23, 1990 in a Hot Springs hospital.
He was born July 10, 1911 in Kiowa, Oklahoma, the son of Ed Pierce and Betty Abney
Pierce. He had been a resident of Montgomery County for most of his life ,was a
retired mail carrier and a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church. He was a
member of the Mount Ida Masonic lodge # 140 and the Royal Arch Mason # 126. Survivors
include his wife Bernice Hickey pierce of Mount Ida; four daughters...Services were held
Monday, March 26, at 2pm in the Mount Ida First Baptist Church with Rev. Don Jones and
Rev. Glen E. Hickey officiating. Pallbearers were Kraig Sparks, Richard Pierce, Dick
Reynolds, Tom Brown, Alan Wheeler, Kevin Crites, Gary Jiles, Jessie Slaughter, Rodger
Roeman, Don Jones and Phil Hardy. (Photo)
Montgomery County News July 2 1998
Troy C. PORTER
Troy C. Porter, age 61, of Hopper, died Wednesday, June 24, 1998 in a Hot
Springs hospital. He was born on May 6, 1937 at Fancy Hill, the son of Harvey Porter
and Alice Miller Porter. On December 31, 1957, he was married to Beatrice Hensley.
He was a poultry and cattle farmer. He is survived by his wife, two sons.., three
daughters..., eight brothers..., and two sisters..., nine grandchildren and one great
great daughter. He was preceded in death by his son Ricky Alan Porter; two brothers,
Winfred Porter and William Porter; and one sister, Rosie Porter. Services were held
at at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 27, 1998 in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with the
Revs. Marvin Black and James Black officiating. Interment was in the Fancy Hill
Cemetery under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.
Pallbearers were James Doyle Price, Robert Taylor, Jr., Orville Miller, Tom Morris, L.D.
Deaton and Kyle Cowart. Honorary pallbearers were Eugene Parton, Donnie Cowart,
Doyle Diggs, Clifton Cogburn and Bruce Price.
Montgomery County News May 6 1999
Earl Vernon POWELL
Earl Vernon Powell, 78, of Iowa Park, Texas, died at his home on April 30,
1999. He was born February 5, 1921, in Cedar Glades, AR, to the late Washington L.
Powell and the late Mammie Housley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence,
in 1995, and one brother, Bill Powell. Survivors include one daughter, ...., three
sisters.... and one brother..... of Pencil Bluff; two grandchildren and one great grand
child. Graveside services were May 3, 1999, at 2:00pm in Peak Cemetery in Crystal Springs,
AR, with Bro. David Birdsong officiating. Arrangements in Iowa Park, TX were by
Dutton Funeral Home. Arrangements in Arkansas were by Thornton Funeral Home in Mount
Ida.
Obituary Newspaper
clipping were found inside the Family Bible of William M. & Matilda F.
(Collier) Reece
"J. O. Reece, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Reece, died Monday morning after a short illness. He was a young man, and is survived by a wife and baby. His body was buried Tuesday at Liberty church east of Womble, under the auspices of the Odd Fellows."
In Memoriam
Womble, Ark., Jan. 2, 1918. Today, we, the members of Homestead Lodge No. 555, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, assembled at the grave of our beloved brother, J. O. Reece who departed this life January 1, 1918. This brother was a model citizen, a devoted husband and father, and a member of our beloved order, worthy of the honors and trusts conferred upon him as such.
This day will be one of memory and of tears. No language can express the debt we owe, the love we bear to this dear departed brother. Words are but barren sounds; we can but stand by his grave and in the hush of silence feel what speech has never told.
While in love with life and raptured with this world, this beloved brother has passed to the silent and pathetic dust. This brave, tender brother, in every storm of life was Oak and Rock, but in sunshine was Vine and Flowers. He was the friend of all heroic souls. He climbed to the heights of Friendship, Love and Truth, and left all superstitions far below, while on his face fell the golden dawn of a greater day.
He has passed to the unknown realms of an eternal LIFE to join that blessed LODGE above where the Noble Grand will be the blessed and eternal God of Heaven. As we spread upon our minutes of this Lodge the memories of our dear brother, Let us drop a flower in the pathway of our surviving brothers and smooth the wrinkled brows of our widows and orphans. Realizing at heart that we may -- yea will soon be in like manner too -- laid to rest as he. Oh how small we shall seem when the magnifying glass of self shall be broken by the Angel of death and we are made to realize ourselves as we really are.
With bowed heads let us contemplate the scene and prepare to meet in an unbroken LODGE in the eternal HALL of HEAVEN.
Resolved that this tribute of sacred memory shall be spread upon the minutes of this lodge and a copy of same be sent to the wife of the deceased brother.
J. M. Wattenbarger, N. G.
J. H. D
Montgomery County News April 2 1998
Imogene ROBERTS
Imogene Roberts, 66, of Pencil Bluff, died Thursday,
March 26, 1998 at St Joseph's Regional Health Center in Hot Springs. She was born on
November 17, 1931 at Pencil Bluff, the daughter of Zeffrey and Dessie Singleton. She
was preceded in death by her husband, Byran Roberts. Survivors include her son, ...;
her daughter, ...; her step-daughter, ....; two step-sons, ... and ...; 13 grandchildren
and one great grandchild. Services were held Saturday, March 28, at Brushy Baptist
Church at Oden. Burial was in Brushy Cemetery. Pallbearers were Stacy Vines, Greg Vines,
Eric Gaither, Lonnie Vincent, Elmer Shannon and S. Marcus Hamm. Service were under the
direction of the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.
Obituary of A. G. Robison Newspaper
clipping were found inside the Family Bible of William M. & Matilda F.
(Collier) Reece
Died Sept. 28, 1892, A. G. Robison, the son of Wm. and Margaret Robison, aged 16 years, after an illness of about nineteen days. God, in His all-wise providence, called him home for a purpose best known to Him only. Gad, as he was commonly called, was a bright and obedient son to his parents and was liked by all his associates; he will be greatly missed by all. But "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord forever."
Our heartfelt sympathy is with the bereaved father and mother and his only sister. He has left many relatives to mourn his loss; but we should not grieve; he has paid the debt that we all owe and gone to heaven to eternal happiness. Yes, when we think of the dying words so boldly uttered by him it fills our heart with joy and consolation. "I want you all to meet me in heaven and I want to hear Mr. Reece pray one more time." Mr. Reece came and the assemblage joined him in singing "Am I a Soldier of the Cross, a Follower of the Lamb."
The little fellow then asked them all to pray, "every one of you." After which there was a unanimous prayer offered, led by Bro. Reece. After prayer was over, "We Are Passing Away" was sung, he helping to sing and though his voice was weak, could be heard. "Oh, how good I feel; what a cool place this is; give me one more good drink of water. I will soon be gone, ma; take care of my quill" - that is the quill he drank water through. "Take my knife and my cravat, cuffs and collar and put them in the trunk; divide all my things between you and pa and Lu. Pa, put me in the ground right." These were his last words.
Bro. Lewis dismissed his school, and he and all the school children joined in a nice double-file march, from the least to the biggest, just behind the corpse, from the residence to the graveyard, singing some beautiful songs. The old Professor, on reaching the graveyard, gave his students a grand, good talk. The funeral services followed, Rev. John H. Glaze conducting, in a most solemn and appropriate manner.
Alfred M. Collier
M. C. Collier
Ophir, October 10, 1892
Tributes of Respect Newspaper clipping were found inside the Family Bible of
William M. & Matilda F. (Collier) Reece
A. G. Robinson has departed this life after a long illness and long suffering. He was taken ill on the 11th of September, 1892, and lay under the skillful treatment of Drs. Wormack and W. D. Roberts assisted by Dr. Ellis of Hot Springs together with Dr. Bram Palmer of Rock Creek, and the family had all the kindness of the neighborhood. But alas! to no avail.
On the eighteenth day of his illness the summons from the eternal world came and this noble hearted young man being sensible of the near approach of the grim monster, called to his father and mother and said: "Papa and mamma, I'm bound to die and I want to hear Mr. Reece pray." He being present, at once proceeded to the bedside and was joined by a host of friends in singing: "Am I a Soldier of the Cross."
