LITTLE ROCK — OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.
INDEX
Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our website, Arkansas Online, arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.
PULASKI COUNTY
Emilee Nelson McGuire Bellar, 85, of North Little Rock.
J. Ralph Casey, 97, of Little Rock.
Robert “Bob” William Hudson, 67, of Jacksonville.
Harold Edmond Tucker, 78, of Little Rock.
George Louis Wolff, 84, of Little Rock.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
ALEXANDER Freda Mae Swain, 76.
AUSTIN George Lindon Thrift, 74.
BEEBE Bill Hefner, 81.
CARLISLE Robert Carl Peoples, 80.
CONWAY Sophie Stivers, 92.
CROSSETT Mary Smith, 65.
HOT SPRINGS Gracy M. Rosser, 86.
MAGNET COVE Helen J. Ashcraft, 74.
NEWHOPE Desmond “Monk” Moore, 83.
SEARCY Paul Dean Parsons Sr., 62.
TUCKERMAN Clifford Angus Hendrix, 67.
OUT-OF-STATE
LOUISVILLE, Ky.
Madeline S. Lantz, 91.
Pulaski County
EMILEE NELSON MCGUIRE BELLAR, age 85, of North LittleRock went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012. She was born Sept. 20, 1927, in Bee Branch, Ark. She was preceded in death by her daughter Joyce Laveda McGuire Heffner Tarkington; the father of her children, Basil V. McGuire Jr.; her second husband, Ralph G. Bellar, and siblings Leon Bradford, Billy Nelson, and Darlene Dillon. She is survived by her children, Hazel McGuire Gibson and her husband Terry, Diana McGuire McVay, Basil V. “Sonny” McGuire and his wife Elaine; siblings, Dorothy Yeager, Minda Reynolds, Delone Robertson, Devone Snead, Darrell Nelson, 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of caretakers at Northridge Health Care, especially “Bill” and “Betty.” Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at Bethel Cemetery in Macon. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
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J. RALPH CASEY, 97, of Little Rock passed away on Saturday,Oct. 13, 2012. He is survived by his son, Lewis (Carol), of Sherwood; granddaughter, Heather Casey Metzler (Steve), of Little Rock; great-grandchildren Steven and Matthew Metzler, of Little Rock; a sister, Ruth Rambo of Little Rock; a brother, Sam Casey, of Alma; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Lorene, parents James and Minnie Casey, daughter Kay Bowren, grandson James Andrew Casey, and three brothers, Claude Casey, George Casey and Pat Casey. Ralph was a 60-year employee of the Arkansas Democrat in the circulation department, having retired in 1989. He was a long and faithful member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Official Board and as an usher for 50 years. Casey was an active member of several Masonic bodies, including Albert Pike Lodge #714, where he received the Pillars of Solomon Award, and the Scottish Rite Bodies, where his service was recognized by receiving the Thirty-Third Degree. During World War II, Ralph served his country in the Railway Mail Service. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Asbury United Methodist Church, with the funeral beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Pleasant Hills Cemetery with full Masonic Honors. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Albert Pike Lodge. Memorials may be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1700 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212, or the Albert Pike Lodge Building Fund, 8400 Pin Oak Drive, Mabelvale, Ark. 72103. Funeral is under the direction of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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ROBERT "BOB" WILLIAM HUDSON, 67, of Jacksonville, diedOct. 12, 2012. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law and brother. Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother. Bob was a veteran of the Vietnam War, and amember of the American Legion and VFW. He was a C-130 Flight Engineer Instructor at the Little Rock Air Force Base for twentythree years. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hudson; sons, Sean (Margaret) Hudson and Todd Hudson; daughter, April (John) Story; grandchildren, Meaghan, Haley, Kourtney, Lawson, Scott and Landry; brother, John (Tanis) Hudson of Clermont, Fla.; and mother-in-law, Liz M. Flick. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Arkansas Funeral Care, 2620 W. Main St., Jacksonville, Ark. Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at North Jacksonville Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Serenity Garden Cemetery. To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements by Arkansas Funeral Care.
