Obituaries related to Montgomery County, Arkansas
  M to Z

When were you born?

All death and burial entries should be treated with some degree of suspicion. Family members under stress are not the best at remembering details. e.g. place of birth, correct spelling of given names, number of grandchildren, etc.  Some Funeral Homes and newspaper editors edit obituaries causing additional errors.

Women's obituaries may be indexed under under the husband's name.

Montgomery County ArkansasGenWeb Project

Submissions welcome must have a Montgomery Co. AR connection   add a j after the w, 
Mr Mike McCoy, editor, (Y2K), Montgomery County News, has given permission to transcribe obituaries onto this site from the Montgomery County News (published every Thursday). Only a minute number have been extracted.
Dewayne gave permission in 2021 for obituaries to be indexed.

Links

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 18 May 2007
Mount Ida - Almeda Abernathy, age 87, of Mount Ida, died Thursday. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Glenwood with interment in the Mount Olive Cemetery at Oden.

ASHCRAFT
Eva Ashcraft, age 91, of Oden, died Saturday, November 26, 2011. She was born on May 8, 1920 at Oden, the daughter of George Grady "Uncle Bud" Ballentine and Henrietta "Aunt Etta" Pullen Ballentine. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Ashcraft; and her sister, Mildred Inlow. A homemaker, she enjoyed taking care of her home, reading and raising her garden. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Duffy and Jane Ashcraft of Oden; her granddaughter, Leigh Meeks and her husband, Dale ...  of Katy, Texas; her great-grandson, Derek ... of McKinney, Texas; and a special niece, Glenna E. of Glenwood. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 29, 2011 in the Oden Cemetery with Bro. Paul Burke officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Online

Freda Scott Bailey was born in Oden, Arkansas on February 18, 1922. Died: July 20, 2009  San Antonio.  Her sister is Nellie Vincent.

Benton, Bauxite, Bryant, Saline County, AR, Voice
Larry Burton Barber, 50, of Little Rock died May 18, 2008. He was born April 22, 1958, in Arkansas to John and Thelma Barber. Larry was employed by Chenal Healthcare and Rehab, a Navy veteran and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his wife, Kristal L. Barber; daughters, Anna Marie and Kayla Renee; brothers, Johnny, Raymond, Tammy, Kenneth and Michael ; sisters, Dorothy, Gay, Edith, Peggy, Polly, Susie, Lenora, Annette, and Margie. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home were Wednesday with Bro. Curtis Kyle officiating. Burial was in Barber Cemetery in Sims, Ark. Pallbearers were Johnny Barber, Ray Barber, Michael Barber, Kenneth Barber, Robert Barber, James Staton, Brian Poston and Alvin Ohler.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 24 October 2007
MOUNT IDA - Bobbie Bates, 66, co-owner Bates Sales and Service, of Mt. Ida, passed away Oct. 21, 2007. She was an honorary member of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association. Faith Tabernacle, Mt. Ida, with service 2:00, Wednesday, Oct. 24. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home, Mt. Ida, Ark.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 29 December 2004
Mount Ida - Lois Ray Bates, age 88, of Mount Ida, died Sunday, December 26, 2004. Services are at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2004, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Sammy Cottrell officiating, with interment in Stanley-Standridge Cemetery, under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Guest registry at www.davissmithfuneralhome.com

El Dorado News Times April 5 2001
Jesse M. M. BATES SR.
Jesse Malcum Bates Sr., 84, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, April 3, 2001, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Born Aug. 15, 1916, in Caddo Gap, he was the son of John M. and Alma Murphy Bates. He was a supervisor for Arkla Gas and a member of East Faulkner Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vanitta Osborne Bates; and a sister, Lessie Phillips. Survivors include three sons, ..., ; three brothers, ...; two sisters, ..., both of El Dorado; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Rumph-Owers Funeral Home Chapel with Virgil Scott and the Rev. Ronnie Morris officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Rumph-Owers Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today. Memorials may be made to Berean Children's Home, P.O. Box 1009 Brookhaven, Miss.. 39601; or Community Hospice, 1426 N. West Ave., El Dorado.

Montgomery County News   April 13, 2000   
Rena BEAVERS
Rena V. Beavers of Mount Ida died Sunday, April 9, 2000. She was born in Mount Ida on October 23, 1911, the only daughter of Eunice and Jerry Witt. She married John Beavers on September 5, 1937, and they lived in Mount Ida and Murfreesboro, where Mrs Beavers taught high school English for many years. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and also taught adult Sunday School class. Mr Beavers preceded his wife in death by nine years.  Mrs Beavers is survived by one niece and her family, Virgina Ann, Larry and Wesley Green of Grerr, S.C. Leigh Green of Milwaukee, OR; and one nephew and his family Jim and Helen Manville of Atlanta, GA. ...., Services will be held at the Mount Ida United Methodist Church at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 12, followed by burial at the Mount Ida cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Allan, Bill Black, Scott Brakefield, Wesley Green, Bob Lybrand, Scott Manville, and L.J. Warneke. Memorials may be made to the Mount Ida United Methodists Church, Hospice Home Care of Little Rock, AR or the charity of your choice.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 30 May 2007
MOUNT IDA - Claude M. Berry, age 79, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away Monday, May 28, 2007, in Hot Springs. He was born August 6, 1927, in Oden, Arkansas, to William L. Berry and Violet Spoon Berry. He was a Navy veteran of WWII, he was principal at Gillett, Mansfield and Marianna. He served as superintendent at Heber Springs and Oden. He was a member of Faith Tabernacle Church. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marylan Berry of Mount Ida; two sons, Bill Berry and wife Pam of Carlisle, Arkansas, and Bob Berry and wife Glenda of Maumelle, Arkansas; four grandchildren and their spouses, Erin (Bryan) Bolton, Traci (Jeremy) Holloway, Brett (Kristy) Berry, April (Murray) McMillian; one step-grandson, Miles McPherson; and eight greatgrandchildren. Visitation will be 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, Faith Tabernacle Church. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday May 31 at Faith Tabernacle Church, Mount Ida, with Bro. Paul Burke officiating. Burial will be Oden Cemetery, Oden, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Church. Arrangements are by Thornton Funeral Home, Mount Ida, Arkansas.

Montgomery County News   Aug. 5, 1993   
Irene BLACK
Irene Black, 90, of Pencil Bluff died August 2, 1993 in a local hospital.   Survivors include six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces , nephews and friends.  Services will be held Friday, August 6 at 10;00 am at the Gaston Community Church with the Rev. Willis Summitt officiating.  Burial will be at he Gaston Cemetery under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be grandsons.  Friends may call at the home of Ronnie Black in Pencil Bluff.

Montgomery County News   Oct. 15, 1990
Manuel "Tot" BLACK
 Manuel "Tot" Black, age 85, of Black Springs died Thursday September 29, at Glenwood.  He was married on October 1, 1927.  He was a Baptist and a mule skinner in the timber industry for most of his life.  Survivors include one son, James Black of Norman; two daughters, Pauline Groves of Fresno, California and Janie Brogden of Lake Hamilton; one sister, Erma Gaston of Pencil Bluff; ten grandchildren; 12 ggrand children and one gggchild.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Emma Spralding Black and two children, Jr. Lee Black and Nina Jean Brown.   Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 30 at the Gaston Community Church with J.W. Love and Dewayne Turpin officiating.  Burial was in the Gaston Cemetery under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.  Pallbearers were nephews. Honorary pallbearers were Autry LaGasse, Lloyd Vines, Emery Pullen, Dr Stroff, Nurses on Med2 at AMI and the nursing staff at Glenwood Nursing Home.

Willa Dean BLACK - October 6, 1930 - February 4, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Willa Dean Black (Tulsa, Oklahoma), born in Oden, Arkansas, who passed away on February 4, 2021, at the age of 90, leaving to mourn family and friends. She was predeceased by : her parents, Martin Singleton and Hanna Singleton (Fryer); her husband Thurman R. Black; and her siblings, Arlie Singleton of Oden, Arkansas., Charlie Singleton of Oden, Arkansas and Gene Singleton of Oden, Arkansas. She is survived by her three daughters. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Montgomery County News   Mar. 29, 1990
 Burma BLAKENEY
 Burma Blakeney, 93, of Pampa, Texas, died Saturday, March 24, 1990 in Pampa.  She was born February 6, 1897 at Athens.She was a lifetime homemaker and resident of Pampa.  Survivors include two granddaughters, Jean Terry of McLean, Texas and Pat Davis of Borger, Texas: One grandson, Donnie Davis of Norman; three brothers Edward, Allan and Ray Graves... Burial was in Black Springs Cemetery, Tuesday, March 27, at 2 p.m. under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.

Montgomery County News
Laura Ada BLAYLOCK
Laura Ada Blaylock, 65, died Sunday, October 31, in a Montgomery County Nursing Home. She was a native and life resident of Arkansas, a housewife and a Protestant. Survivors include two sons, Roger Humphreys of Hot Springs, and Arlin Blaylock of Aly; three daughter, Joyce Turner of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Linda Whie of Story, and Claretta Vines of Mount Ida; a brother, Dick Standerfer of Story; four sister, Grace Carter of Mount Ida, Ann Ratliff of Aly, Ruby Blair of Washita, and Lois Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; fifteen grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Funeral services were Wednesday at 1:00 p.m in the Reed Church, Story. The Rev. Jedi Anderson officiated. Active Pallbearers were Larry Turner, Paul Turner, Ricky Turner, Ronnie Turner, Robert House and Bill House. Honorary Pallbearers were Dr. J.H. Davis and the staff of the Montgomery County Nursing Home. Burial was in the Reed Cemetery under the direction of Thornton Funeral Services of Mount Ida.

Montgomery County News 1990
Ruby BLAIR
Ruby Blair, 76, of Story died Friday, April 13, 1990 in a Hot Springs nursing home. She was born August 29, 1913 in Nathan, the daughter of L.C. Standifer and Lina McDaniel Standifer. She had been a resident of Montgomery County most of her life. She was a homemaker and a member of Refuge Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, Donnie Blair of Washita and Jim Blair of Story; two sister, Lois Smith of Mount Pleasant, Texas and Ann Ratliff of Mount Ida; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Graveside services were held at 3:30 pm Saturday, April 14, in Reed Cemetery with Rev. Ronny Noles officiating. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Refuge Baptist Church In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Muddy Creek Renovation Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home Of Mount Ida.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette  Little Rock
Lee BOEHLER
MENA  -- Lee Boehler, 77, of Mena passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2000, in Mena. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 6, 2000, at 2 p.m. at the Hillcrest Baptist Church with Brother Steve Ware and Brother Floyd Folsom officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Montgomery County News     March 29 2001 
Atrice FORBES BEARD
Atrice Forbes Beard, 80, died March 14, 2001, in Sacramento, CA. She was born October 15, 1920, in Hog Jaw Community near Oden, AR, to the late William P. Forbes and Melvina Fryar Goss Forbes. Atrice was the youngest of twenty-one siblings, counting half sisters and half brothers. Eight of them died young. Those reaching adulthood but predeceasing Atrice were:
Era Forbes Black
Iva Forbes Singleton
Zema Forbes Harvey
Minnie Forbes Willhite Benham
Dewey Goss
Katherine Goss Risenhoover
Festal Goss
Myrtle Forbes Mullenix
Walter Forbes
Guilford Forbes
Woodrow Forbes
The sole surviving sibling is her sister, Audie Forbes Smith of Oden. 
Atrice is survived by" one son, Gerald Chambers, two daughters Virginia Ann..., betty...,ten grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held in Sacramento on March 19. The funeral service was held in Oden Methodist Church on March 22, 2001 with Rev. Fred Hunter officiating. Burial was in the Oden Cemetery.