After singing, Bro. Reece began to pray and our beloved boy praying with Bro. Reece. The first words he was heard to utter was: "Oh! God, stand by a dying boy in death and save me in heaven." This was his prayer, and he was able to shout eulogies to God in the highest. The people again joined in the song: "And Must I Be to Judgment Brought," and this Christian hearted boy joined us in the music.
When the song was over he called his father, mother and sister and told them what to do with his things; he then said: "Papa, mamma, and sister, now I must go meet my little sister in heaven and I want you all to meet us in that godly land. So, farewell, to all on earth until we meet in heaven." So, to day he is in that heavenly land.
On the day following he was escorted to his last resting place by his schoolmates and teacher, Prof. A. V. Lewis, marching with the flag of mourning borne by Jess Reece; the funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. H. Glaze.
This was a promising son of William L. and Margaret Robinson and a grandson of Uncle
Jeff Collier. Blessed is the Scripture that says: "The Love giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be His holy name." Let us all prepare ourselves to meet this darling boy in heaven. Weep not, father and mother, for your son is in heaven; weep not sister, but meet your brother in heaven.
Contributed by A. J. Newcomb, L. L. Reece
Ophir, October 10, 1892."
(Note: Immediately following the above was this poem.)
Again the solemn call has come,
A precious one to Heaven is gone.
The voice we loved is still,
And leaves us here on earth to weep.
It is very hard to part with a friend
That we love so good and true
But our heavenly Father has called him
To a happier home above.
Oh! do not weep his absence now,
For we know that he is in our Father's care;
A father's pride, a mother's love
But now he dwelleth with God above.
But now in silence cold
Our dearest friend is resting in his grave;
And while we weep his spirit has flown
To its home in Heaven.
But, oh! father, mother and sister dear
Do not lament and cry
But prepare to meet the dear departed one
When life shall close in our Father's mansion fair.
A. J. Newcomb, L. L. Reece
Ophir, October 10, 1892
Arkansas State Gazette & Democrat, Little Rock, Friday
Morning, December 17, 1852
Dr. John Blassingame ROBINSON
Died At his residence, in Mount Ida, Montgomery county, on the 14th
September last, Dr. John Blasingame Robinson, in the 28th year of his age."
After nine years search for proof that his parents were Dr. John
Robinson and Eliza Blassingame, I found the following: The Whig,
Little Rock [Arkansas], Dec. 16, 1852
DIED
Leaves have their time to fall, and flowers
To wither, at the North wind's breath;
But all, thou hast all seasons
For thine own, Oh Death!
"Died, at his residence, in Mount Ida, Montgomery county, on the 14th September last,
Dr. John Blasingame Robinson, in the 28th year of his age.
"Dr. R. was the eldest son of Dr. John Robinson, of Pendleton district, S.C., long
and favorably known as one of the most able and skilful physicians of his age. He acquired
his profession in the State of S.C., and some few years ago removed to Arkansas, where he
married the daughter of Dr. A.B. Clingman; and at the time of his death, was engaged in an
active and lucrative business.
"He was an open-hearted, generous, high minded young man, and bid fair to become an
ornament to his profession, and a most useful citizen. A wise Providence has, however,
removed him from the scene of his labor and usefulness, and thus left many friends in the
State of his adoption to mourn his loss. E.L.H.
"Mount Ida, Dec. 6, '52.
"Gaz. & Democrat, True Democrat, and Arkadelphia Standard, please
copy" [The True Democrat did copy the obit word for
word; the Gazette & Democrat copied only the paragraph quoted first,
above; no copies of the Arkadelphia Standard exist.]
Submitted by LNiemannG@navix.net While Dr. Robinson had only one child, Mary Jane, he has a large number of descendants in Clark and Pike counties and the surrounding territory. Mary Jane married Jesse M. Garner and reared a large family in Clark County. Several of her children, including two daughters who lived in Pike County (Delight), had large families.
The Montgomery County Herald Friday Sept. 25 1891
ROGERS
"Grandma" Rogers, aged 96 years died this week and was buried
Wednesday evening. The deceased was the grandmother of C.J. and J.A. Watkins, G.Witt and
J.S. Elder. A large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives of the deceased escorted
the remains to the grave Goodspeed.
Grandma
Rogers first
name was Elizabeth (Stewart) married
to William I. Rogers.
They
had several children
including Martha and her
sister Amanda Rogers.
Martha 1st
married William I. Watkins
Amanda married Joseph
Caseville Elder
and
had three sons
Their children were
1.
Charles
Jeremiah Watkins
1.
Joseph
Elder
2.
John
Allen Watkins
2.
Mary
Elder
3.
Elijah
Ross Watkins
3.
John Silas Elder who
married
Cordelia
Zyiphia Whittington
Martha
2nd Husband was J.C.
Witt
Their
son was
1. Gibson Witt
Information courtesy of John Watkins. Post 11 Feb. 2002
22 January 2008 The Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Pencil Bluff - Lillie Ryan, 94, Pencil Bluff, died Jan. 18, 2008.
Survivors daughters, Lois Fitch, Ida McGinnis; three grandchildren; four
great-grandchildren. Service Jan. 22, 2 p.m., Pencil Bluff Baptist Church with
Bros. Moody and Eddie McCord officiating. Burial, Peak Cemetery Crystal Springs.
Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, Mt. Ida, Arkansas.
Montgomery County News Sept 2, 1993
Minnekus SCHAKEL Zella Shipman
Minnekus Schakel, 75, of Mount Ida died August 26 at his home. he was
a veteran of World War II and a member of the Montgomery County Council of Performing
Arts. Survivors include his wife, Delores Schakel of Mount Ida; two sons..., a
daughter ..; a brother Cornelius Schakel of Farmington, Iowa; a sister Wilma Brown of New
Sharon, Iowa; six grandchildren and many friends. Funeral services were August 30 at
the First Untied Methodist Church in Mount Ida. Rev Bill Leslie was the minister. He was
cremated.
Montgomery County News Dec 17 1998
Ruby P. SEALE
Ruby P. Seale, 73, of Story, AR, died December 8, 1998, at Hot Springs
hospital. She was born september 25, 2925, to the late Elige Spruling and the late Mandy
Willhite Spurling in Gaston, Ar. Survivors include: one daughter, ...., one son,
....., two sisters Eva Gean Black and Namcy Lou Tibbs; one brother Ray
Spurling; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Services were
Thursday, December 10, 1998, at the Refuge Baptist Church in Story with Rev. Ronnie Noles
and Bro. Tommy Jones officiating. Burial was in Breashears Cemetery in Story.
28 June 2005 The ADG
SHERIDAN - Ruth Horton Williams of Sheridan, was born September 1, 1919
at Oden, Arkansas, the daughter of the late James Chester and Rellie Maude
Strain Horton. She died, Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Hot Springs County Hospital
in Malvern, Arkansas at the age of 85 years. She was retired from the Pine Bluff
Arsenal where she was a payroll clerk; a member of North Main Baptist Church at
Sheridan; a member of the Martha Sunday School Class; was active in Senior
Citizens and loved to fish. She was preceded in death by a brother, Verlon
Horton. Survivors husband, James C. Williams of the home; son, Travis Cason of
Oregon; brothers, Wallace Horton and Carl Horton, both of Sheridan, and Harold
Horton of Guam; sisters, Nancy Mabel Walker of Dallas, Texas; Mary Cotton of
Sheridan, Arkansas. Graveside Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 28,
2005 at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan, Arkansas, with Rev. Jon Cox
officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2005 at Memorial
Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan. Sign online: www. memorialgardenssheridan.com.
Montgomery County News Sep 16, 1999
Zella SHIPMAN
Zella Shipman, 80, of Exeter, California died September 10, 1999. She was
the daughter of John and Minnie Gaston. She was born on June 4, 1919 in
Silver. She attended schools in Murphy. She married William Shipman in Crystal Springs on
December 16, 1933. in 1952, the couple moved to Farmersville, California. Mr.
Shipman passed away in 1986. Zella moved to Exeter in 1989 where she was employed by Bob
Hickman as a fruit packer for 25 years prior to her retirement. Survivors include
her son, her daughter, one brother, one sister, four grandchildren and six great
children. Services will be held Thursday, September 16, 1999 in Evans-Miller Exeter
Chapel. California.