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HAROLD EDMOND TUCKER, 78, of Little Rock, Ark., passed awayon Oct. 12, 2012. He was born Jan. 8, 1934, in Prattsville, Ark., to Clyde and Lillie Morris Tucker. Ed is survived by his wife Mary; two children, Susan Blue (Randy), Kelly Tucker(Beverly); five grandchildren; two step-children, Christina Wren (Chris), Mike Balenko (Boundy); six step-grandchildren; two brothers, Carroll Tucker (June), Bill Tucker (Julie), and a sister, Betty Duff (David). Ed served in the United States Army for two years. He was a hot metal printer and was president of the Little Rock Typographical Union for four years. When hot metal printing was going to computers, he started selling real estate and was a Real Estate Broker for 40 years. Ed was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Monday evening, Oct. 15, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home, 10200 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Ark. Funeral Services will be Tuesday morning, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Rev. Gene Davis will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Upwards Sports, 198 White Star Point, Spartanburg, S.C. 29301. Please share your memories of Ed at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.
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GEORGE LOUIS WOLFF, aka Gerd Ludwig Wolff, of Little Rock, lovinghusband and father, 84 years old, passed away on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. George was born in Hamburg, Germany, on 08/24/1928 to Eva and Dr. Adolf Wolff. Afuneral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at 10 a.m. in Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Oakland Jewish Cemetery. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
Arkansas
ALEXANDER - Freda Mae Swain, 76, Alexander died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at her home. Survivors includea daughter, Shannon Bouman, Alexander; caregivers, Rodney Bunt and Deborah Whitmire, Alexander; close friends, Alicie Andrews, and her two children. Cremation arrangements by Ashby Funeral Home, Benton. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
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AUSTIN - George Lindon Thrift, 74, of Austin, passed away Oct. 13, 2012. He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Runell Whitley Thrift; children, Rickey, Lora, Jimmy and Carolyn; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives. He was a great husband and Daddy, and the world's greatest Grandpa. Arrangements are by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.net.
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BEEBE - Bill Hefner was born Nov. 24, 1930, and went to bewith the Lord on Oct. 13, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Vela (Harrison) Hefner; brothers, Dueward, L.E. (Budge) and Vernice Hefner; infant son, Michael Hefner; sonGary Hefner; and great-grandson, Blake Kurck. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara (Quattlebaum) Hefner. He is also survived by his daughter, Patti Mathis and her husband, Gary, and their family, his grandson, Aaron Mathis and his wife, Missy; great-grandchildren, Gage and Macey Mathis; his grandson, Jared Mathis; all of Beebe; his daughter-in-law, Debbie Hefner, and her family, his granddaughters, Shelly McIntyre; great-grandsons Chris McIntyre and Mikey Kurck; Nikki Rippy and her husband, Mark; and great grandchildren Lilly and Ryan Rippy of Bald Knob; his brothers, Brewer Hefner (Billie Jo) of Searcy; Carthel Hefner of McCrory, Jerrell and Dale Hefner of Beebe; sisters Vernell Edwards and Mattie Ruth (Jim) Fisher, both of Beebe. Bill was a teacher and administrator, retiring from Beebe Public Schools
He enjoyed the people he worked with, especially "his girls" at Beebe Primary School. Through the years he touched many of his students' lives in a special way. He was a loyal Hog fan, and a true Badger. Bill also enjoyed working with his cows on the farm. He was a wonderful daddy and granddad, and we will miss him, but we are blessed with the love and memories he gave us. Memorials may be made to the Antioch Community Church or The Beebe Public Education Foundation. Family will receive friends and family from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Ark. Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at Antioch Community Church. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
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CARLISLE - On this day, Oct. 12, 2012, our loving husband andfather was called into the presence of our Lord. Robert Carl Peoples was born Oct. 11, 1932, to James Washington Peoples and Tempie Ann Peoples in Russellville, Ark. Preceding him in death were hisparents, a daughter, Kathleen; a grandson, Joshua Givens, and brother Oscar Peoples. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Kathryn Peoples; children, Diane Givens (Ricky), Johnny Peoples (Cheryl), Lujean Hart (Eric) and Bobby Peoples; three brothers, J.D., Johnny and Carl Peoples; eight grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Robert Peoples was a good honest man who loved his family, hunting, fishing and gardening. He will be missed; but only needs to look down upon his family to know he is still in their hearts and on their minds. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Hamilton Baptist Church, Carlisle with interment in Hamilton Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangementsare by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.net.