30 May 2007 The ADG
MOUNT IDA - Claude M. Berry, age 79, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away Monday, May 28, 2007, in Hot Springs. He was born August 6, 1927, in Oden, Arkansas, to William L. Berry and Violet Spoon Berry. He was a Navy veteran of WWII, he was principal at Gillett, Mansfield and Marianna. He served as superintendent at Heber Springs and Oden. He was a member of Faith Tabernacle Church.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marylan Berry of Mount Ida; two sons, Bill Berry and wife Pam of Carlisle, Arkansas, and Bob Berry and wife Glenda of Maumelle, Arkansas; four grandchildren and their spouses, Erin (Bryan) Bolton, Traci (Jeremy) Holloway, Brett (Kristy) Berry, April (Murray) McMillian; one step-grandson, Miles McPherson; and eight greatgrandchildren. Visitation will be 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, Faith Tabernacle Church. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday May 31 at Faith Tabernacle Church, Mount Ida, with Bro. Paul Burke officiating. Burial will be Oden Cemetery, Oden, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Church. Arrangements are by Thornton Funeral Home, Mount Ida, Arkansas.

Benjamin Henry BOWERS
Benjamin Henry Bowers was born May 1st, 1870, in McMurray County, Tennessee and passed away at his home near Cheyenne on Sunday morning, September 25, 1938, at the age of 68 years, 4 months and 28 days. In the year of 1895 he was united in marriage with Nancy L. Anderson at Caddo Gap, Arkansas. To this union were born three children; two sons, Freeman and Willie, both of whom died in infancy and one daughter, Mrs. Ray Hodges of Los Angeles, California. On July 27, 1902, Nancy Bowers died, and on December 24, 1905, he was married to Josie Anderson of Montgomery County, Arkansas. To this union there were born two daughters, Alma and Tommy. Alma preceded him in death on October 18, 1927 at the age of 21 years. Mr. Bowers was united with the Methodist church at the age of 19 and remained a member of this church until his passing. He leaves to mourn his loss his widow, Mrs. Josie Bowers, of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; two daughters, Mrs. Ray Hodges of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Frank Vincent of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; one grandson, G.H. Hodges of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sons-in-law, Ray Hodges of Los Angeles, Calif., and Frank Vincent of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; two brothers, Tom, of Sayre, Oklahoma and Walter of Paris, Texas; a step-mother, three half-brothers, Earl Bowers of Lamesa, Texas, Frank Bowers of Cheyenne, Oklahoma and Ralph Bowers of Bassfield, Miss.; a step brother, Monroe Goforth of Lamesaa, Texas and a host of other relative and friends. Interment in the Cheyenne Cemetery, Cheyenne, Roger Mills County, Oklahoma.

Montgomery County News   Mar. 19, 1999   
Lonnie BRESHEARS
Former Montgomery County native Lonnie Breshears, 74, of Hot Springs, AR, died March 12, 1999, at his home.  Born July 18, 1924, in Fannie to James Monroe and Myrtle Lucinda Breshears , he was a U.S. Army Veteran and a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.  Survivors include; his wife Hazel Breshears of Hot Springs; a daughter, Anita Smith of Malvern; two brothers Dayton of Royal and Jack Adamson of Little Rock; three sisters, Delcie Standerfer of Royal, Lura Hopper of Hot Springs and Ruth Mendes of Vasliala, CA; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services were March 15, 1999, at 1.00p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral chapel with Elders Bruce Gilmore and Johnny Deary officiating.  Pallbearers were3 Larry Breshears, Henry Marlin, Bill Clements, Coy Nash, Corbet Deary and Benji Bennett.  Burial was in Reed Cemetery in Story.

Montgomery County News   Aug. 19, 1993   
Charles W. BREWER  
Charles W. Brewer, 73, of Mount Ida, died Sunday, August 15, 1993 at his residence.  he was a veteran, a member of the First Untied Methodist Church, past commander of American Legion and past treasurer of V.F.W.  He is survived by his wife, Virginia Brewer of Mount Ida; two sons, Ronald G. Brewer of Fayetteville and William K. Brewer of Cain Hill; two daughters, Charlene Lindersmith of Little Rock and Cynthia Watts of Los Angles, CA; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children.  Funeral was Tuesday, August 17, at 2 p.m. at the First Untied Methodist Church of Mount Ida with Reverends Bill Leslie and Kirt Bogan officiating.  Burial was on Wednesday, August 18, at 1 p.m. at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.  Pallbearers were Michael Brewer, Zachery Brewer, brain Lindersmith, Christopher Lindersmith, Marty Henry and Joe Lunsford.  Honorary pallbearer was M.N. Gray.  Arrangements were by the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.

Montgomery County News  March 1993
Mary  E. BROWN
MOUNT IDA - Mary Ellen Brown, 95, of Mount Ida died Wednesday, March 24, 1993, in a Montgomery County nursing home. She was a member of the Mount Ida Presbyterian Church. Survivors include one daughter, Hazel Vines of Mount Ida; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Services will be at 4 p.m. today in the Mount Ida Presbyterian Church with Gene Edwards officiating. Pallbearers are Thomas Boyd, James Stanley, Danny Bates and Howard Hubry. Burial will be in Owley Cemetery under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida. The family will be at the home of Hazel Vines in Mount Ida.  Submitted by Bettie Dowler. Mary Ellen Brown was the daughter of William Houston Keown and Mary Jane Gortemiller.  She was the wife of Dan Newton Brown who died July 8, 1959.

Montgomery County News  March 9, 2000
 Viola BURNESON
Former Mount Ida native Viola Burneson, 101, of Hot Springs, AR, died Tuesday February 29, 2000, in a Hot Springs hospital. Born June 30, 1898, in Mount Ida, she was a member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church and AARP. She was predeceased by two husbands, John Freeman and John Burneson and her parents William and Laura Simpson Alley. Survivors include one brother-in-law.., one sister-in-law..., ... Services were March 3 at 2:00pm at Gross Funeral Home chapel. Pallbearers were Mike Smith, Mark Smith, Sam Tyson, and Scott Carter. Burial was in the Whittington Cemetery in Mount Ida.

Montgomery County News  July 16, 1998
Lula BRYANT
 Lula Bryant, 80, of Glenwood, died Sunday, July 12, 1998 in a Hot Springs hospital. She was born on April 20, 1918 at Mount Ida, the daughter of Walter Powell and Mattie McKinney Powell.  On July 20, 1934, she was married to Curtis A. Bryant who preceded her in death on February 11, 1993.  She was also preceded in death by her brother Clyde Powell, and her sister Minnie Warren.  She was a former employee of the Mount Ida Glove Factory and a member of the Glenwood First Baptist Church. She was a member of the TEL Sunday School Class.  She is survived by one son, Arvil Bryant of Sulphur Springs, TX; three daughters, ....., eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Robert Powell of .....; and two sisters Iva Smith of Pine Ridge and Josephine....,. Services were held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 15, 1998 in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glen Harris officiating.  Interment was in the Joplin Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.  Pallbearers were the grandsons.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 19 December 2006
PINE RIDGE - Virgile Eugene Butler, age 41, of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, passed away Friday, December 15, 2006 in Pine Ridge. Services are Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Hilltop Church at Cove with interment at Smithville Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Oklahoman  July 8 1955
Mrs John CAMPBELL
Hugo - Services for Mrs John CAMPBELL, 61, of Speer, will be at 10:30 am Friday in the Campbell Funeral Chapel in Hugo. She was born Jan 1, 1894 near Mount Ida, Ark, and had lived at Speer more than 20 years.  Surviving are these sons and daughters, Charlie CAMPBELL, and Mrs Jack MURRAY, Speer; Mrs Earl SIMMONS, Wayne, and Mickey CAMPBELL and Mrs James RICE, all of of Chicago; Mrs Dwight TILLMAN, Wilmington, Calif, and J B CAMPBELL, Middleport, Ohio, and 21 grandchildren.

Montgomery County News Sept. 17, 1959
Mrs. Minnie Campbell
Mrs. Minnie Campbell, aged 85, long time resident of Joplin Community, passed away Friday, September 11, 1959, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Maggie MURPHY of near Mount Ida. She was born in 1874, in Jackson County, Alabama. She, along with her husband, the late Newt Campbell and children moved from Alabama to Arkansas about 52 years ago. Aunt Minnie lived in Joplin Community about 25 years and was a faithful worker in the Pentecostal Church of that community of which she was a member. Besides Mrs. Murphy, she is survived by three other daughters, Mrs. Pearl Poole of Joplin, Mrs. Jennie Powell of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mrs. Hattie Blackburn of Alton, Mo; three sons, Hubert Campbell of Brawley, California, Bryan Campbell of Joplin, and Hugh Campbell of Oklahoma City; a brother, Curt Watson of Huntsville, Ala. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Joplin Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Fred Medford of Mena, officiating. Burial was in Joplin Cemetery. Pallbearers were Irvin Garrett, Dennis Garrett, Gibson Garrett, Homer Bates, M.J. Bates and Johnny Yeaman. Gross Mortuary of Hot Springs was in charge of arrangements.

The Sentinel Record Nov. 22 2020
Willard S. CAMPBELL
Willard S. (Jay) Campbell, 82, of Hot Springs, passed away on Nov. 13, 2020, leaving behind a host of friends and loved ones. Jay was born May 12, 1938, to Mr. and Mrs. Otis Campbell, of Oden, Ark. Jay loved baseball and was manager of the Oden High School baseball team the year they won the state championship. A 1959 graduate of Arkansas State Teachers College (Conway), which at the time was considered one of the top three colleges in the nation in the field of engineering and science. Campbell went on to become an instructor in English at the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy at Rollo, Mo. Campbell has served the Pullman Heights United Methodist Church of Hot Springs as pianist for many years, where he also hosted Gospel Sings several times per year. Jay is known to many as the past owner of Jay's Uniques (antiques and collectibles), a used book store, and cashiering for both auctions and estate sales. Due to Covid-19, no services are planned. Memorials honoring Jay may be made to Pullman Heights United Methodist Church or the Garland County Historical Society. Online condolences at https://www.caruth-hale.com.

Montgomery County News  April 23, 1998
 Phillip "Donald" CHAMBERS
Phillip "Donald" Chambers, 57, of Mount Ida died April 13, 1998 in Sims.   He was born November 11, 1940, in Sims, the son of the late Lonnie Albert Chambers and Ella Clementine Plyer Chambers.  He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Chambers and one sister Freda Qualls.  Survivors include his wife, Edith Chambers; one son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Linda Chambers; one daughter and son-in-law, Mira and Fuzz Robbins; his mother, Ella Shepard; two brothers, J.D. Chambers of Sims and Ronnie Chambers of Mount Ida; Kimberley and Charles Chambers. Pallbearers were Van "Trip" Lyle, Winston Smith, Larry Stone, Bruce Ball, Lloyd Tubbs, Mike Moudy. Graveside services were held at Rocky Cemetery on Wednesday, April 15, 1998 with brother Tommy Jones officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 15 October 2008
BENTON - Grace Burnett Chitwood, age 92, of Benton died Sunday, October 12, 2008 in Benton. She was born July 14, 1916 in Montgomery County Arkansas, the daughter of the late T.M. and Josephine Logan Burnett. She was a member of Curtis First Baptist Church. Her husband, J.O. "Sport" Chitwood, a daughter, Linda Hale, several brothers and sisters and one great-grandson preceded her in death. Survivors are one son, ...two daughters, ...and six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Harts Chapel Cemetery near Curtis with Bro. Melvin Burris officiating. Arrangements are by Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.

Arizona Republic June 14, 1935
Anne Elizabeth COOK (nee Phillips), 88, b 10/09/1916, Toronto, Ont, Canada; d 06/11/2005, Glenwood, AR. She was the daughter of William and Matilda Hutchinson Phillips. Married Rev Stanley Reuben Cook 06/21/1940. Survived by an adopted daughter Susan Ruth Cook Lantz and her husband John L. Lantz, Sr. of Caddo Gap, AR.; 8 grand children; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Gertrude Richards of Guelph, Ont, Canada. Services were held in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Caddo Gap.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 11 December 2008
David Harold Clark, age 65, of Fayetteville, formerly of Mena, passed away Monday, December 8, 2008 in Fayetteville. Graveside services will be held Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 10 a.m. at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

CLARK B. COFFMAN
Died of Wounds: Prvt. Clark B. Coffman, Caddo Gap, Ark. [Bisbee Daily Review. (Bisbee, Ariz.), 18 Aug. 1918]

Montgomery County News  July 29, 1993   
Clarice COFFMAN
Clarice Coffman, 78, of Newhope, died Friday, July 23 in a Nashville nursing home.  She was born May 17, 1915 at Newhope, the daughter of William Hester Tedder and Maude Elsie Ransom Tedder.  She was married on February 28, 1931 to Doyce Coffman.  She was a member of the Daisy Freewill Baptist Church.  Survivors include her husband, Doyce Coffman of Newhope; one son, Gary Coffman of Kirby; two daughters, Betty Short of Daisy and Martha Bouchillon of New hope; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  Services will be held in the Mount Joy Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.   Pallbearers will be Roger Flemens, Astor Crow, Eugene Tedder, Cois Davis, Pete Austin and Leroy Bogan.