AR Democrat-Gazette April 10 2001
Ina Ruth SHORT, 79, of Mount Ida died April 7, 2001, in
Hot Springs. Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. Monday, April 9, in the Whittington
Cemetery with Bro. Bruce Short officiating. Under the direction of the Thornton Funeral
Home.
AR Democrat-Gazette
Mount Ida - Robert C. Simmons, 91, of Mount Ida, Ark., passed away
Monday, April 14, 2008 at Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mount Ida. He was
born Jan. 7, 1917 in Benton, Ark., to the late Julian T. Simmons, Sr. and Mary
Neva Simmons. He was a member of Agape Church in Little Rock and attended Faith
Tabernacle Church in Mt. Ida. He is survived by his wife of 58 and 1/2 years,
Leona S. Simmons of Mount Ida; sister, Mary Jane Simmons of Benton, Ark.;
nephews, Dr. Terry Simmons of Bryant, Ark., Greg Simmons of Benton, Steve
Cavender of Harrison, Ark., and Doug Simmons of Katy, Texas, and nieces, Suzanne
Lewis of Spring Texas and Becky Hurley of Deer Park, Texas. Funeral services
will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard
Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton officiated by Rev. Jerry Graham. Interment
will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. Pallbearers are
Richard Mills, Lance Woglemith, Arvin Saveall, Norman Farnel, and Neal Simmons.
Memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Church in Mount Ida, Ark. 71957.
Online guestbook
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.
Fred SIMPSON Sept. 11 1999
Montgomery County News May 2001
ARLDEAN "PETE" SINGLETON
Arldean "Pete" Singleton, 67, of Mena, died Friday, May 25, 2001 in
the Mena Medical Center. He was born July 10, 1933 in Pencil Bluff, to the late
Z.F. Singleton and the late Dessie Singleton, He was untied in marriage on
September 28, 1962 in Mena to Wilma Brewer. Mr Singleton served in the U.S. Army
in Germany during the Korean War, he was manager of several gas stations in the
Little Rock area for American oil Company, a warehouse supervisor for Ed's
supply Company in Little Rock for sixteen years and a member of the Lynchview
Baptist Church in North Little Rock. Survivors are: his wife of 38 years Wilma
Singleton of Mena; one brother Gerald Singleton of Mena; two sisters, Berlene
Singleton of Sierra Vista, Arizona; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces
and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant
brother and a sister Imogene Roberts. Funeral services were Tuesday, May 29, in
the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Ray Raines and Bro. Allen
Brown officiating. Interment was in the Brushy Cemetery, Oden under the
direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Pallbearers were Steve
Singleton, Greg Singleton, Gary Singleton, Ted Gaither, David Walters, and James
Walters.
Mrs. Belle SINGLETON 1968
Funeral service for Mrs. Belle Singleton, 91-year-old lifetime resident of
Pine Ridge who died June 24, was held Thursday afternoon, June 27, 2 o'clock, in Oden
Methodist Church, with the Rev. Arthur Breshears officiating. Interment was in the
Gortemiller cemetery under the directon of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Casketbearers
were Ronald Singleton, Joffrey Singleton, Naman Fryar, Katie Ferguson, Donald Singleton,
Eugene Singleton, Othel Standridge and Charley Singleton. Mrs. Singleton was born
March 12, 1877, at Pine Ridge. On Aug. 26, 1893, she was married there to James
Wright Singleton, who preceeded her in death on Dec. 31,1933. She was a member of
the Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Ales Fryar, Mtn. Pine Ark., Mrs. Pearl Huddleston
and Mrs. Mellora Padgett, Live Oak, Calif., and Mrs. Leatha Standreidge, Mena; four sons,
Bud, Calvin and Math Singleton, Oden and Warren Singleton, Prescott, Ark.; four brothers,
Walter, Jeff and Alfred Wilhite, Mena, and Joe Wilhite, Clear Lake, Calif.; one sister,
Mrs. Sisie Murry, Clear Lake, Calif.; 28 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and 26
great-great grandchildren. Submitted by Bettie
Dowler
Montgomery County News 23 March 2000
Earnestine P. Ansley SINGLETON
Earnestine P. (Ansley) Singleton, 91, of Little Rock, passed away on March 16, 2000 in a
Little Rock Nursing Home. She was born on July 20, 1908 in Easterly, Texas to the late
Richard and Elizabeth Singleton. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law Tim and
Marilyn Singleton and Danny and Pat Singleton, two brothers and sisters-in-law Earshell
and Mildred Singleton and Kirbie and Clovie Singleton; three grandchildren ... and three
great grandchildren. Services were Monday March 20, at Brushy Baptist Church in Oden with
Bro. Joseph S. Damazio officiating. Burial was held at the Brushy Cemetery under the
direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. Pallbearers were Robin Singleton,
Floyd D. Singleton, Wayne Singleton, Delton Hughes and Freddie Fair.
The above obituary contains a few errors. Earnestine Singleton's
father was an Ansley. Earnestine was married to Floyd Singleton. Her sister Bessie
was married to Andy Singleton. Sol and Martha Singleton had nine kids including Kirby,
Andy, and Floyd, all were brothers. We believe they meant that she was survived by two
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law instead of two brothers and sister in law. See row 11
at Brushy.
Montgomery County News 27 July 2000
Olen Clyde SINGLETON
Olen Clyde Singleton, 87, passed away on July 24, 2000, in a Hot Springs Nursing
Home. he was born on March 25, 1913, in Oden to the late Elbert Singleton and
the late Pruitt Singleton. He was preceded in death by parents and five brothers
Arthur Singleton, Cail Singleton, Fay Singleton, Melvin Singleton and Virgil
Singleton. Survivors include three brothers Owen Singleton of Mena, Rev. E.D.
Singleton, of Glen Rose, and Rev. Bill Singleton of Mt Ida, and several nieces
and nephews. Services will be Wednesday July 26, at 1.30 pm at a Grave Side
Service at Brushy Cemetery with Bro. Bill Singleton officiating under the
direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mt Ida. Military
Service.
Solomon SINGLETON 1963
"86 years"
Rev. Solomon Singleton of Oden, born November 7, 1883, passed away at his
home June 26, about 6:30 P.M. include: Mrs. Nancy Hughes of Oden; Andy
of Dumas; Floyd of Pencil Bluff; Kirby of Dumas; Louis of Mt. Pine; Elisha of Winchester
and Hershal of Pencil Bluff. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 13
great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were at Brushey Church June 28, at 2:00 P.M. by Rev Arthur
Breshears. Burial was in Brushey Cemetery by Kelley Funeral Service. Pall bearers:
Harold Hughes, Darrell Hughes, Floyd Dale Singleton, Lee Ray Singleton, R.L. Singleton and
Wayne Singleton, grandsons of the deceased. Submitted by Bettie Dowler
30 July 2008 The ADG
FORT SMITH - Viola Singleton Roberson, 97, of Fort Smith, formerly of
Dumas and Oden, entered into rest, Monday, July 28, 2008 in Fort Smith. She was
born June 17, 1911 in Oden, Arkansas the daughter of the late Sherman and Rosie
Singleton. She was a former LPN, attended Grand Avenue Baptist Church. Viola was
the widow of the late Noral Roberson and preceded in death by one daughter,
Delois Minor. Survivors include two granddaughters, Glenda Oden and husband Gary
of Camden, Arkansas and Judy Akins and husband Nick of Fort Smith; brother,
Retired Colonel William T. Singleton and wife Frances of Jacksonville, Arkansas;
sister-inlaw, Wilma Mainer of Virginia, six great-grandchildren and three
greatgreat-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held
4 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Brushy Cemetery in Oden, Arkansas officiated
by Reverend Mike Stark. To place online tribute go to
www.lewisfuneralchapel.net.
Montgomery County News 29 Mar. 1990
William Dossie SINGLETON
William Dossie Singleton, 86, of Pencil Bluff, died Friday, March 23, 1990
in at St Joseph's Regional Health Center in Hot Springs. He was born February 29, 1904 at
Oden, the son of William Singleton and Sally Tackett Singleton. He was a lifetime
resident of Montgomery County, retired from the Untied Forest and a member of the
Brushy Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter Pat Scott and her
husband Waymon Scott, of Mount Ida; one brother, Z.F. Singleton of Mena; two
grandchildren, Tamara Parnell and Latresa Scott, both of Mount Ida and one
great-grandchild. Brittany Parnell of Mount Ida. Funeral services were conducted
Monday, March 286 at 2; p.m. in the Brushy Baptist Church with DeWayne Turpin officiating.