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CONWAY - Sophie Stivers, 92, of Conway, passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012. She is survived by one daughter, Linda Favre and husband Norbert of Conway; three grandchildren, Allen Favre, Donna Favre and Amanda Morales; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack Kubaiko of Arizona. Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home, 1751 Dave Ward Drive, Conway. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock.
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CROSSETT - Mrs. Mary Smith, 65 of Crossett, Ark., died Friday, Oct. 12. Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Donald Smith, three sons and two daughters. Services are Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist. Burial in Westview Cemetery under the directions of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, Ark. www.cromwellfuneralhome.net.
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HOT SPRINGS - Gracy M. Rosser, 86, died Friday, Oct. 12 in the National Park Medical Center. She is survived by her children, Steve Barger (Patricia) Clinton, Ark. and Mary Kirkendoll, Hot Springs, Ark. Four granddaughters and seven great-granddaughters. Visitation 1 p.m. Wednesday at Olmstead Funeral Home with funeral service following at 2 p.m. www.olmstead.cc.--◊--
MAGNET COVE - Helen J. Ashcraft, Magnet Cove passed away Oct. 13, Survivors: daughter Ronda and son Ronald and niece Susan Warford and the children’s lives she touched while a nurse at Magnet Cove Schools. Visitation Monday Oct. 15 from 6-8 p.m., Regency. Funeral Tuesday Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. Regency Chapel. You may sign the guestbook at www.regencyfuneralhome.com.
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NEW HOPE - Desmond “Monk” Moore, age 83, of Newhope, died Saturday. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, in the Newhope Church of Christ with interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Visitation will be Monday, 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.
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SEARCY - Paul Dean Parsons Sr., age 62, of Searcy, Ark., was bornMarch 4, 1950, to Joe and Ada Waggle-Parsons, and died Oct. 12, 2012. He was an incredibly talented painter, both artistically and industrially. He was known for his artistry and gift of gardening.
He is survived by one son, Paul Parsons Jr (Christy); three daughters, Annette Brown (Delven), Rachael McGee (Lawrence), Catherine Mandrell (Terry) and Carolyn Parsons; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four brothers, Odas, Danny, James, and Eddie Parsons; six sisters, Dorothy Hendrix, Ruby Burns, Joann Kidd, Patsy Zachary, Sandy Snelson, and Metza Edwards; and numerous other family and friends who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ernest and Elvis Parsons.
Viewing will be 12 noon until funeral service, beginning at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Higginson Assembly of God in Higginson, Ark., with burial following in Ellis Chapel Cemetery. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
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TUCKERMAN - Clifford Angus Hendrix, 67, of Tuckerman, departed this life Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Gracelawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home.
Out-of-state
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Madeline S. Lantz, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 at Episcopal Church Homes in Louisville, Ky. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; world traveler, master seamstress and active member of Douglass Blvd Christian Church. Her grace, charm and kindness touched all who knew her; she will be dearly missed. She met and married the love of her life, L.B. Lantz in El Dorado, Ark. The couple moved to North Little Rock shortly thereafter to raise their two children, Bruce Jr. and Joanna. In 1996, following her retirement from the internationally respected Poe Travel Agency after 25+ yrs of work, she moved to Louisville, Ky., to be closer to her daughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, L.B. She was survived by her son, Bruce Lantz Jr. of North Little Rock, her daughter, Joanna L Ackerman (John) and dear family friend, Pamela Richardson, both of Louisville, Ky.; grandchildren Brian (Chelsea), Jeffrey, Susan and Deborah Lantz of North Little Rock; Libby Loeser (Matthew), SSGT Karl Ackerman and cherished great-granddaughter Agnes Loeser, all of Louisville, Ky. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark., on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, at 10 a.m., to be conducted by her minister, Dr. Derek Penwell of Louisville, Ky. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Madeline’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.