Montgomery County News  Sep 9. 1993   
Earl COGBURN
Earl Cogburn, 76, of Hopper, died Friday, September 3, 1993 at his home.   He was born October 23, 1916 at Hopper, the son of Henry Pat Cogburn and Cora Mae Garrett Cogburn.  He was married on September 30, 1939 to Rosalee Reynolds. He was a retired miner, a member of the Buffalo Gap Masonic Lodge #484 and a member of the Glenwood First Baptist Church.  He is survived by his wife, Rosalee Cogburn of Hopper; his son Curtis Cogburn of Hopper; his daughter Earlene Looper of Hot Springs; three brothers, Lloyd Cogburn of Glenwood, Clifton Cogburn and R.B. Cogburn, both of Caddo Gap; three sisters, Ellen Hensley and Edna Hardin, both of Glenwood and Laverne Terry of Mount Ida; eight grandchildren and  eight great grandchildren.  Services were held at 2.pm., Sunday, September 5 in the First Baptist Church in Glenwood with Rev. Jody Gannaway and Rev. Gene Graves officiating.  Burial was in Fancy Hill Cemetery with Masonic services conducted by the Buffalo Gap Masonic Lodge #484.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood. 

Montgomery County News  Nov 22 2001 
Della Rhea COLLINS
 Della Rhea Collins, 62, of Mt. Ida, died Wednesday. November 14, 2001. She was born on June 19, 1939 at Kirby, the daughter of Dennis Foshee and Winnie Ray.  She is survived by her husband Billy Ray Collins of Mount Ida.; three sons, ... two daughters, ...; eleven grandchildren; two sisters;....  Services were held Sunday, November 18, 2 p.m, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Gerald Ward officiating. Interment was in the Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood. Pallbearers were Shane Hoover, Milton Neal, Rufus SeKavee, Mike Foshee, Thomas harries, Roy Drye and Ed Drye.

The Waldron News October 28, 1998, page 2
 Amon Carl COSSEY
 Amon Carl Cossey, 76, of Oden, died in his home in Oden, Arkansas, Oct. 19, 1998. He was born on May 8, 1922 in Heavener, Oklahoma to the late John Cossey and Clara Lovett Cossey. Survivors include his wife, Edna Lenard Cossey of Oden; three sons, Kenneth Cossey of Mena, Gary Cossey of Waldron, Carl Cossey of Springfield, Missouri; three sisters, Gladys Tompkins of Boles, Fern Ammons and Melba Henry of Waldron. Other members of his family include Gene and Sue Spurling of Pine Ridge, Paul and Mary Spurling of Oden, Junior and Peggy Spurling of Oden, Joel and Mary Lou Spurling of Oden, Billy and Mary Ann Damazio of Oden, a host of grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene and daughter Kathy, also two brothers, Floyd and Gene Cossey. Services were at 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Methodist Church in Oden, with the Rev. Dale Green officiating. Burial was in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mt. Ida. 

Montgomery County News  Feb. 11, 1999   
Raymond COUNTS
Raymond Counts, 87, of Sapula, OK died Sunday Jan. 31, 1999.  Raymond was born March 17, 1911 in Hugo, OK.  He lived in Mulberry and Ozark, AR until 1915 when he moved to Warner, OK with his mother Lina Emery and stepfather, George Counts.   Raymond Counts is the grandson of Isaac and Mary Adaline Emery, former residents of Story.  Graveside services were held at 2.p.m on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1999 at Reed Cemetery, with interment to immediately following the service.

Montgomery County News   Sept 2, 1993   
Kenneth E. COWART
Kenneth E. Cowart, 61, of Glenwood, died Thursday, August 26, 1993 in Pike County Memorial Hospital.  He was born May 14, 1932 at Kirby, the son of Roy and Ada Brewer Cowart.   He was married on May 14, 1955 to Jane Wilhite.  He was an area supervisor for the Arkansas Highway Department and a former Glenwood City councilman.  He is survived by his wife, his son, Terry Cowart of Memphis, ...., one brother Edwin and one sister, Jean Duren both of Kirby.  He is preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy, on December 16, 1974,  Graveside services were at 10:00 Saturday August 28 in the Bear Creek Cemetery at Kirby with Elder Bobby Golden officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.  Pallbearers were District #3 employees of the Arkansas Highway Department.

Montgomery County News  May 8 1975
James Allen COX
James Allen Cox, 17 months died April 29 in Clark County memorial Hospital. Survivors include his parents: Mr and Mrs James Alvin Cox of Mount Ida, his maternal grandparents Mr and Mrs A.B. Hill of Amity; paternal grandparents Mr and Mrs A,B. Cox of Arkadelphia; maternal great grandmother Mrs Addie Hill of Amity; and paternal great grandparents Mr and Mrs R. E. Davis of Okolona.

Ollie V. CREWS   Nov. 1998  Appeared in either Montg. Co. News or Glenwood Herald. 
Ollie V. Crews, age 84, of Glenwood, died Monday, November 16, 1998. She was born on December 20, 1913, the daughter of David Featherston and Eva Stafford Featherston.   On October 5, 1935, she was married to Sterling Crews who preceded her in death on July 5, 1994.  She was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and retired from the Glenwood Nursing Home.  She is survived by one son, two daughters, one sister, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  She was also preceded in death by two sisters.  Services were held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 1998 in the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Glenwood with Elder Jackie Herring and Elder Wayne Cooper officiating.  Interment was in the Bethel Cemetery.

Rocky Mountain News 29 September 2006
CURNOW, VIRGINIA 78, passed away September 27, 2006 at the Hospice of St John in Lakewood CO. Preceded in death by husband George Curnow, a Denver policeman for 27 years, brother Harold, and grandson Steven Curnow, a victim at Columbine High School. Sister Janice lives in Colorado. Virginia was born and raised in Mt. Ida Arkansas, moved to Denver as a young woman and married. Her children, Robert, William, and Kenneth still reside in the Denver area. Daughters-in-law, Susie and Kathy, and grandchildren, Nancy Pfeffer (husband Zach), David Curnow, Ryan Curnow, and Jill Curnow (husband Ron Green) and their children, Paris and Vann, were the center of Virginia's life. She had close ties with friends in Arkansas and many cousins around the country. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st from 1-5pm. Funeral service will be Monday, October 2nd at 9:00am, both at Crown Hill Mortuary in Wheat Ridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions to: The Hospice of St. John, 1320 Everett Ct. Lakewood CO 80215 or www.hospice-st-john.org

Obituary of Moses CURTIS printed April 14 1906 in an Arkansas newspaper "The Signal". Surnames: CURTIS, CLEMENS, GRUB 

    The subject of our sketch, Moses Curtis, was born December 26, 1826, in Burk County, N.C.; lived there until grown, then moved to Georgia. Married Sallie Clemens; was blessed with four children; lost his wife then moved to Menin County, Tenn., then married Elizabeth Grub, who preceded him to a higher life some two years ago. He came to Arkansas many years ago, lived back in the Muddy Mountains, three miles from the settlement in  close communion with God.
    Father Curtis was a member of the Methodist Church for over fifty years of his life and died in a full triumph of a living faith.
    Died February 14, 1908, he leaves three children and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his death, but our loss is heaven's gain.
    We no longer look into his aged face or hear his voice, but he still lives in the hearts of our people.
    Funeral services were held the 5th at Liberty, conducted by Elder Southard  Rev. G.L. Gray; the text was St. John 2, chapter 11, 25th verse.

       His heart was like a garden,
         Old-fashioned, quaint and sweet.
       A wealth of buds and blossoms,
         Hid in a still retreat.

       Sweet violets of sympathy
         Were always opening there,
       And lilies white and pure, enclosed,
         Each one, a whispered prayer.

       And from it still floats back to me,
         Overcoming sin and strife,
       Sweet as the breath of rose bloom,
         The fragrance of his life.

       April 11, 1908

       N. Story

Robert DRAIN
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, ARKANSAS: Robert E. Lee Drain died April 12, 1965. He was born March 24, 1877. Burial was at West Washita Cemetery under the direction of Kelly Funeral Home.

Montgomery County News  April 13, 2000
 Doyle DAVIS
 Doyle Davis, 79, of Mount Ida, died Friday, April 7,2000. He was born on April 19, 1920 at Caddo Gap, the son of William McKinley Davis and Cordie Kersey Davis. On November 16. 1940 he was married to Lorene Thomas. He was preceded in death by his son, Bob Davis, and his daughter Cloraine Davis. He retired as manager of the Montgomery County Livestock Auction in Mount Ida and was an Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife Lorene Davis of Mount Ida: his son ....: his daughter Saundra ...: four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Dayton Davis of....; and two sisters, Lois....; and Bonnie... Services were held Sunday, April 9, 200 in the Hopper Church of Christ with Harold Vaught officiating. Interment was in the Hopper Cemetery under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood. Pallbearers were Kenny Thomas, Dennis Mitchell, Ricky Mitchell, Lynn Epperson and Bruce Price.

Montgomery County News  July 2, 1992
 Ethel Madean DAVIS
Ethel Madean Davis, age 66, of Caddo Gap, died Friday, June 26 in the Pike County Hospital.  She was born on April 26, at Norman, the daughter of Leonard M. Cogburn, Sr. and Willie Belle Dilbeck Cogburn.  She was married on July 21, 1944 to Edmund Davis.  She was a lifetime resident of Montgomery County and a retired factory worker. She was a member of the Community Bible Baptist Church.  Survivors include her husband, Edmund Davis of Caddo Gap; one son, .... of Mufreesboro; four daughters, ..... of Hot Springs, .... of Caddo Gap, of Glenwood, and of Glenwood; one brother, Leonard M. Cogburn, Jr. of Caddo Gap; two sisters Willie Mae Stepp of Norman and Faye Hamner of Caddo Gap; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her son Edmund M. Davis. Services were held 2 p.m. , Monday, June 29 in the Community Bible Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Ballentine officiating.   Burial was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Big Fork under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.  Pallbearers were Andy Harmon, Lynn Bates, David Long, Mike Wedd, Gary Bray, and Thomas Walker.

Montgomery County News   Aug. 5, 1993   
John Clarence DIGGS
John Clarence Diggs, 78, of Glenwood, died Tuesday, 3 August 1993 in the Glenwood Nursing Home.  He was born on September 14, 1914 in the Montgomery County, the son of Emmitt Diggs and Mattie Garrett Diggs.  He was retired from Bird & Son and was a member of the Mount Zoin Free Holiness Church.  He is survived by a son, Charles Diggs of Glenwood; his daughter Judy Diggs of Hot Springs; his brother Fred Diggs of Glenwood; and three grandchildren, Michelle, Eric and Heather.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Diggs, on January 1, 1961.  Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday August 5, in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Oklahoman 22 Jan. 1989 page 8
DODD, Arlie M, age 82, of Oke, departed this life on Jan. 20, 1989 and had gone home to be with our Lord. She was born in Caddo Gap, Arkansas on Dec. 17, 1906. She is preceded in death by her husband Guy and 2 sons, Doyle and Richard. survived by sons, William P., Guy J., Grady L., Johnny R., and Harold E., daughters, Martha McKerkey, Anna Mount, Geneva Rodgers and Inez Dodd. She is further survived & will be remembered by 37 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Service was Monday at the Maryridge Baptist Church and interred at Fanshawe, OK. Vondel L. Smith & Son mortuary, 6934 S. Western.