Active pallbearers were Byron Roberts, Junior Singleton, Gerald Singleton, Bill
Scurlock, Freddy Fair and Delton Hughes. Burial was in Pencil Bluff Cemetery under
the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home.
Fort Smith Southwest Times-Record Tuesday, September 26, 2000
Iva SMITH
PINE RIDGE- Iva Winnie Smith, 84, of Pine Ridge died Sunday,
Sept. 24, 2000, in Mount Ida. She was a homemaker and a member of the First
Baptist Church of Pencil Bluff. She was the widow of Andrew Jackson Smith.
Funeral will 2:30 p.m. today in the Pencil Bluff First Baptist Church with
burial at Standridge Cemetery in Mount Ida under the direction of Beasley-Wood
Funeral Home of Mena. She is survived by two sons, Van Smith of Hot Springs and
Jerry Smith of Houston; one sister, Josephine Crisco of Arkadelphia; one
brother, Robert Powell of Virginia; two grandsons, Preston and Mark Smith; and
five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Martin Stanley, Darrell Smith, Ed
Degan, Ralph Ballew and Wes Falls.
AR Democrat-Gazette April 10 2001
Iva Jean SLEEPER
Iva Jean Sleeper, of Hot Springs Village, died Saturday, April 7, 2001 at a
local hospital. She was born Feb. 4, 1928 in Norman, Ark., the daughter of Clarence Arthur
Thompson and Nora Watson Thompson.... Jean was an active garden club member since 1964.
She moved to Hot Springs Village in 1974... From 1991-1993, Jean was State
President of the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs. She promoted House Bill #1452 in the
Arkansas legislature, which was passed by Governor Jim Guy Tucker and signed into law,
proclaiming the first full week of June to be National Garden Week... A Master Flower show
judge and Landscape Design Critic, she judged and exhibited in flower shows both
nationally and internationally,.. She was predeceased by her husband, Floyd Lynn Sleeper.
She is survived by her mother ... of Mountain Pine, Ark.; her son ..... A memorial service
was held at 1 p.m. April 9th at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hot Springs Village, Ark.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 23 May 2007
ODEN - Audie Smith, 94, of Oden, died Sunday, May 20, 2007. Services are
Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Oden, Arkansas
with Reverend Fred Hunter and Reverend Charles Eudy officiating. Interment will
follow in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral
Home.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 16 February 2006
HOT SPRINGS - Jessie L. Smith, 96, of Hot Springs died February 13, 2006. She
was born in Caddo Gap, Arkansas, to Jim and Marie (Barker) Deathrage. Visitation
is 5-7 p.m. this evening with services at 1 p.m. Friday, February 17, both at
Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Montgomery County News 23 April 1998
Gladys Mable SNEGOSKY
Gladys Mable Snegosky, 77, of Glenwood, died Wednesday, April 15, 1998 in a
Hot Springs hospital. She was born on October 10, 1920 at Glenwood, the daughter of
William Euclid Caldwell and Myrtle Lora Diggs Caldwell. On October 17, she was
married to Harold a. Snegosky. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in
Mount Ida. She is survived by her husband, Harold A, Snegosky of Glenwood; her son.;
her daughter..., and two grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday,
April 18, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Father Joseph Correnti
officiating. Burial was at the Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were David
Snegosky, Dennis Snegosky, Rickey Deaton, Tracy Deaton and Hursel Parker
Montgomery County News June 1978 
Vicie A. SPAKE
Vicie A. Spake, 84, of Mena, died recently at Mena. She was born
February 18, 1894 in Montgomery County and spent her entire life in the Mena
area. She married Jay Spake at Alder, February 18, 1912. She was a member of the
Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. Survivors include one son: Dossie Spake of Mena.
Services were in the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church at Big Fork with the Rev.
Max. Deaton officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery. Pallbearers were
Warren Cole, Loyd Cole, Vester Hooper, Ray Wiseman, Fred Beck and Floyd
Fountain.
Montgomery County News Jan. 1967
Lige SPURLING
Funeral service for Lige Spurling was held at 2:00 o'clock Sunday
afternoon at the Oden Methodist Church, with Rev, Arthur Breshears and Rev. Raymond
Raymond Harvey officiating. Burial was in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of the
Geyer Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Ira Dunaway, E. L. Ward, Wilton Dillard, Ervin
Sickafus, Olen Risenhoover and Ode Maddox. Mr. [Elijah] Spurling was born May 10, 1892, at
Oden and died there Jan. 5, at the age of 74 years, He had spent most of his life
around Oden. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. On May 14, 1912 he
was untied in marriage with Miss Manda Wilhite at Oden, who survives him. Besides his wife
he is survived by two sons, Clyde Spurling, Turner, Ore., and Ray Spruling, Oden; five
daughters, Ruth Spurling, Oden, Ruby Seales, Story, Eva Jean Black,
Oklahoma City, Irene Cossy, Mena and Nancy L. Jones. Little Rock, one brother George
Spurling, Dumas; one sister, Lytha Harvey, Dumas; Also 18 grandchildren. Submitted
by Bettie Dowler
Montgomery County News Mar. 4, 1999
Leo William SPURLING
Former Oden native Leo William Spurling, 73, of Yuba City, CA, died
February 23, 1999, in Sunrise Marysville (CA) Care Center. He had lived in the Yuba
City area for 34 years, was a retired farm laborer, and a U.S. Navy veteran of W.W.II.
Survivors include: two daughters, Sand Faynant of Devils Lake, ND, and Linda Knox,
of Reno, NV; three sons, William Spurling of Yuba City, CA, Fred Spurling of Sand Point,
ID, and Joseph Spurling of Sutter, CA; two brothers, Cleo Spurling of Live Oak, CA, and
John D. Spurling of Oden; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was
preceded by; his wife Faye Spurling; two sisters, Bertha Ward and Alley Lee Boster; and
one brother, Elmer Starr. Graveside services were held February 28, 1999, at 3:00
p.m. at the Sutter Cemetery with Rev. Larry Cain of the Peach Tree Lane Church of Christ
officiating.
Montgomery County News Mar 25, 1999
Ray SPURLING
Ray Spurling, 83, of Brushy Road, Oden, the son of Lige Spurling
and Mandy Willhite Spurling, died Thursday, March 18, 1999 at his home. He was born
on July 23, 1915 at Oden, the son of Lige Spurling and Mandy Willhite Spurling. He was a
retired farmer and sawmill worker. He is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, ....,
all of Oden and one daughter.. of Oden; seventeen grandchildren; eight grandchildren; and
two sisters..., both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Service were March 21, in the Oden United
Methodist Church with the Revs. T.C. Wilhite and Charles Ballentine officiating.
Interment was in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of
Glenwood. Pallbearers were Jim Stone, David Ledbetter, Bobby Strothers, David
Spurling, John Spurling, Chris Spurling, Kevin Gray and Carl Hunt. Honorary pallbearers
were Harold Hughes, Claude Ryan and the Visiting Nurses Agency of Mount Ida.
Montgomery County News Jul 9 1998
Ruth SPURLING
Ruth Spurling, 79, of Mount Ida, died Wednesday, July 1, 1998.
She was born on August 7, 1918 at Oden, the daughter of Lige and Mandy Spurling.
She was a former employee of the Mount Ida Glove Factory and a member of the Mount
Olive Baptist Church. She is survived by three sisters, Ruby
Seale of Mount Ida, Nancy Tibbs and Gean Black both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one
brother, Ray Spurling of Oden; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services
were held at 5:00 PM, Friday, July 3, 1998 in Oden Cemetery with the Rev. Charles
Baaallentine officiating. Arrangements were under the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of
Glenwood. Pallbearers were David Ledbetter, Donald Norman, Moriece Saveall, Delton Hughes,
Gary Norman, and Jeff Rogers.
Montgomery County News
Rose Belle STANDERFER
Miss Rose Belle
Standerfer,
aged 64, of Little Rock, died at a Little Rock hospital March 18. She was a
former resident of Montgomery County and was a member of the Radio Church of God
of Little Rock. Survivors include a brother, Dick Standerfer of Story; six
sisters, Mrs. Grace Carter and Mrs. Ruby Blair of Story, Mrs. Annie Ratliff and
Mrs. Laura Blaylock of Aly, Mrs. Lois Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Texas and Mrs
Jacquelin Brakefield of Charleston, S.C. Funeral services were held Saturday at
Muddy Creek Church of God near Story with burial in Reed Cemetery. Pallbearers
were; Lamar Spainhour, Boyd Qualls, R. L. Lenderman, Henry Webb, Sherlon Reed
and Oren Pendergrass. Honorary pallbearers were Oscar Qualls, Semor Qualls,
Elmer Owens and McKinley Irons.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 7 June 2007
Mount Ida - Cledith Standridge, age 89, of Mount Ida, formerly of Benton, died
Tuesday. Services will be 10 a.m., Friday, at Benton Pentecostal Church of God
with interment in the Pinecrest Memorial Park at Alexander under the direction
of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Guest registry is at
www.davis-smith.com
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 2 May 2008
Mount Ida - G.W. Stanley, age 80, of Mount Ida, died Wednesday. Graveside
services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at Stanley-Standridge Cemetery in
Mount Ida with Bro. Don Kemp officiating. Visitation will be held Friday
evening. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home,
Glenwood. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.
Montgomery County News Jul 1, 1999
Edna Marie STEWART
Edna Marie Stewart, 93, of Story, died June 24, 1999, in a Hot
Springs Nursing Home. She was born March 6, 1906 in Story. She was preceded in death by
one son, Lloyd Stewart, one daughter, Cathy Garrison. Survivors include three sons,.. two
daughters. Services were Saturday, June 26, 1999, at 2:00 PM at the Faith Tabernacle
Church in Mount Ida with Bros. Paul Burke and Ed Jones officiating. Burial was in
Breashers Cemetery under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. Pallbearers
were: Fred Garrison, Bert Johnson, Terry Kinsey, Howard Rowland, Paul Phillips and William
Farries.
SW Times Fort Smith Thursday, January 18, 2001
Dorothy STEPHENS
PINE RIDGE - Dorothy McClure Stephens, 90, of Pine Ridge died Tuesday, Jan.
16, 2001, in Mena. She was a homemaker and owner of the Lum and Abner Museum in Pine
Ridge. She attended the Bible Believers Baptist Church. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday in
Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with burial at Pine Ridge Cemetery. She is
survived by one daughter ......, one son, ... of Pine Ridge; one sister, ..., Ill.; one
brother, ... of Lincoln, Kan.; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one
great-great-granddaughter. Pallbearers will be Richard Martin, Audry Cost, Larry Mayer,
Lon Cowen, Bill Price and Don Thompson. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Heart Association.
AR Democrat-Gazette
Mount Ida - Dale L. Swindle Sr., 83, Mt. Ida, died April 13, 2008. Visitation
Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m. Services Wednesday, 2 p.m., First Baptist Church, Mt. Ida,
Ark., under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home.
Montgomery County News Aug 12, 1999
Thomas Lee TABOR
Thomas Lee Tabor, 84, of Hot Springs, AR, died Friday, August 6,
1999, in a hospital here. Born February 9, 1915, in Sims, he was a member of the Assembly
of God Church and retired co-owner of Hot Springs Excavating. He was predeceased by
one brother, Dick Tabor, and one grandson Johnny Tabor. Survivors include: his wife, ...,
four sons and daughters-in-law. two daughters.., 12 grandchildren; four great
grandchildren; four sisters, Services were held 10;00 AM Monday, August 9, 1999, at Gross
Funeral Home chapel with Brothers Billy Frank Glidewell and R.S. Hawkins officiating.
Burial in Macedonia Cemetery near Pencil Bluff.
Montgomery County News March 31, 1988
Kenneth Clyde TACKETT Sr.
Kenneth Tackett Sr., 57, of Oden died Wednesday February 24 in a Little Rock hospital.
He was born July 25, 1930 in Fountain Hill to the late Governor Louis Tackett Sr.
and Virgie Lee Cundiff. He had been a resident of the Oden area for the past eleven
years. He was a veteran of the Korean war and a prostestant. He is survived by his
wife, Thelma Tackett of Oden; six sons, Kenneth Tackett Jr., Cecil Tackett of
Sterlington,LA, Curtis Labell Tackett of San Jose, CA, Tom Spurling of Houston, TX, and
Tony Tackett of Story; one daughter Cheyenne Tackett of the home; four brothers, Claudell
Tackett, Richard Tackett, Lonnie Ray Tackett and Governor Lewis Tackett Jr. all of Falls
City, NB; four sisters, Donald Jean Windlendt and Lissa Beckner both of Falls City, NB;
Charlene Porter of Oak Grove, LA, and Mary Clark of Dallas, TX; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feburary 27 in the Mount Olive Church with
the Reverend Duane Turpin officiating. Pallbearers were: Elton Ellison, Tom Ellison,
Herman Elder, Gary Don Stovall, Bob Pearson, and Bobby Joe Irons. Burial was in the Mount Olive Cemetery under the direction of the Thornton
Funeral Home of Mount Ida.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 1 September 2006
NEAL TAYLOR, 80, of North Little Rock died on Tuesday, August 29, 2006. He was
born on December 4, 1925, in Oden, Arkansas, the son of William and Nettie
Harrell Taylor. Neal was a World War II veteran, member of the American Legion
and Elks Club. He retired from a career with the Internal Revenue Service.
Montgomery County News Dec. 18 1997
Hattie F. TAYLOR
Hattie F. Taylor, 92, of Mount Ida, died December 10, 1997 at the
Montgomery County Nursing Home. She was born July 19, 1905 in Oden, the daughter of
the late James A. Pullen and the late Elizabeth Goodner Pullen. She was preceded in
death by her husband, C.C. Taylor in 1981. Survivors include two daughters...,
and eleven grandchildren. Service were held at Oden Methodist Church on
Saturday, December 13, 1997 with Rev. Ted Squires officiating. Burial was in the Oden Cemetery. Pallbearers are Claude Berry, Buck Ellison,
Anthony Lewis, Truman Risenhover, Carl Smith, Ray Lawrence. Honorary pallbearer was
Bryan Wann.
1 September 2006 The ADG
NEAL TAYLOR, 80, of North Little Rock died on Tuesday, August 29, 2006.
He was born on December 4, 1925, in Oden, Arkansas, the son of William and
Nettie Harrell Taylor. Neal was a World War II veteran, member of the American
Legion and Elks Club. He retired from a career with the Internal Revenue
Service. Survivors include nieces, Nettie S. Hawley, Anna L. Allison and Nettie
June Anderson; nephew, Floyd L. Taylor; great-nephew, Carl W. Taylor;
great-nieces, April Hawley and Jolois Love; great-great-nephew, Bryce W. Taylor;
and special friends, John T. and Becky Parker, Mike Baugher, Elizabeth Dianne
Littell and Richard M. Kolb. A graveside service with military honors was held
on Thursday, August 31, 2006, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North
Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court (NW
corner of I-630 and Barrow Road), Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Visit the online
guestbook at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Ouachita Mountain Neighbor, Mena, Ark., Tuesday, August 24, 1993
John TURNER
John Porter Turner, 81, of Mena, died Friday Aug. 13, 1993, in Rich
Mountain Manor Nursing Home. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, in the
Beasly-Wood Chapel, the Revs. Dillard Miller and Bill Bowen officiating. Interment was in
the Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Rocky, under the direction of Beasley-wood Funeral Home.
11 January 2006 The ADG
GLENWOOD - Jerrylene "Jerry" Vaughn, age 80, and a long-time resident of
Glenwood, Arkansas, passed away on January 9, 2006, in the presence of her
family. She was born on July 14, 1925, at Oden, Arkansas, the daughter of Ed
Miles and Effie Hendon Miles. On May 24, 1940, she was married to Omer Vaughn,
who preceded her in death on June 1, 1956. She was also preceded in death by her
parents; and her granddaughter, Emily A. Vaughn. Jerry worked with Glenwood
Public Schools as a cafeteria supervisor for eight years. Afterwards she owned
and operated the City Cafe of Glenwood for 14 years. After she retired from the
restaurant, she went back to school to become a Certified Nurse's Assistant and
worked at the Glenwood Nursing Home until age 77, enjoying her time helping
others. Jerry loved her friends in Glenwood and was always quick to give them a
hug. She thoroughly enjoyed her visits at the Glenwood Senior Citizens Center.