ARKADELPHIA - Berniece Dyess, age 78 of Arkadelphia, died Monday, May 19, 2008 in Little Rock. She was born November 20, 1929 in Mount Ida, Ark., the daughter of Earl and Callie Warren Ware. Mrs. Dyess was a salesperson at J.C. Penney's and Hallmark Crown Shop in Arkadelphia and a member of the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Dyess; one brother, Murrell Ware and one sister, Alene Martin. Survivors include two sons, Brad Dyess and wife Debbie of Donaldson, Ark.; Gregg Dyess of Batesville, Ark.; five sisters, Thelma Shepherd of Arkadelphia; Hazel Hixon of Donaldson; Earlene Roles of Hot Springs; Linda Martin of Zachary, La.; Ginger Davis of Friendship, Ark.; one granddaughter, Angela Staley and one great-granddaughter Madison Staley. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2008 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Charlie Williams officiating. Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Memorials to Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. Sign online guest book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

Bonham News Fannin Co., Texas  Oct. 15, 1899  
HODGES, Harriet B.
Sister Harriet B. (Dyer) Hodges was born in Mongomery Co., Arkansas, September 23, 1852; came to Texas in March, 1857. Married George Hodges, January 6, 1869. Professed faith in christ in July, 1868, and was baptised by Rev. E. W. Holman. She united with the Little Jordan Missionary Baptist church. She lived in that church until it disbanded and then she went into the organization of the Ector Baptist church. She lived a faithful member of this church until her death. She died Sept. 26, 1899.

Sister Hodges was loved by all who knew her. She always had a smile on her face. We miss her so much from our church and community, but her influence will live on.

Write blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth yea sayeth the Spirit that they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. She leaves a husband and 12 children and a number of relatives to mourn her departure but we sorrow not as others who have no hope. 
Spelling that of the author J. W. Weathers 

Montgomery County News   Feb 11, 1988   
Orville Kirby DUKE
 Orville Kirby Duke, 68, of Mena, died Saturday morning at his home. He was born September 25, 1919 at Black Springs, the son of the late William Z. Duke and the late Izora Herring Duke.  He was untied in marriage to Miss Lita Standridge on October 10, 1941 at Mount Ida.  He had lived in the Mena area most of his life.  He was a retired mechanic, and a member of Dallas Lodge No. 128, the American Legion, the VFW, Alcoholics Anonymous, a veteran of World WarII and a member of the Korean Conflict, and a member of the Mena First Baptist Church.  Survivors include his wife, Lita S. Duke of Mena; one daughter, Mrs Lynda Mead of Dallas, Texas; three brothers; Burl Duke of Mount Ida, Arley Duke of Malvern and Hilmon Duke of Glenwood; three sisters; Mrs Lena Swindle of Black Springs, Mrs Pauline West of Malvern and Mrs Lottie Tucker of Arkadelphia, one grandson, Duke Jones of Minden, and two granddaughters; Shelia Jones and Misti Malone, both of Dallas, Texas.  Funeral service was held Monday afternoon in the Mena First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Bowen and Rev. Dillard S. Miller officiating.   Interment was in Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.  Pallbearers were: Ron Duke, Darrel Duke, Steve Standridge, Fred Standridge, Harold Standridge, and Carl Standridge.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 19 July 2007
HOT SPRINGS - Judy Duncan, 55, of Hot Springs died July 17, 2007. Thursday, July 19 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 20 at Whittington Cemetery, Mt. Ida, Arkansas. Guest register is at http://www.caruth-hale.com/

Lola EVANS     Dec. 17,  2000
Glenwood - Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 in Davis-Smith Funeral Home for Lola Evans, 93, of Murfreesboro, Bro. Keith Rowton officiated. Burial was in the Macedonia Cemetery near Sims under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home. Mrs Evans was born march 3, 1907, in Glenwood, daughter of Hamilton Wasson Whisenhunt and Dora Yandell Whisenhunt. She died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000. She was a member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs Evans was preceded in death by: her husband, Ed Evans, on May 16, 1972;, a son Lloyd Evans; and a grandson. Dwayne Evans. Survivors include: three sons, ...., three daughters, ...., 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and a sister Grace.... Submitted by Lois Evans April 2001

Montgomery County News 8 Feb 2001
Mamie Ester FAIR
 Mamie Ester Fair, 99, of Hot Springs passed away Thursday, February 1, 2001, in Hot Springs. She was born September 5, 1901, in Oden, to the late Jeff Leonard and the late Miaram Jackson Leonard, She was united in marriage to Oscar Fair. Mrs Fair was a loving homemaker, wife, sister, aunt and friend. Survivors include one sister, Millie Rankin of Dumas; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brothers D.L. Leonard and Clare B. Leonard. Graveside services were Saturday, February 3 at Oden Cemetery with Bro. Silas Breshears officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena.

Montgomery County News Thursday December 17, 1998
Helen Loretta FEATHERSTON
Former Mount Ida resident, Helen Featherston, died November 2, 1998 in Live Oak, California. She was born January 12, 1921 in Mount Ida, the oldest child of Andrew
Sullivan and Celia Ann (Stanley) Hulsey. Helen was preced in death by her husband, Clio Featherston, in 1989.
    Helen and Clio graduated from Mount Ida High School in June 1838 and married the same month. Helen was only 17 years old at the time. During 1939 and 1940 Helen and Clio followed the migration to California, working in the fields and orchards, [The dark days of the great Depression --"The Grapes of Wrath".] Finally, Helen and Clio settled in Live Oaks, California in 1952 from Arkansas.
    Helen is survived by one son, two daughters, three brothers, one sister, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Helen and Clio were related to numerous of the old pioneer families in western Arkansas, including the Shorts, Standridges, Stanleys, Bakers, Ollers, Bates, Whisenhunts, Selfs and Hulseys.

Hattie W. Ketchum FORGA
MT. IDA, ARKANSAS: Hattie Willene Ketchum Forga, 89, passed away on September 3, 2005. She was born May 24, 1916 to Granville and Effie Grant Ketchum. She was a homemaker, and was a charter member of Lake Ouachita Baptist Church in Mount Ida. Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Allen of Mount Ida, and Sue Rowe of Mena; three grandchildren and spouses, four great-grandchildren,; two sisters, Vera Ray of Florida, and Lucille Brantley of Brownsville, CA; a brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and Madelyn Ketchum of Cloverdale, CA; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Sherman Forga, and her parents. Services were held at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church in Mount Ida. Burial was at Mount Tabor Cemetery with arrangements by Davis-Smith Funeral Home.

Montgomery County News Oct. 1967
 Melvina L. FORBES
 Mrs Melvina L. Forbes, well known Oden resident, passed away October 10th 1967 in St Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs.  She was a native of Oden, born November 1877, the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs W.G. Fryar.  She was untied in marriage to W. P. Forbes who preceded her in death in 1937, on September 3, 1905.  Mrs Forbes is survived by her five sons Festal Goss of Oden, Walter Forbes of Borger, Texas, Guilford Forbes of Mena, and Woodrow Forbes of Mt. Ida, six daughters, Mrs Era Black of Mt. Ida, Mrs Katherine Risenhoover of Live Oak, California, Mrs Minnie Benham of Lamar, Mrs Myrtle Mullenix and Mrs Audie Smith, both of Oden and Mrs Atrice Cross of Napa California; one brother Frank Fryar of Oden: two sisters, Mrs Rachel Willhite of Keyes, California and Mrs May Williamson of Hot Springs; 57 grandchildren, 79 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. Funeral Services were conducted Saturday afternoon in the Oden Methodist Church with Elder E. Tillery and Elder M.A. Norman officiating. Burial was in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Otis Mullenix, Don Goss, Elmer Smith, Dee Goss, Carl Smith, James Forbes, Ronnie Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy and Jerry Risenhoover, Elgie and Selwin Forbes. Clinton and Billy Forbes, Gerald Chambers, Harold Black, Ismal Green, Ted, Junior and Ezel Willhite and Porter Singleton.

Minnie BENHAM
 Mrs Minnie Willhite Benham of Carson, Okla. died March 24, 1973.  She was born August 3, 1903 near Mount Ida and was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs W.P. Forbes. Survivors include husband Earl Benham of Carson; four daughters; Geneva Lorenzo, of Denver, Colo., Savannah Motley of North Little Rock, Vermell Alldread of Bixby,  and Winnie Lou Morgan of Muskogee, Okla., five sisters: Mrs Era Black of Mt Ida, Mrs Kathryn Risenhoover, Mrs Myrtle Mullenix and Mrs Audie Smith, all of Oden and Mrs Atrice Cross and three brothers; Guilford Forbes of Mt Ida, and Festal Goss of Oden. Funeral was at 1 pm March 26 at Carson Baptist Church, graveside services and burial were at 3.30 pm at Keota, Oklahoma. Submitted by Olwyn

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 17 November 2007 H. Van FORGA
Mount Ida - H. Van Forga, age 62, of Mount Ida, died after a lengthy illness, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. Van was born on Oct. 13, 1945 at Hot Springs, the son of Cecil T. Forga and Mildred Short Forga. He was married to Brenda G. Godbehere on Jan. 11, 1964. He was preceded in death by his parents. Van owned and operated his Barber Shop in Mount Ida for 30 years and was a Mason in the Mount Ida Lodge #140. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and dearly loved his grandchildren. He raised cattle and enjoyed farming for several years. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Brenda Forga of Mount Ida; one son and daughter-in-law, Shane P. and Sandie Forga of Mount Ida; one daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa D. and Bryan Helmich of Wylie, Texas; five grandchildren, Victoria Helmich, Nicholas Helmich, Elizabeth Helmich, Katie Forga and Luke Forga; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Pricilla and Darrell Smith of Garland, Texas, Debra and Rusty Brutsche of Austin, Texas, and Janet Forga of Dallas, Texas; one uncle, Avon Forga of Rogers; two aunts, Freda Fox of Glenwood and Jeannie Greir of Alabama; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 in the United Methodist Church in Mount Ida with Bro. Ted Deweese officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be, Willie Don Solesby, Bob Sims, Sammy Jones, Buddy Kelley, Richard Ray, Donald Smith, Mike O'Neal, Charlie O'Neal, Darrell Smith, Rusty Brutsche, Matt Brutsche, Rus Brutsche, Jodie Bissell, Evan Mc-Gregor, Tommy Simpson, Ron Smith, David Short, Charlie Jones and Scott Brakefield. Memorial may be made in his name to any charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com

23 May 2007 The ADG
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.

Montgomery County News June 1, 2000
Arlie W. FRYAR
 Arlie W. Fryar, age 86, of Oden, died Monday, December 2, 2002. He was born on August 23, 1916 at Oden, the son of John E. Fryar and Ida Singleton Fryar. On August 1, 1944, he was married to Emily Kiser. He was a retired carpenter and farmer. He had worked with the Green Thumb Project of the U. S. Forest Service and was an avid rock collector. He was a Baptist in faith. He is survived by his wife Emily Fryar of Oden; two daughters, Dorothy Jean ... of Hot Springs and Glenda .... of Littleton, Colorado; three grandchildren, ...; his sister, Vadie Spurling of Oden; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 7, 2002 in the Oden United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Ms. Bernadine Fryar December 7, 1947 - March 8, 2022
Ms. Bernadine Fryar, age 74, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in Oden, Arkansas. She was born December 7, 1947, in Oden, Arkansas to the late Leonard Ray and Ruby Steely Fryar. Ms. Fryar was a homemaker by profession; however, she did work at the Montgomery County Bank and F&F fire supply. She enjoyed knitting, croqueting, gardening, playing the piano, and sewing. She was a life-long member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, doing such jobs as being the treasurer and playing the piano on Sundays. She was also the treasurer of the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Oden, Arkansas. Ms. Fryar is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Ray and Ruby Steely Fryar. She is survived by numerous cousins, and a host of other family and friends. Services for Ms. Fryar will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Mt. Olive Church in Oden, Arkansas. Brother Arlie Francis will officiate, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Oden, Arkansas. Visitation is general.