Through the years, she touched many lives with her acts of kindness and many
enjoyed meals prepared by her hands. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia
Pinkerton and her husband, Sherald, of Nashville, Arkansas; her son, Ken Vaughn
and his wife, Annette, of Bryant, Arkansas; three grandchildren whom she adored,
Brent Pinkerton of Nashville, Arkansas, Clarissa Vaughn and Meryl Vaughn of
Bryant, Arkansas; and her brother, Bob Miles of Glenwood, Arkansas. Services
will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2006, in the Davis-Smith Funeral
Home Chapel in Glenwood with Bro. Kenny Martin officiating. Visitation will be
Wednesday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Mount Tabor Cemetery
under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Guest registry is at
www.davissmithfuneralhome.com
Montgomery County News Feb. 26 1998
Thelma Maria VINCENT
Thelma Marie Vincent, 84, of Mount Pine,
died Monday, December 15, 1997, in a Hot Springs hospital. Born October 13, 1913, in
Gerty, Oklahoma, to Ellis and Annie Fryar, she was predeceased by her
husband, Clarence Daniel Vincent. Survivors include, a brother Charlie Fryar of
Waldron; two sisters, Ethel Riggs of Chelan, Washington, and Chloe Tilley of Mountain
Pine; and several nieces and nephews. Services were held Wednesday, December 17, 1997, at
Brushy Baptist Church Oden with Rev. Curtis Stillwell officiating. Pallbearers were Evertt
Vincent, Larry Vincent, Shelby, Vincent, Paul Smith, Jimmy Hancock, Kelly Smith, Lonnie
Vincent and Chuck Sales.
Montgomery County News Dec 16, 1999
Doris M. WALKER
Former Mount Ida native Doris M. Walker, 84, of Houston, TX, died December
10, 1999, in Houston. She was born January 7, 1913, in Mount Ida, AR, the daughter of the
late Leroy Hovell and Katherine Jackson Hovell. Survivors include her
husband.., nine children, one brother, 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren.... She
was preceded in death by : a son, Glen Walker; a daughter Pat Kibbons and a grandson,
Floyd Lee Worden. The family will receive friends at the home of Maurine west in Story. A
memorial service will be held at the Mount Ida Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December
18, 1999, at 2.00 p.m.
Montgomery County News Feb 11, 1988
Voyza Austin WALLACE
Voyza Austin Wallace, 81, of Story, died Tuesday, February 2, 1988 in the
Yell County Hospital. She was born January 13, 1907 in Montgomery County, the
daughter of James J. Smith and Caroline Lee Smith. She was a
lifetime resident of the Aly and Story communities and was a member of the Crystal Hill
Pentecostal Church. Survivors include two sons..; one daughter..., two sisters...;
12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services were held Thursday February
4, in the Aly Community Church with Darrell Goss and Paul Burke officiating. Burial
was in the Aly Cemetery under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of
Glenwood. Pallbearers were: Donald Austin, Rusty Standerfer, Larry Standerfer, Eddy
Jones, Fred Swaim and Jim Swaim.
Montgomery County News Jan. 6, 2000
Ina Verne WARNEKE
Ina Verne Warneke, 69, of Mount Ida, died December 27, 1999, at a Hot
Springs hospital. She was born March 17, 1930 in Mount Ida, the daughter of the late John
and Minerva Warneke. Warneke retied from Keith Smith Feed Company in Hot Springs as a
purchasing agent after 36 years. She played for a professional basketball team, Hazel
Walker's Travelers, in the late 1940s and early 1950s. She was preceded in death by her
parents, John and Minverva Warneke; and two brothers, J.W. Warneke and Ottis Ray Warneke.
She was a beloved sister, a devoted aunt and a caring friend who brought love, compassion
and happiness to all whose hearts she touched. Survivors include: two brothers and
sisters-in law...., many nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of friends. Services were
at 2:00PM on Thursday, December 30, 1999, at the Mount Ida Church of God with Reverends
Willis Summitt and T.C. Wilhite officiating. Pallbearers were: Darrell Duke, Johnny Moore,
Lloyds Tubbs, Waldo Wilson, Charlie Thompson, and Calvin Roach. Burial was at Owley
Cemetery under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. (photo)
Montgomery County News Nov 4, 1999
Marie WARREN
Marie Warren, 73, of Norman, died Friday, October 29, 1999 at her
home. She was born on November 30, 1925 at Norman, the daughter of Lee Johnston and Orva Smith
Johnston. She was active with the Mount Ida Civic Center. She is is
survived by one daughter and son-in-law. Three sons and one daughter-in-law., nine
grandchildren and twelve great grand children. Services were held Tuesday, November 2, in
the Davis Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marvin Black officiating. Interment was in
the Black Springs Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.
Pallbearers were Leon Vines, Mike Vines, Richard Vines, Kenny Warren, Robert Darden and
Kaylon Burrow.
The Oklahoman 22 July 1959 page 5
Guthrie - Services were held here Tuesday for Theodore J. Westfall, 57,
formerly of Guthrie, who died in Lubbock, TX, Friday. Westfall, a native of
Arkansas, was a member of the Baptist church. He is survived by one daughter,
Mrs Betty Hurley, Guthrie; one son Ronald, Midwest City; two brothers, Russell,
Glenwood, Ark., and Alvin, Hot Springs, two sisters Mrs Mable Kibler, Kansas
City, Mo., and Miss Alice Westfall, Caddo Gap, Ark.; and four grandchildren.
Jackson Independent, weekly newspaper for Jackson Parish, LA,
published in Jonesboro, LA Thursday, November 17, 1960
FUNERAL RITES FOR MRS. B. WHEATLY
Mrs. Barbara Wheatly, age 78, died late Wednesday [November 9, 1960] at the
home of her daughter in Hodge, following a short illness. Funeral services were held
at 2 p.m. Friday, November 11, at the Jonesboro United Pentecostal Church with Rev. J.W.
Olds and Rev. Sam Ridge conducting. Interment was in the Hodge Cemetery under the
direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Survivors include five sons, Frank
S. Wheatly of Hodge, Rev. Cleland Wheatly of Brunswick, Georgia, Marion Wheatly and A.H.
Wheatly of Jonesboro, and C.E. Wheatly of Ruston, four daughters, Mrs. Horace Jordan of
Hodge, Mrs. W.T. Walsworth of Quitman, Mrs. Eugene Brown of Shreveport, and Mrs. Mack
Caraway of Ruston, two sisters, Mrs. Tennie Cranford of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mrs. Lee
Newcomb of Benton, Arkansas, a brother, Oscar Church of Benton, Arkansas, 35 grandchildren
and 25 great grandchildren.
[This lady, Barbara Allen Church Wheatly, was born in Caddo Gap, AR, in 1883, to John
Marion Church and Emily Jane Parsons Church. She grew up in that general vicinity of AR.
Her father, John Church, was said to have operated a ferry boat across perhaps the Caddo
River or the Ouachita River. She had 2 brothers: David Franklin and Oscar Rolet Lee
Church. She had 2 sisters: Tennie and Mary. She grew up and married Clealand Carl Wheatly
(b. 1882 near Poison Spring, AR), and they moved first to the Indian Territory (Bocoma,
OK) and then later to LA (north central part of state), where he worked in sawmills. They
had 14children, 11 of whom grew to adulthood. Barbara Allen Church Wheatly was my beloved
"Mamaw" - my mother's mother.] Submitted by Carole
Jordan Hays
Reinhold James WENZIG
August 30, 1914 ~ February 27, 2003
Reinhold J. Wenzig, 88, of Coeur d'Alene, died Feb. 27, 2003, at Heritage Place
in Coeur d'Alene.
He was born in Mount Ida, Ark., Aug. 30, 1914, to Reinhold and Lillian
(Whitehouse) Wenzig. Reinhold, a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, married Oyia
May Chitwood in LaJunta, Colo., Aug. 27, 1944. He moved to the area in 1970,
from Pueblo, Colo., where he had lived for 18 years. Reinhold worked as an auto
body mechanic at Appleway Chevrolet in Spokane, retiring in 1980.
Reinhold was a member of the Lincoln Way Church of God and D.A.V. He is survived
by his sons, James Wenzig of 269 Stilley Rd, Pineville, LA., 71360 ) and Tim Wenzig of Salem, Ore.;
daughter Linda May Ownlette of Ypsalanti, Mich.; five grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. Reinhold was preceded in death by his wife Oyia in 1971.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, Mar. 6, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. at the
Lincoln Way Church of God. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 is in
charge of the arrangements.
Oyia May
Chitwood was born 17 Jan. 1926 in Kissimmee, Osceola Co. FL, and died 3 Dec.
1971 in Newman Lake, Spokane Co. WA.
Reinhold Wenzig 1884 - 1970
Reinhold was born on January 26, 1884 and passed away in November 1970. Reinhold
was last known to be living in Gibbonsville, Idaho.
Grace Wenzig Interview, 1980 Sept. 23.
by Idaho State Historical Society, Gibbonsville Improvement Association,
Gibbonsville Improvement Association Oral History Project.
Interviewed by Julia Randolph as part of the Gibbonsville Improvement
Association oral history project for the GIA and the Idaho State Historical
Society on 23...
The Oklahoman 10, 2000 Page 90
Whitehouse, Arnold
H., 84, of Oklahoma City, went to be with the Lord on January 8, 2000. Arnold
died from complications following his battle with cancer. He was born August 30,
1915 in Oden, Arkansas to James and Ella Whitehouse.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. Arnold married Opal
Coate on September 8, 1946. Before moving to SW Oklahoma City, Arnold lived in
Midwest City and were members of the Sooner Baptist Church for forty plus years
where he served as a Deacon Emeritus by the congregation. While living in
Midwest City, he retired as a postal carrier from the Midwest City Post Office.
Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Opal; his parents; and a grandson,
Jimmy Sparks. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Joyce & M.O. Eckel, Jr.
of Millington, TN, daughter and son-in-law, Gayle & Ken Sparks of Okla City...
Other survivors include his sister Audie Boydston of Del City. Services at Bill
Eisenhower Southwest Funeral Home in Del City with interment to follow at
Arlington Cemetery.
Montgomery County News Thursday January 10, 1991
Emma Susan WHISENHUNT Emma Susan Whisenhunt, 92 of Mount Ida, died
Saturday, Jan. 5, 1991 in the Montgomery County Nursing Home. She was born March
1, 1898 in Sims, the daughter of John B. and Lou R. (Hatton) Elder. She had been
a resident of Montgomery County for most of her life. She was a homemaker and
non-denominational in faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe
Whisenhunt, and one daughter, Lorene Whisenhunt Vines. Survivors include three
sons, Witt Whisenhunt and Woodrow Whisenhunt,
both of Sims, and Doyle Whisenhunt of Mount Ida; three daughters, Allie Vines of
Mount Ida and Clara May Baker and Eula Fay Blackburn, of Sims; three brothers,
Johnny Elder and Paul Elder, both of Ozark and Jimmie Elder of California; four
sisters, Wilda Elder of California, Pearl Owens of Mountain Pine, and Vera Elder
and Alice Hicks, both of Ozark; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; five
great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Services
were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 in Lone Valley Church of God with Rev.
Jodi Anderson officiating. Pallbearers were Joe Whisenhunt, Bill Whisenhunt,
Gip Whisenhunt, Russell Whisenhunt, Douglas Vines and Lannie Vines. Burial was
in Rocky Cemetery under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. Submitted
by Doug Anderson. Nov. 2001
Montgomery County News July 20, 2000
Richard (Dick) Rudell Whittington, 81, of Mount Ida, AR,
died July 14, 2000, in a Hot Springs hospital. He was born January 16,
1919, in Mount Ida to the late G.W. and Maudie Ambers Whittington. Survivors include his
wife and one sister; and two nephews... Services were July 16, 2000, at the First
Methodist Church in Mount Ida, at 2:00pm with Bros. Osborne White and Paul Burke
officiating. Burial was at Whittington Cemetery under
the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. In lieu of flowers, you may make
donations to the Montgomery County Library Fund or the Heritage House Museum.
An Arkansas pharmacist and Tojo; Dick Whittington of Mount Ida gave plasma to
the injured Japanese war leader in a medical corps tent
Arkansas Democrat Magazine p. 10 Dec 13, 1964
A loss for all of us in the genealogy community and for the
county. His oral history collection must be fantastic and Dick's tapes have all gone
to the museum there in Mt. Ida. Once he sent me a tape on the Wenzig family. The newspapers of the county were never
saved so about seven years ago all of the papers that Dick Whittington had were
microfilmed. They were in the 30s and 40s and 50s. The drug store in Mt
Ida was formerly belonged to "Dick Whittington." Mr Whittington was a medic in
Japan after surrendered. General Tojo, the mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack
tried to commit suicide. Dick administered the plasma that saved Tojo's life.
Tojo was later executed for was crimes.
SWEET TEA Medic held Tojo's life in his hands by
Jay Grelen
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 20 April 2006
The first part of this column was published on Tuesday.
On Sept. 11, 1945, Dick Whittington, a native of Mount Ida, Ark., was a medic
with the First Cavalry when soldiers arrived with Hideki Tojo, the former
Japanese premier who had ordered the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In two different
interviews, Mr. Whittingon told of his role in saving Tojo's life. The most
comprehensive interview appeared in the Feb. 1, 1965, issue of National
Association of Retail Druggists Journal. On April 13, 1991, his great-niece Gina
Ray interviewed him for an oral-history project. This is the first time it has
been published. Richard and Loretha Ray provided copies of the articles, which
are stored in the Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County in Mount Ida. Mr.
Whittington and his fellow soldiers were watching the Barbara Stanwyck film My
Reputation when soldiers arrived with the critically wounded general, who had
shot himself rather than surrender to Americans. Mr. Whittington administered
plasma. From Gina Ray's interview: "I stuck that one-and-one-half-inch needle
all the way in his arm and turned it to the right and then to the left. The
lights went out, our generators were down, so I couldn't see. ... We used a
flashlight." From N.A.R.D. Journal: "Enmity held me. I twisted the needle right
and left. He did not flinch ... I looked at Tojo and wondered. Had this man
never held the hand of a dying soldier and felt it grow cold? Had he never heard
parched lips cry for water?" Gina Ray interview: "By the time I got that done,
it was running in pretty good.
I didn't even mean to get it in the vein ... I [knew I] did get it in there
because when I mashed on the tube, I saw the blood rush back when I took
pressure off." From N.A.R.D. Journal: "I checked again [to see] if we were still
in the vein. I saw the contents of the bottle ... slowly drain into Tojo's body.
Plasma that some patriotic American had given to save the life of a son,
brother, husband. What would they think: I wondered if I had the right to give
it. I couldn't do it. "I made a gesture toward the needle. I would inject an
overdose of a drug into the tubing. I'd watch the life drain out of him as I'd
seen it drain from those on the battlefield. Where was the drug. ... Then I
remembered. ... It was my duty to preserve life. If Tojo died, he would die
honorably in the eyes of many. If he lived, he could be punished. We could use
him as an example to all nations. I'd help to let him live. ... "As the last of
the plasma trickled down the bottle, strains of Auld Lang Syne' filled the tent
from the sound track of the movie outside. "At 8:15, I dropped the needle to the
ground. We carried our prize prisoner to the waiting ambulance. ... We held him
briefly at the rear of the ambulance, facing photographers whose flashbulbs lit
the night like an electrical storm as they yelled, `One more, one more.' "On
December 23, 1948, he was hanged. I had fired a shot heard even back in my home
of Mount Ida, Arkansas. A shot that saved him for the hangman."