Montgomery County News, Thursday, April 13, 2000
Charlie Aaron FRYAR
 Charlie Aaron Fryar, 75, of Waldron, AR, died April 7, 2000, in a Fort Smith hospital of natural causes. He was a retired road grader operator, WWII veteran, a Baptist and a C.C.C. worker, a loving farmer and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by a daughter Pam Richardson. Survivors include: his wife Daisy Fryar, a daughter and son in-law Debbie and Robert..., two sons and daughters-in -law  Tom and Debbie..., and Chuck and Tina...; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ethel and Emory...., and Chole and Clyde.....; one sister in-law Hazel Fryar of Mount Ida; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Services were at 2:00 pm on April 11, 2000 at Brushy Baptist Church with burial at Brushy Cemetery in Oden, AR, under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Evelyn Fryar October 7, 1915 - November 24, 2008
Evelyn Christeen Fryar, age 93, of Oden, passed away Monday, November 24, 2008 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born October 7, 1915 in Oden, Arkansas to the late Jeff Ledbetter and the late Diane Garrett Ledbetter. She was united in marriage to the late Elvis Fryar. Mrs. Fryar was a loving housewife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Diane Ledbetter, her husband, Elvis Fryar, her brothers, Clyde, Leo, Burl, Edward and Ezra Ledbetter and her daughters, Evelyn Marie, Wilma Lou, and Velma Jo Fryar. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Oden. Interment will follow in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Fryar's grandsons: Nathan Martin, Tim Robinson, Kevin Williams, Keith Williams, Ryan Robinson, and Kyle Williams.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Lee Fryar  February 13, 1922 - November 28, 2009
Lee Oria Fryar passed away on November 28th, 2009 in Moore Oklahoma after battling a terminal illness. She was born on February 13 th, 1922 to John and Bertie (Lewis) Wise in Oden Arkansas. On August 15th, 1936 she married Wesley Fryar of Oden Arkansas. They moved to Norman Oklahoma in the late 1950s.She worked at Central State Hospital for 29 years. She was a member of Robinson Street Baptist Church for 30 years. She moved to Moore Oklahoma in 2009 to be with her family and with the help of Faith Hospice she finished her journey. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Bertie (Lewis) Wise, Brothers, John, Fred, Frank, and Buster Wise, Sisters, Lou and Goldie Beashears, Sons Kenneth and George Wise, Daughter Jannie Basden, and Great granddaughter Beaonca McGuffin. Graveside services will be held Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Oden Cemetery.

Montgomery County News, Thursday, April 16, 1998
Leonard Ray FRYAR
 Leonard Ray Fryar, 84, resident of Oden, died Friday, April 10, 1998 at the St. Joseph's Regional Health Center in Hot Springs. He was born February 2, 1914 in Oden to the late John Fryar and the late Ida Singleton Fryar.  He was united in marriage to the late Ruby Fryar, who preceded him in death June 29, 1995.  He was a veteran of World War II, while serving in the US Army.  He was a farmer, a sawmill worker and had a timber shaving business.  He was a member of the Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Oden. Survivors include one daughter, Bernadine Fryar of Oden; one brother, Arlie Fryar of Oden; one sister, Vadie Spurling of Oden; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Services were held Monday, April 13, 1998 at the Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Oden.  Burial followed in the Mt Olive Cemetery, under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Mrs. Lois Fryar October 4, 1925 - March 5, 2017
Lois Fryar age 91, of Mt. Ida, Arkansas passed away, at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab, Sunday March 5, 2017 in Mena, Arkansas. Lois was born October 4, 1925 in Dierks, Arkansas to the late Joseph Granvile and Lora Sharp. Lois was a very hard worker, having worked in Montgomery County Nursing Home and the Mt. Ida Glove Factory. She enjoyed spending time with her friend at the Montgomery Senior Center and loved playing dominoes. Some of Lois, favorite past times were going to the casino, quilting and spending time by the water and fishing. Preceded by: Husband, Howard Franklin Fryar, Parents, Joseph Granvile and Lora Sharp, Grandson, Jack Dennis Richardson. Graveside services will be held Tuesday March 7, 2017 at 10:00 am at Pineridge Cemetery, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home, officiated by Bro. Steve Ellison. Pallbears will be Devin Gage, John Wise, Brian Kesterson, Kenneth Gortemiller, Timmy Tabor, Bruce Bush, Todd Hansard, Bo Tabor.

Montgomery County News, Thursday, June 10, 1999
Marie B. FRYAR
Marie B. Fryar, 73, of Oden died Thursday, June 3, 1999, in a local hospital.  She was born September 24, 1925 at Black Springs to Ira Franklin and Arizona Gaston Black.   She was preceded in death by her husband Eston R. Fryar, her mother and father, her brother Perry Black and two sisters, Alta Shields and Bertha Young.  She is survived by five sisters.., one son and daughter-in-law,... of Oden, three daughters and sons-in -law...; one grandson and wife,.... five granddaughters, ...  and many nieces, nephews and friends. Marie was a long time member of the Mt Olive Baptist Church, and a devoted wife and loving mother. Services were Monday, June 7, 1999 at the Mt Olive Baptist Church with Bro. Kyle Cowart and Bro. Marvin Black officiating.  Burial was in the Mt Olive Cemetery. Pallbearers were Leonard Shields, Lowell Black, Lonnie Young, Ron Young, Jimmy Darnell and Tom Ellison. Honorary pallbearers were Ira Irby, Paul Shields, Jewell Shields, Jessie Lynn Guthrey, Shelby Fryar, Harry Fryar, Charlie Fryar, Jimmy Fryar, Elton Ellison and Bart Tims.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
Mr. Marvin Lee Fryar December 15, 1933 - July 13, 2020
Mr. Marvin Lee Fryar, age 86, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Monday, July 13, 2020 at his home. Marvin was born on December 15, 1933 in Mena to Simmon and Alice (Holiday) Fryar. He was a truck driver and loved to take walks around Janssen Park. He will be dearly missed. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ellis Fryar, Gerald Fryar, and Burl Fryar; sisters, Maggie Fryar, and Lois Fryar; daughters, Glenda Fryar, and Tina Fryar; and granddaughter Cristi Fryar Bissell. Funeral service will be held at the Beasley Wood Chapel on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, AR. Pallbearers will be Teal Bissell, Stetson Bissell, Bradlee Bissell, Trenton Fryar, Trevon Fryar, and Brian Smith.

Montgomery County News, July, 1995
Ruby FRYAR
Ruby Fryar, 79, died Thursday, June 29, 1995 at St. Joseph's in Hot Springs.  She was born July 26, 1915 in Washita, to Dr. J. D. Steely and Tennie Scrimshire Steely.  She was united in marriage on September 29, 1946 in Oden to Leonard Fryar.  She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.  Survivors include her husband, Leonard Fryar of Oden; one daughter, Bernadine Fryar of Oden and a host of other family and friends.  Graveside services were held Saturday, July 1, in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Oden with Bro. Kyle Cowan officiating.  Burial was in Mount Olive Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Mena Star Feb. 8, 1940, page 8. W.G. FRYAR
W.G. Fryar, aged 86, pioneer resident of Montgomery County, died Tuesday at the University hospital in Little Rock. He was a widely known resident of the Oden community. The Geyer Funeral home was called to bring the remains back home for the burial. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Oden.

Montgomery County News   July 2  1992
 Gladys Campbell GARNER
Gladys Campbell Garner, of Oden, died Wednesday June 24 in Hot Springs.  She was born October 22, 1904, in Oden, her age being 87 years, 8 months and 2 days.  Mrs Garner was the daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Goodner, and the late Mrs. Raphy Godbehere Goodner, and was united in marriage to Otis Campbell, on July 30, 1924.  Mr. Campbell preceded her in death in May of 1952.  She then married Claude Garner on May 14, 1961.  Mr. Claude Garner preceded her in death in December of 1975.  She made her home in Oden most of her life, was a retired school teacher, and Principal and a member of the Pencil Bluff First Baptist Church.  Survivors include one son, Willard (Jay) Campbell of Hot Springs; one daughter-in-law, Lourine Campbell of Ozark; one brother, Seldon Goodner of Mt. Ida; three sisters, Mrs. Thelma Humble of Memphis, TN, Mrs. Muriel Huddleston of Mt. Ida, and Mrs. Mildred Hart of Oden; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Flossie Goodner of Oden, Mrs. Naomi Goodner of Mt. Ida and Mrs. Mamie Leonard Campbell of Tulsa, OK; two grandchildren; two ggrandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. One son, William Earl Campbell preceded her in death.  Two brothers, Hal and Earle Goodner preceded her in death.  Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. , Friday, June 26 in Oden Untied Methodist Church, with Rev. James Copeland officiating.  Interment was in the Oden Cemetery, under the direction of  Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Rep. Ode Maddox, James Roy Carmack, Bob Fryar, Mitchell Lawrence, Carl Smith, and Leon Stovall.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Billy Gaston  June 16, 1936 - December 1, 2009
Billy Jack Gaston of 107 Polk 682, Mena, Polk County, Arkansas, born June 16, 1936 near Mount Ida, Montgomery County, Arkansas, died December1, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dixie and Lura Ray Gaston of Mount Ida and son Timothy Gaston of St. Charles, Missouri. Billy attended school in Malvern, Black Springs, and Norman, Arkansas. Billy was a United States Air Force veteran who was assigned to air bases in France, Germany and Canada as well as the U.S. After military service, Billy was employed by the U.S. Forest Service, retiring after 27 years as a civil engineering technician. Billy's avocations and interests were designing and building houses, raising cattle, landscaping and gardening. He also bought and sold real estate in Montgomery, Polk, Garland, and Searcy Counties for many years. He was of the Jehova Witness faith. Funeral services will be Friday, December 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehova's Witness with Brother Billy John Bates officiating. Interment will follow at Reed Cemetery at Story.

Montgomery County News  Sep 9. 1993   
Norman Andrew "Buster" GASTON   
Norman Andrew "Buster" Gaston, 91, of Sims died Thursday, September 2, 1993 in the Montgomery County Nursing Home.  He was born on April 2, 1902, in Gaston, AR.  He was the son of Charlie and Dolly Spriggs Gaston.  He was untied in marriage to Dezzie Dillard, on September 27, 1928 in Gaston, AR.  She preceded him in death on July 16, 1992.  He was a retired farmer. He is survived by 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Bob Gaston of Sims and Rayburn and Lois Gaston of Oden. 6 daughters and sons-in law; Ervil Moffett and Glenda and Travis Bunn, all of Hot Springs; Dolly and Louie Benetti of Reno, NV; Dian Fryar of Mount Ida; Connie and Wilburn Worley of Story and Sherry and Benny Weston of Fort Smith.  13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by 3 sons, Seldon, L.C. and J. D. Gaston.  Graveside services were held Saturday, September 4, at Rocky Cemetery.   Pallbearers were Waylon Chambers, J.D. Chambers, Donald Chambers, J.L. Rains, Gary Don Stovall and Leon Stovall.  Services were under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Service of Mount Ida.

Montgomery County News Dec. 26 2002
 Mineko GASTON
 Mineko Gaston, 70, of Norman died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002 in the St Joseph's Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs. .
She was born on Sept. 12, 1932 in Sasebo, Japan to Todayoshi and Mitsue Fukuya. She was married to Haarold "Pete" Gaston on May 14, 1962. She came to the United States in April of 1963, and received her citizenship on June 7, 1997. She was a member of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church. Services were held Monday, December 23 in the Mount Gilead Baptist Church with Bro. Dale Howell and Bro. Marvin Black officiating. Interment was in the Gaston Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Pallbearers will be Jim Cogburn, Archie Linville, Dennis Wornick, Lonnie Wornick, James Gaston and Rick Scott. Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren, St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center 4 West staff, Dr. Timothy Webb and Genesis Cancer Center staff. Guest registry is at http://www.davissmithfuneralhome.com.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Norma Mae Gaston Reed   September 17, 1925 - April 19, 2019
Norma Mae Gaston Reed age 93 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Friday, April 19, 2019 in Mena, Arkansas.
She was born on September 17, 1925 in Gaston Community, Arkansas to the late Grady Gaston and the late Anna Fiddler Gaston. Norma worked as an LPN for many years in the Medical profession. She had a servant's heart by helping anyone in need. She was a member of Free Will Baptist Church and enjoyed doing the bulletin board at her church and helped at Rich Mountain Nursing Home. Norma was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Anna Gaston, sister Imogene Singleton and brothers Darryl Gaston, Lynn Gaston, and Robert Gaston. Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Freewill Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment will be in Gaston Cemetery in Oden, Arkansas under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Pallbearers will be Jeff Aukes, Mike Hoover, Mac Westmoreland, Gary Threlkill, Terry Davis and Jr. Carter.
Honorary pallbearers are Wayne Massey, Gary Alexander, Guy Alexander, Ken Singleton, Kelly Singleton, Brian Aukes, Bill Wells and Jerry Singleton.

Montgomery County News  July 2 1998
Argus Doyle GODBEHERE
Argus Doyle Godbehere, 81, of Pencil Bluff, AR., died June 27, 1998 at the Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mount Ida. He was born February 1, 1917 in Oden, AR, to the late Osval J. Godbehere and the late Emma Scott Godbehere.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, O.J. Godbehere; and two sisters, Eunice Howell and Faye Dunaway. Survivors include; his wife Tressie Godbehere of Pencil Bluff, Randy Godbehere of Oden; one daughter Linda Sue Richardson of Little Rock; two grandchildren..., two brother, Ralph Godbehere of Oden and Lloyd Godbehere of Hot Springs; several nieces and nephews.   Pallbearers were: Mike Dampier, Lucian Dobbs, Carl Smith, Larry Dunaway, Bobby Gallaway and Vernom Arnett. Honorary pallbearers were: John Logan, Gene Singleton, Porter Fryar, Kirby Singleton and Van Forga.  Godbehere was an Air Force veteran and there will be a military service.  Services were Tuesday, June 30, 1998 , at 2:00 PM at the Pencil Bluff Baptist Church with brother James Copeland officiating.  Burial was at the Pencil Bluff Cemetery under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.

Fort Smith  Southwest Times-Record Friday, June 9, 2000
 Mary GODBEHERE
ODEN - Mary Maxis Godbehere, 80 of Oden died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, in Hot Springs. She was a school teacher in the Oden Public Schools and a member of the First Baptist Church of Oden. She was the widow of Ray Irons. Funeral will be 10 a.m. today at the Oden United Methodist Church with burial in the Oden Cemetery under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Godbehere; two daughters,...of Oden and .... of Pencil Bluff; four grandchildren, ..., both of Oden, ... of Mt. Ida and ...of Wylie, Texas; and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Shane Forga, Ed Gaston, Tom Ellison, Kelly Singleton, Alton Dollar and Joe Ed Godbehere.

Montgomery County News  May 21 1998
 Dennis Ray GOODNER
Dennis Ray Goodner, 39, of Mena died May 7, 1998, in Mena.  He was born August 5, 1958 in Mena, the son of Olen and Imarie Goodner of Oden.  He was a poultry farmer. Survivors include his wife Patricia , one daughter, Mary Amanda ; one son, Olen Jacob Goodner all of Mena; his parents Olen and Imarie Goodner of Oden.; one sister, Sandra Barrow of Oden; one brother, Travis Goodner of Nacogdoches, TX.  Funeral services were held Saturday, May 9, 1998, at 2:p.m. at the Faith Baptist Church in Mena.   Brother Dardanelle Townsley and brother Andy Kennedy officiated the service.   Interment was in Pine Ridge Cemetery at Pine Ridge, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Imarie June Goodner June 30, 1924 - March 17, 2017
Imarie June Goodner passed into heaven on March 16, 2017 at the age of 92. She was born on June 30, 1924 to Frank and Myrtle Standridge of Opal, Arkansas. She married Olen Goodner on October 31, 1945. They built their home in the community of Huddleston where they spent all the years of their married life. Imarie was active in her church and community. She was always willing to help her neighbors in times of need. She was devoted to her family and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a lifelong member of Little Hope Baptist Church in Oden. Imarie was preceded in death by husband Olen, son Dennis, and infant son Keith. Funeral services were conducted at Little Hope Baptist Church with interment at Pine Ridge Cemetery on March 19, 2017.

Olen Othel Goodner, aged 80, 1999, of Oden. U.S. Army WW2 veteran

Montgomery County News  March 9, 2000
 Flossie S. GOODNER
Flossie S. Goodner, 92, of Oden and Enola, AR, died March 5, 2000, at Beverly Health Center in Heber Springs.  She was born January 23, 1908, in Enders, AR, to L.A. Shaw and Carrie Johnson Shaw. She was the widow of Hal Goodner. She was a retired school teacher of 35 years and a member of the Oden Baptist Church. Survivors include one brother, Floyd Shaw of San Diego, CA; and several nephews and nieces. Services were January 26, at 10;00 AM at Roller-McNutt Chapel in Conway with Rev. Edward Goodwin officiating. Graveside services in Oden were the same day at 3:30 PM. Pallbearers were: Tommy L. Shaw, T.J. Shaw, Lonnie Shaw, Sedlen Shaw, Rex Shaw and Ricky Puloma.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
Earl Dean Hughes July 28, 1950 - March 12, 2019
Earl Dean Hughes age 68 of Norman, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on July 28, 1950 in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas to the late Raymond Hughes and the late Dixie Hensley Hughes. He was married to Lou Ann Belknap Hughes and was a machinist for U.S. Motors. Earl enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and working in his garden. He treasured all his time spent with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Dixie Hughes, brothers, Charles Ray Hughes and Joseph Raymond Hughes and grandson Michael Aaron Hughes. Funeral service will be Monday, March 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at The Covenant of Life Family Church in Mena on the corner of 11th and Pine Street. Interment will follow in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery with Brother Rusty Lewis officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.


THELMA GOODNER HUMBLE
 MEMPHIS, TN-- THELMA GOODNER HUMBLE, 92, of Memphis, former homemaker and teacher, died Friday of heart failure in Memphis. Services were at 2 p.m. Monday at Mt. Ida (Ark.) First Baptist Church with burial in Mt. Ida Cemetery. Thornton Funeral Home of Mt. Ida had charge. She had taught Sunday school and was a member of Colonial Baptist Church. Mrs. Humble, the widow of T. A. Humble, leaves two daughters, Ruth Humble Plemmons of Waldron, Ark., and Gerri Humble Garrett of Memphis; two sons, Roland Humble of Benton, Ark., and Terry Humble of Harrison, Ark.; a sister, Muriel Goodner Huddleston, and a brother, Selden Goodner, both of Mt. Ida; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. --Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN) - June 28, 1995


 Terry Humble Collection.

Inez Bright, age 83, of Hot Springs, Ark., died Thursday, July 20, 2006, in Hot Springs, Ark.
She was the daughter of the late George Dewey Goss and the late Nora (McKay) Goss. She is also survived by her husband Louie Bright; One Daughter, Teresa & Chuck Nye of Royal, Ark. Two Sons, Warren & Beverly Bright of Houston, Texas Carl Bright of Pearcy, Ark. Three Sisters, Cortez Reynolds of Hot Springs, Ark. Spellma Wennberg of Van Buren, Ark. Patricia Gideon of Hot Springs, Ark. Two Brothers, Elgie & Doris Goss of Pine Bluff, Ark. Dee & Loetta Goss of Oden, Ark. Five grandchildren Arrangements are being handled by Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Section Line Road, Hot Springs, Ark., where the family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, July 23, 2006. Funeral service will be at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 AM Monday, July 24, 2006 , Bro. James Hill officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark.

Montgomery County News April 2, 2015
Mr. Dee N. Goss, age 89, Pencil Bluff, AR, passed away March 27, 2015 at St. Vincent Hospital, Hot Springs, AR. He was born August 12, 1925 in Oden, AR to George Dewey Goss and Nora McKay. Mr. Goss served in the U.S. Navy as Seaman First Class aboard the Battleship USS North Carolina in the Pacific during WWII from 1941-1946. He worked for the US Forest Service, Ouachita National Forest till retirement, marking timber, as a firefighter, and Forest Protection Officer at Albert Pike Recreational Area. Mr. Goss consistently served God and his community as a minister and vocalist, well known for his harmonica music. He served as Pastor of Grenade Church, Pencil Bluff and Union Hill Church, Story, and delighted nursing home residents with his music. Mr. Goss is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Gladys Cagle, Glenis Stacey, Inez Bright, and Selwyn Goss. He is survived by son, David Goss, Hot Springs, AR; daughter Martha Kuhlmann, Atlanta, GA; Grandchildren Jeffrey Goss (Kathleen), Shawna Nedved (Rodney), and Ernest Wayne Looney, Jr. (Elizabeth); Six Great Grandchildren; and siblings Cortez Reynolds, Elgie Goss, Spellma Wennberg, Patricia Gideon, and Seldon Goss. There will be general visitation held at Thornton Funeral Home. Services will be held Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 at the Oden Methodist Church in Oden, AR at 10:00 a.m. with Brother James Cogburn and Susan Miller officiating. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR

Obituary for Seldon Dewey Goss
Mr. Seldon Dewey Goss, age 80, of Mena passed away Monday, July 04, 2016 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Seldon was born on February 19, 1936 in Oden, Arkansas to the late George Dewey Goss and Nora McKay Goss. He was married to the late Betty Sue Goss until her death in 2015. Seldon proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a Barber by profession, and a rancher. Seldon never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was an avid horseman, who enjoyed training and riding horses, a �true cowboy.� Singing was always a part of his life. Most of all he loved God and his family. Seldon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by all. Seldon is survived by children... and
Brother: Elgie Goss (rode horses as well as being a high school principal at Pine Bluff)
Sisters: Spellma Wennberg, Pat Gideon, and Cortez Reynolds
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nora Goss, wife, Betty Sue Goss, brothers, Selwyn Goss, Dee Goss, sisters Gladys Cagle, Inez Bright, and Glennis Stacy.
Funeral service will be Thursday, July 7, 2016, 2:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Methodist Church in Cherry Hill with Brother Lloyd Allen Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Pallbearers will be Greg Goss, Nathan Howard, Mark Trickey, Kyle Gorden, Nick Wolfenbarger, and Josh Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Chad Goss and Jason Conaster.

The Sentinel-Record Feb. 15, 1998
Rosemond C.S.N. GOSSETT
 MOUNT IDA _ Rosemond C. "Tola" Snow Noakes Gossett, 85, of Mount Ida died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1998, at a Montgomery County nursing home. She was born March 18, 1912, in Mount Ida to Grovie Oliver Snow and Emily Irene Liverman. She was predeceased by her husband, Seaborn J. Gossett and two brothers, Herbert Snow and Noel Snow. Survivors include five sons, .....; four daughters, ....; four sisters, ...;19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Services will be 10 a.m. today at Big Fir Cemetery in Little Fir with the Rev. Bill Singleton officiating. Arrangements are by Thornton Funeral Home.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 13 July 2007
MOUNT IDA - Julia "Doodle" Graham, age 83, of Mt. Ida passed away July 11, 2007. Service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2007, at First Baptist Church, Mt. Ida. Burial, Mt. Ida Cemetery. Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, Mt. Ida, Arkansas.