Montgomery County News Feb. 1981
Curt WILLHITE
Curt Willhite 82, of Mena died Feb 8, in Wilhelmina Medical Center. He was
born Feb. 22nd 1898, at Oden, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Willhite
and was married to Mary Hill, May 1, 1916 at Oden. She preceded him in death. He moved to
Mena from Moro in 1969 and was a retired farmer and a member of the Pentecostal Church of
Moro. Survivors include four sons: J.V. Willhite, Lem Willhite, Vernon Willhite, Bobbie
Willhite. Two daughters: Mrs. Iva Mae Duke and Mrs. Joyce Laster. Three brothers: Tom
Willhite, Deck Willhite and Everett Willhite. Four sisters: Mrs. Martha Carrier, Mrs. Dave
Shannon, Mrs. Lessie Blanchard, and Mrs. Evelyn Finley. Services at Oden Feb. 10th.
Source: Copied from newspaper clipping in the procession of Nora Ledbetter of Oden.
Moro is in Lee County, Arkansas. The town is about 75 miles east of
Little Rock.
Montgomery County News June 2001
John A. WILLHITE
Mr. John A. Willhite, 70, of Mena, formerly of Marysville,
California, passed away Friday, June 1, 2001 in the Mena Medical Center. He was
born April 27, 1931 in Pine Ridge, the son of the late Walter Willhite and the
late Mary Alice Mullenix Willhite. He lived in Mena for one month, moving from
Marysville, California, was an Army veteran of WWII, a retired laborer, and of
the Baptist faith. Survivors are: one stepson, Dennis Jennings of Sand Springs,
Ok: two daughters, Nettie Jaris of Marysville, CA and Robin Bullard of Hamilton,
TX; three stepdaughters, Irene and husband Jack Howard, Ruth Ann Mize and Sarah
all of California; one brother, Deary Willhite of Mena, Mary Lou Garmon of
Pencil Bluff; nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter,
Christine Hill. Graveside services were held Monday, June 4, 2001, in the Brushy
Cemetery in Oden. Arrangements were under the direction of Hall Funeral Service.
Pallbearers were Darrell Willhite, Floyd Fairless, Russell Fairless, Jarred
Fairless, Freddy Fair, and Freddy Fair Jr.
Margaret WILHITE d. Monday 9 Oct 1965 submitted by
Bettie Dowler
LUM'N ABNER "SISTER SIMPSON" BURIED AT ODEN
ODEN (SPECIAL) --Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Wilhite, 94, the famed "SISTER
SIMPSON" of the LUM'n ABNER radio program, were held Wednesday at the Oden Baptist
Church. Mrs. Wilhite died Sunday night at a Mena Hospital, leaving 251 direct
descendants. She was a lifetime resident of Montgomery county and was the mother of
14 children, four of whom preceded her in death. Mrs. Wilhite was born April 15,
1872 in Oden and was a Baptist. Burial was at Oden cemetery at 2 p.m.
Wednesday. Geyer Funeral Home of Mena in charge of arrangements. She was
married in 1887 to A.C.Wilhite, who played another famous character for the Lum'n Abner
program that of GRANDPAPPY SPEARS. He died in 1938. Survivors include four
sons Curt Wilhite of Moro, Ark, Tom Wilhite of Mena, Everett Wilhite of Savada, Calif, and
Dexter Wilhite of Lonoke; six daughters, Mrs. Dicie Reed of Houston, Ark, Mrs. Manda
Spurling of Oden, Mrs. Martha Carrier of Marianna, Mrs. Lessie Blanchard of Eloy, Ariz;
Mrs. Dovie Shannon of Helena, and Mrs. Evelyn Fendley of Hot Springs and 68 grandchildren
and 173 great grandchildren.
MRS. MARGARET WILHITE
Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Wilhite was held Wednesday, Oct 12, at 2:00 o'clock, in
the Methodist Church with Rev. Sam Sherman and Rev. Bert Bashaw officiating. Burial
was in the Oden cemetery directed by the Geyer Funeral Home. Casketbearers were Bill
Brewer, Dale Reed, Walter Seals, Gerald Brewer, Frank Wilhite, Amos Cossey, Truman Black
and Marvin Mullinax She is survived ....; one brother, Sherman Singleton
of Oden; also 68 grandchildren and 60 great grandchildren.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 2008
BLACK SPRINGS - Rev. T.C. Wilhite, age 84, of Black Springs, died Saturday.
Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, in Faith Tabernacle Church, Mount Ida with
interment in Black Springs Cemetery by Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Faith
Tabernacle Church. Memorials may be made to the Wilhite-Starr Foundation, First
National Bank, Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest registry is at
www.davis-smith.com
Willis WILLHITE Montgomery
County News
Willis Willhite, 87, of Oden died Thursday September 29, 1983, in a Hot
Springs nursing home. He was born January 1, 1896 at Waters. He was the son of
the late Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Willhite and was united in marriage to Miss Etna Fryar
January 16, 1918 at Oden who preceded him in death November 9, 1965. He lived in Keota,
Okla. from 1919 to 1937 when he moved to California. He moved back to Oden in 1963.
He was a Baptist, a veteran of World War One and a retired farmer. Survivors
include three sons and one sister. Funeral services were held October 3 in the Oden First
United Methodist Church with Rev. Doyle Whisenhunt officiating. Interment was in Keota Cemetery,
Haskell Co.Okla. under the direction of Geyer-Quillin Funeral Home. Pallbearers were:
Clyde Ledbetter, Arlie Singleton, Burt Brewer, Kirby Singleton, Gene Singleton and Kenneth
Tackett.
Montgomery County News 02 March 2000
Fern M. WILLIAMS
Fern Mae Williams, 93, of Mount Ida, AR, died February 22, 2000, at the Montgomery County
Nursing Home. Born, January 17, 1907, Williams was a retired county health nurse and a
member of the Mount Ida United Methodist church. She was predeceased by her husband,
H.D. "Hobie" Williams. Survivors include: one sister, Ruby Sisk of Oklahoma
City; and one niece, Vera Brown of Greenville, TX. Services were February 23, at 10:00 AM,
at Pencil Bluff cemetery, Pencil Bluff, with Brother James Copeland officiating.
Arrangements were by Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. Obituary
transcribed by her great-nephew, C.A. Hocker. Posted
24 Jul 2000
Montgomery County News Thursday, August 22, 1974
H. D. (Hobe) WILLIAMS
H. D. (Hobe) Williams, 70, died Tuesday August 13. He was a native of Everton and had
lived in Montgomery County since 1946. He was the owner of Williams Real Estate and
Insurance and a member of the First United Methodist Church.
He was past master master of Mount Ida Masonic Lodge 140, past high priest of Solomon
Chapter 126, a member of Hot Springs Council 23, Hot Springs Commandry 5, past patron of
the Order of the Eastern Star at Mount Ida Chapter 20 and was advisor of Caddo Chapter of
DeMolay. He was also past president of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include his wife: Mrs. Fern Estes Williams; three brothers: Ray Williams of Fort
Worth, Texas, Kenzel Williams of Garland, Texas and Cheter Williams of Oklahoma City,
Okla.; three sisters: Mrs. Leota Good. Mrs. Ovalle Callaway and Mrs. Faye Fox, all of
Oklahoma City.
Services were at 2 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Ida with
the Rev. Harold Bailey officiating.
Burial was in the Pencil Bluff Cemetery by Thornton Funeral Service. Pallbearers were
Mearl Robins, Monroe Sprulin, Jimmy Jackson, John Moundy, Paul Roberts, and Donnie Noles.
Honorary pallbearers: John Beavers, Otis Dyer, Ned Meek, Gust Ring, Joe Cloud, Jim
Baggett, Jim Copeland, Russell Curtis, Harold Barnett, Breco Edwards, Lester Clement,
Fletcher Houchin, Jimmy Mahen, Gentry Elmore, Bob Campbell, Dick Whittington, Herb Malone,
Lee Austin, and Ray Arnold. Masonic graveside services were conducted by Mount Ida Lodge
No. 140. Submitted by C.H. Hooker. Posted Jul. 12 2000
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 28 June 2005
Ruth Horton Williams of Sheridan, was born September 1, 1919 at Oden, Arkansas,
the daughter of the late James Chester and Rellie Maude Strain Horton. She died,
Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Hot Springs County Hospital in Malvern, Arkansas at
the age of 85 years. She was retired from the Pine Bluff Arsenal where she was a
payroll clerk; a member of North Main Baptist Church at Sheridan; a member of
the Martha Sunday School Class; was active in Senior Citizens and loved to fish.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Verlon Horton.
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting - "@##% what a ride!!!!