Montgomery County News, April 16, 1998
 Clarence "Edgar" GRAY
Clarence "Edgar" Gray, 91, of Sims, died Friday, April 10, 1998 in a Hot Springs hospital. He was born August 25, 1906 at Sims, the son of David Bradford Gray and Mary Elizabeth Rybolt Gray. He was preceded in death by his wife, Opsymet Lee Hatton Gray; two daughters, Euleda Stanley and Virginia Heaton, one son, Carl Gray and one grandson, Allan Summit; six sisters and one brother.  Survivors include two daughters, Zola Lappin of Mount Ida and Loretta Summit of Little Rock; 19 grandchildren; 28 great- grandchildren, 9 step- grand-children; 3 gggrandchildren; one brother Maynard Gray of Sims and one sister, Hazel Breashers of Hot Springs and a host of nieces and nephews.  Services were held Saturday, April 11 at Lone Valley Church of God with the Rev. Bill Singleton officiating.  Pallbearers were Jeff Gray, Bruce Gray, Chris Gray, Eddie Stanley, David Lappin and Brent Johnson.  Burial was in the Rocky Cemetery.  Arrangements were by Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 15 August 2008
Ernie D. Hale, age 45, of Cherry Hill, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2008. Graveside services will be Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Montgomery County News  May 8 1975
Edward HART, 64, of Oden died May 4 in a Hot Springs Hospital. He was a Baptist, a member of the Mount Ida Masonic Lodge, a veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion. He was a retired construction worker. Survivors include his wife Mrs Mildred Goodner Hart of Oden; two brothers Howard Hart of San Francisco, Calif., and James Hart of Stephens and five sisters Mrs Mary Terrell and Mrs James Adams, both of Magnolia, Mrs Grace Griffin and Mrs Charlie Park, both of Atlanta, Ga., and Mrs Sarah Brooks of San Francisco, Cal. Services were May 6 in Mena. Burial  was in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Montgomery County News   July 29, 1993   
Earl H. HARVEY
Earl H. Harvey, 75, of Bonnerdale, died Tuesday, July 20, 1993 in a Hot Springs hospital.   He was born November 3, 1917 at Coffman, Texas, the son of Vermon Harvey and Beady Lightfoot Harvey.  He was married March 2, 1940 to Mary L. Ferrel. He was an army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife..., daughter ..., and two sisters. Graveside survivors were held in the Mazarn Cemetery with Rev. Columbus Mahan officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Montgomery County News   Aug. 5, 1993   
Lloyd Glen HATTON
 Lloyd Glen Hatton, 70, of Sims, died Saturday, July 31, at his home.  Survivors include his wife, Edith Hatton of Sims, two daughters, Linda Carmack of Glenwood and Sharon Sublett of Mena. Three sons, Glen Hatton of Boonville and Bob and Michael Hatton, both of Sims. Four sisters, Lena Stovall of Eugene, OR, Ophia Gray and Alta Shaw, both of Sims and Beulah West of Mount Ida. Two brothers, Hewlous Hatton of Sims and Ray Hatton of Colorado Springs, CO. Twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Burial was Monday, August 2, in the Rocky Cemetery with Brother Jodie Anderson officiating. Pallbearers were Dale Hatton, Mark Hatton, Dewayne Carmack, Travis Quinn, Travis Cogburn and Randy Cook.  Honorary pallbearers were Eddie Stanley and Ernest Matzke.  Arrangements were by Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.

Montgomery County News, Oct. 22 1998   
James Robert HAYS
James Robert Hays, 70, of Black Springs, died Tuesday, October 20, 1998.  He was bon on July 26, 1928 at Black Springs, the son of Charley Monroe Hays and Jane Spradlin Hays. He was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara Jean Coffman Hays on July 2, 1971.   He was also preceded in death by one sister, Loda Johnson. ..... He retired from General Motors in Anderson, Indiana and moved back to the Black Springs area in 1984.   He was a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife..., three sons..., one brother..., Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 22, 1998 in the Mount Gilead Cemetery with the Rev. James Black officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.

The Oklahoman June 8 2001
Gladys G. HECEL
HECEL Gladys G., age 89, was born July 28, 1911, in Oden, Arkansas to Daniel Boone and Minnie Kathleen (Fair) Evans. She passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2001 in Parsons, Kansas.

Longview newspaper 
Kathleen HICKEY
 Kathleen Hickey, 85, of Longview, died Nov. 7, 2000, at the Hospice Care Center. 
She was born Aug. 29, 1915, in Oden, Ark., to Robert C. and Couie (Smith) Roberds and moved to Longview in 1946. Mrs. Hickey was a member of the Longview Community Church, Lower Columbia Square Dance Association, and Ruff & Ruffles Square Dance Club. She enjoyed flower gardening, taking trips home to Arkansas and her 60th wedding anniversary Hawaiian cruise in 1997. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Hickey at home; two sons, Michael Hickey of Carnation, Wash., and Stephen Hickey of Longview; two brothers, Carlton Roberds of Waldron, Ark., and Deward Roberds of Tillamook, Ore.; a sister, Grace Lightfoot of Longview; and four grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Gebert Chapel of Longview Community Church with the Rev. Harlan Gilliland officiating. The concluding service and mausoleum entombment will be held afterward at Longview Memorial Park. Friends may pay their respects from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at Columbia Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.

Clifford HICKS 1925 - 2012
Pine Ridge, AR
Arkansas Online February 23, 2012
Clifford Hicks, 87, of Pine Ridge, Arkansas died February 20, 2012 in Hot Springs. He was born Jan. 2, 1925, in Pine Ridge, Arkansas to the late Thomas Houston Hicks and the late Martha Melvina Wilhite Hicks. Mr. Hicks was a cattle rancher by profession. He was a loving brother, uncle and friend. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday at Pine Ridge Union Church with burial at Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena. He is survived by a sister, Bethel Hicks of Pine Ridge, and a brother, Glen R. Hicks of Pine Ridge. Visitation will be general. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Martha Melvina Hicks, his brothers, Kirby Hicks, Wesley Hicks, George Hicks, Gilbert Hicks, and Wilford Hicks and his sisters, Dora Howard, Leona Johnson, and Grace Chambers.  

Mena Weekly Star, Jan. 5, 1956
Perry David (Uncle Dave) HILL
Funeral service for Perry David Hill, 76-year old former Oden resident who died Thursday, was held at 1:00 Sunday afternoon at Big Cedar. Burial was in the Edwards Cemetery near
Opal, under the direction of the Geyer Funeral Home. Pallbearers were J.E. Fisher, Tom McBride, Tom Moore, Arlin Kelsey, Ben Jennings, and Basie Metcalf. Pallbearers at Opal were Herbert Hess, Gene Hughes, Wade Morris, Bill Lewis, Dave Standridge and Albert Smallwood. Mr. Hill was born October 29, 1879, at Oden, Ark. where he grew to manhood, and spent most of his life. For the past 15 years, he had lived near Big Cedar, Okla. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church.
    He is survived by his wife, Eliza Hill of Big Cedar; one son, Owen Hill of Sapulpa, Okla; two daughters, Mrs. Eva Connor of Tahlequah, Okla., and Mrs. Jewell Mobley of Sapulpa; one brother, Zack Hill of Mena; one half brother, Waymon Hill of Howe, Okla; three half-sisters, Mrs. Isabel Bobbins of Terrance, Calif; Mrs. Mary Vinson of Oden and Mrs.
Sally Hadkins of Oden; also eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Montgomery County News  April 23, 1998
Audie Ray HOBBY
Audie Ray Hobby, 77, of Norman, the daughter of the late Jonny Forester and the late Cora Alice Perin Forester.  She was a nurse's aide, was a homemaker and was a member of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Black Springs.  Survivors include two sisters, Marie Reynolds of Mena and Virginia Graves of Longview, Washington;  five nephews, Frankie Graves and Duane Reynolds, both of Mena, John Graves, Bud Graves and Don Graves all of Washington, one niece, Joyce Mueller of Freemont, CA; one aunt,  Mable Forrester of Glenwood.  Graveside services were held Tuesday, April 21, 1998 at the Mt. Gilead Cemetery near Black Fork, with Bro. Tim Love and Bro. J.W. Love officiating.  Burial followed.  Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena was in charge of the arrangements.

Found in 15 Oct 1899 Fannin Co., Texas "Bonham News"
 Harriet .B. (DYER) HODGES
       Sister Harriet B. (Dyer) Hodges was born in Mongomery Co., Arkansas, September 23, 1852; came to Texas in March, 1857. Married George Hodges, January 6, 1869. Professed faith in Christ in July, 1868, and was baptised by Rev. E. W. Holman. She united with the Little Jordan Missionary Baptist church. She lived in that church until it disbanded and then she went into the organization of the Ector Baptist church. She lived a faithful member of this church until her death. She died SEPT. 26, 1899.

       Sister Hodges was loved by all who knew her. She always had a smile on her face. We miss her so much from our church and community, but her influence will live on.

       Write blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth yea sayeth the Spirit that they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. She leaves a husband and 12 children and a number of relatives to mourn her departure but we sorrow not as others who have no hope.  J. W. WEATHERS        (spelling that of the author)     

New York Times Aug 12, 1977 p. B2
Hans J. Hoffman, a retired shoe manufacture, died suddenly in Bellevue Hospital at the age of 67. he had homes at 520 park Avenue, and in Littleton, N.H., where he was the co-founder of Connors & Hoffmann Inc., shoe manufactures. He also was a founder of concerns in Arkansas, the Lady Catherine Footwear Company of Hot Springs and the Mount Ida Footwear Company and the Addison Footwear Company of Wynn. He is survived by his wife Noemi. [In 1988 Mount Ida Footwear had 300 employees - made ladies shoes.]

Montgomery County News   Mar. 29 1990
 Ben M. HORTON
 Ben M. Horton, 46, of Bonnerdale, died Friday, March 23, 1990, in a Hot Springs hospital.  he was born on March 28, 1943 in Kilgore, Texas, the son of Henry Horton and Clemmie May Horton.  He married to Judy Phillips.  He had been the mail carrier for Route 2, Bonnerdale since July 1, 1974, and the subcarrier for Route 1, Bonnerdale and Route 2, Amity since December 1986.  He was a member of the Hunter Education Association.  Survivors include his wife, Judy Phillips Horton of Bonnerdale; three sons, Brent Horton and Kent Horton, both of Bonnerdale and Curt Horton of Hot Springs; four grandchildren.... all of Hot Springs; his mother Clemmie Horton of Bonnerdale; two brothers, John Horton of Bonnerdale and James Horton of Texas and four sisters....  Services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25, in Grant's Chapel Church with Rev. J. B. Evans officiating.  Burial was in Grant's Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Mrs. Rebecca HOUSE
February 10, 1938, Thursday Mena Star Mrs. Rebecca House buried Friday.
Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca Jarrett House, who died Thursday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Retha Looney, were held Friday afternoon at 1:00 at the Looney residence on tenth Street, with the Reverend Chris J. Sias, pastor of the First Christian Church, and the Rev. H. H. McGuyre, pastor of the First Methodist Church officiating. The service was brief, following which the body was taken to Greenwood, the former home of the deceased for burial, which took place at the Liberty Center Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Geyer Funeral Home. The pallbearers were Walter E. Jones, Will Alexander, A.H. Betts, Carl Whisenhart, J. I. Hudgins and Paul Sanders.
    Rebecca Jarrett McDonald was born August 24, 1858 near Montgomery, Alabama.
At the age of 13, she moved with her parents to Greenwood, AR. In 1874, she was married to William T. Johnston. Soon after the marriage, she joined the Methodist Church of which brotherhood she remained a member until her death.
Four children were born to the couple and while they were yet small, Mr. Johnston died.
    In 1886, the deceased was married to W.A. Miller. She lived in Polk County for a number of years. Mr. Miller passed away in 1914. She married Samuel House in later years. His death occurred September 27, 1936. Since that time, Mrs. House has made her home with her daughter in Mena.
    Besides Mrs. Looney, Mrs. House is survived by two sons, James Johnston of Ozark and C. C. Miller of El Paso, Texas. One sister, Mrs. S. Paine, McCurtain, OK, seventeen grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
Dorothy Hughes July 2, 1915 - July 2, 2010
Dorothy May Hughes, age 95, of Norman, Arkansas passed away Friday, July 2, 2010 at her home. She was born July 2, 1915 in Richwood Community, Arkansas to the late George Reynolds and the late Viola New Reynolds. She was united in marriage to Charley Hughes. Mrs. Hughes was a member of the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. She was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Viola Reynolds, her husband Charley Hughes, her son, Hillard Leo Hughes, her grandsons, Dewayne Mosbeck and Bobby Dean Karr and her brother, Richard Reynolds. Graveside services will be Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Ladell Risenhoover, Billy D. Lewis, Randy Romero, Earl Dean Hughes, Joe Manning, and Gerald Brewer.

Montgomery County News   Nov. 5 1987
Martha HUGHES
Martha Abee Hughes, 90, of Fort Smith, died Saturday, October 31, at a Fort Smith hospital. She was born September 23, 1897, at Sulphur Springs. She was a retired registered nurse and teacher and a member of the Main Street Baptist Church of Mulberry. Survivors include three step- children, Lorene Hughes Henderson, Juanita Hughes and Ira Hughes; three nieces, Hormce Abee English, Bess Tyrell and Edmonia Edwards Austin; and two nephews, Jim Abee and Jerald Edwards. Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home at Mena. Burial was at 3;30 p.m. at New Cemetery, Mulberry, under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Westark Community College's scholarship fund for nursing.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 10 November 2006
MOUNT IDA - Andrew Howard Hulsey, age 83 years old, of Mount Ida, Ark. passed away at home Nov. 6, 2006, in Mount Ida, Arkansas. He was born Aug. 13, 1923, in Helena, Ark. to the late Andrew Sullivan and Celia Ann Stanley Hulsey. Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mildred Arvilla Fisher Hulsey, parents, two sisters and one brother-in-law. Survivors: one daughter and son in-law, Peggy Etta Hulsey and Ronnie Anderson of Lonoke, Ark.; four sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew William and Jackie Hulsey of Winter Springs, Fla., John Howard Hulsey and Joe Lud Hulsey of Lonoke, Ark., and Jack Hal and Shelia Hulsey of McRae, Ark.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Jose Fina Hulsey of California, Hal and June Hulsey of Texas; one brother-in-law, Bruce Turner of Little Rock and Virginia Hulsey of California. After graduating from Mount Ida High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He saw action in the Pacific during WWII and was discharged a staff sergeant. He married his high school sweetheart Nov. 23, 1945, using the GI Bill to earn a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Arkansas. In 1952, he was hired by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a fisheries biologist for what is now the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery. He worked his way up to chief of fisheries, assistant director and then director for 10 years, 1969 -1979. The Lake Hamilton Fish Hatchery was later named in his honor, The Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery. Due to his innovation like the use of fish nursery ponds, the introduction of striped bass to inland waters, the stocking of trout below new lakes being built, widespread stocking of channel catfish to boost angling opportunities, working with the fledgling fish farming industry and the use of asiatic carp for controlling water vegetation he was inducted into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2003. He received the Joseph P. McCaron Award for distinguished lifetime contributions to the agriculture industry, the Arkansas Chapter for the Outstanding Biologist American Fisheries Society Award, the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated Humanitarian Services Lions Clubs International Foundation. After moving back to Mount Ida, he became very active in the Lions Club, helping others with advice on the upkeep and stocking of their ponds, tending to his gardens and ponds. He will be missed by all of his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the maintenance fund for the Stanley-Standridge Cemetery, P.O. Box 331, Mount Ida, Ark. 71957. Visitation was held Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, from 3 to 6 p.m. Services will be graveside at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, at the Stanley-Standridge Cemetery with Bro. Paul Burke officiating and under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home, Mount Ida, Ark.

The San Diego Union-Tribune
16 November 2008
HULSEY, WILLIAM STANLEY July 7, 1926 to October 29, 2008 William (Stan, Bill, Sweet William) Stanley Hulsey, 82, began his journey in life in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he was born to Andrew Sullivan Hulsey and Celia Ann Stanley. The family returned to Mt. Ida, Arkansas, where both his parents had been born and raised. There he grew up in the country surrounded by a large family. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marines to fight in World War II. He later joined the Air Corps as a tail-gunner in the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Mt. Ida to complete high school and then went on to the University of Arkansas, where he obtained a science degree and a teaching credential. While at the University of Arkansas he became involved with the Unitarian Church and civil rights issues, which influenced the rest of his life. In 1952, Bill married Virginia Jackson of Mt. Ida, Arkansas and that union produced his first four children. In August of 1960, he relocated his family to Chula Vista, California, where he began teaching at National City Middle School. He taught there for 30 years until his retirement. During these years he was very involved in South Bay Democratic politics, in civil rights issues, the Farmworkers struggle and organizing teachers into a union. Many political meetings and fundraisers were held at the family home. In 1985, Bill married Josefina Ignacio and adopted her three children. Together they established "Family Style Care," an assisted living facility in Paradise Hills. We often teased him about retiring from teaching youth and then working harder taking care of the elderly. Working in this field brought out the nurturing aspect of his personality and we enjoyed getting to know this side of him. His parents, his sisters Helen Featherston and Celia Ann Turner, and his brother Andrew Hulsey predeceased Bill. His only remaining sibling is his brother Hal (Jane) Hulsey of Redlands, Texas. Bill leaves behind his loving wife Josefina and his seven children, ......As Bill evolved throughout his life, constantly seeking improvement and deeper understanding, he became what he termed a "humanist." His values and beliefs, his various adages about life and his strong sense of social justice greatly influenced his family and friends.  Memorial Service Sunday, November 23rd, at Community Mortuary, 855 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA. Funeral on Monday, November 24th, at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Mildred Fisher HULSEY
Mt. Ida. Mildred Arvilla Fisher Hulsey, 82, died August 12, 2006. She was born January 10, 1924 to the late William and Martha Dement Fisher. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Hulsey; a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy Etta Hulsey Anderson and Ronnie of Lonoke; four sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew William and Jackie Hulsey of Wintersprings, Fla., John Howard Hulsey and Joe Lud Hulsey of Lonoke, and Jack Hal and Sheila Hulsey of McRae, Ark.; and two sisters, Jennie L. Vanderford and Susie E. Brakefield. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother; and six sisters. Interment was at the Stanley-Standridge Cemetery with Bro. Paul Burke officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home of Mt. Ida, AR.

R.F. Irons, 62 of Hot Springs, d. Oct. 6, 1999, born Feb. 2 1937 in Washita Community.

Montgomery County News  Jun 4. 1998 
 Hazel Beatrice JACKSON
Hazel Beatrice Jackson, 76, of Mount Ida passed away at the St Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs on May 29, 1998.  She was born on May 10, 1922 in Pencil Bluff to the late Walter Amerson and the late Ethel Leonard Amerson Jackson.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mount Ida and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Mount Ida Chapter 20, Amaranth Court 21. Survivors are her husband Jimmie Jackson, two sons....   and ..... both of Hot Springs, two daughters ....of Jacksonville, and .... of Buckville, two sisters Lois Standridge of Mount Ida, and Varine Carr of Mount Ida and one brother Leslie Jackson of Mount Ida, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  Services were on Monday June 1, 1998 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ida with the Rev. Jim. Copeland and Rev. Eddie McCord officiating and burial will be at the Amerson Cemetery under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.  Pallbearers were Wedell Adams, Bill Scurlock, Brandon Jackson, George Badger, Frank Ashcraft, Maurice Carr.  (photo) Montgomery County News  May 21 1998 Jimmie and Hazel (Amerson) will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.  They were married on Sunday, May 28, at the Untied Methodist Church parsonage by the Rev. Robert Beasley. (photo of couple)

The Sentinel-Record Hot Springs Nov. 1999
Mary Davis JACKSON
Mary Davis Jackson, 96 passed on in Littleton, Co. on Nov. 13.1999. Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheatridge, Co. beside her husband David Lee Jackson. She was born in Fir, AR. Dec. 12.1902. Her parents were William M. Davis and Geneva (Virginia) Rosson. 

She married Elmer B. Wacaster June 1, 1921, in Mt. Ida. They had three children, Harold E., Janice Louise and Mary Virginia. They were divorced. She married David Lee Jackson of Mt. Ida in 1938.  Mrs. Jackson had a Beauty Shop in Mt. Ida for a number of years and Mr. Jackson was the proprietor of the Recreation Parlor (Pool Hall). They moved to Denver, Co. in 1946 where Mrs. Jackson was a librarian at the Air Force Finance Center, retiring in 1962.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee, in 1963 and son, Harold of Ft. Smith in 1980 and a great grandson, Steven R. Curnow who was killed at Columbine High School, April 20,1999. She is survived by 2 daughters, .... and seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Submitted by Virginia Curnow.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 5 December 2008
Joe F. Johnson, 81, of Malvern passed away December 4, 2008 at HSC Medical Center. He was born November 30, 1927 in Oden, Arkansas the son of John Henry and Rosa Lee (Hale) Johnson. Joe graduated from Mt. Ida High School, owned and operated Joe F. Johnson Barber Service in Malvern, was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, and was a 32nd degree mason and Past Master of the Rockport Masonic Lodge #58 from which he'd received the Pillar of Solomon award. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the York Rite, and had been a member of First Baptist Church since 1970. He had read completely through the Bible fourteen times. Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife, Betty (McCaskill) Johnson; and sister, Barbara Roberts. Survivors are his sons....... Services are Sunday, December 7th at 2 p.m., Regency Chapel with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating and Masonic Rites provided by Rockport Masonic Lodge. Interment in Bethlehem Cemetery near Joan.

Mena Star
Leona McBride Hicks JOHNSON
Leona McBride Hicks Johnson, age 93, of Live Oak, CA, formerly of Pine ridge, AR, died Sunday, June 2, 2002, in the Rideout Memorial Hospital. Born in Oden, SR, she had been a Yuba-Sutter resident since 1942. She was a cannery worker for more than 20 years and a member of the Live Oak Assembly of God Church. Survivors include.... two brother Glenn Hicks, and Clifford Hick, both of Pine Ridge, one sister, Bethel Hicks of Pine Ridge, AR; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2002, in  the Live Oak Assembly of God Church of Live Oak. Interment was in the Live Oak Cemetery under the direction of Ullrey Funeral Home in Yuba City, CA. [Leona married Clarence McBride. Leona's parents were Melvina Willhite and Thomas Houston Hicks. Leona had another brother, Kirby Hicks.]

Montgomery County News  Feb.19, 1987
 Mary Elizabeth KINSEY
Mary Elizabeth Kinsey, 92, of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, February 10, in a Hot Springs hospital.  She was born August 28, 1884 at Oakwood to the late Alec Rowland and Angeline Sutton Rowland.  She was a homemaker and affiliated with the Muddy Creek Church of God.  Survivors include her two sons: Clifford Kinsey of Paradise, CA and Ray Kinsey of Hillsboro, TX; one daughter, Elua Mae Norman of Hot Springs; two brothers; L.W. (Lum) Rowland and Nealy Rowland both of Washita; one sister, Distia Watkins of Exeter, CA; eight grandchildren; 20 ggrandchildren; and two gggrandchildren.  Funeral services were conducted Thursday. February 12 at Muddy Creek Church of God with the Revs. Marcus Phillips and Jodi Anderson officiating.  Active pallbearers were: Leon Anderson, Kenneth Norman, Ray Anderson, Bob Anderson, Lloyd Wayne Anderson and Don Reynolds.   Burial was in Reed Cemetery under the direction of the Thornton Funeral Service of Mount Ida

The El Paso Times (in Texas) November 17, 1992
Clark KNIGHT
Clark Knight, 85, passed away Monday, November 16, 1992. He was a resident of El Paso since 1929. He was born in Mt. Ida, Arkansas in 1907.  His parents were Abner B. and Missouri Carlisle Knight.  He was raised by his grandparents Thomas M. and Octavia Maddox Knight who worked the mill on the Caddo River. Clark attended the Lone Star School in Montgomery County, Arkansas. He moved with his family to Wetumpka, OK and to Las Cruces, NM.  He attended Oklahoma A&M at Stillwater. He worked for the El Paso Electric Company, Car Parts Depot, was employed by Piggly Wiggly for 20 years, and was co-owner of Acme Refrigeration Company.  He was a member of Fraternity Lodge #1111 AF & AM and Trinity Methodist Church.  He had been a pilot and was an avid golfer having made two holes in one after the age of 70.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarice S. Knight.  He is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, ....of Houston, TX and .... of El Paso; four grandchildren, .... who attend Rice University, .... who attends Vanderbilt University and ..... who attends Moorehead Junior High. Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Friday at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Courtesy of  Mary McGarr Posted 30 Sept. 2000

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 24 January 2007
MOUNT IDA - Dr. Johnny M. Lamb, retired USAF Colonel, of Mount Ida, passed away at home Jan. 18, 2007. He was born August 31, 1940 in Little Rock, Ark., to John Mc-Farland Lamb and Lola Roberts Lamb, and was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Lamb. He graduated in 1972 from Hendrix College and spent one year in Argentina as a Fulbright scholar. In 1966 he graduated from University of Arkansas Medical School. After training at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., and Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., he became a surgical oncologist. He served for 20 years in the United States Air Force and was chief of surgery at Kessler AFB and Travis AFB. In addition, he trained surgical residents and was a military medical advisor to the surgeon general. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he was a surgeon at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo, Calif. John always wanted to return to his native Arkansas and did so along with his wife, Kathleen in 1992. Before retiring, he worked as an ER doctor at Mena Medical Center and was a doctor at W.A.T.C.H Clinic in Mena. His wife, Kathleen; and children, John Scott Lamb, Jennifer Lamb and Jayson Lamb; and brother, Don Lamb survive him. John will be missed by all who knew him for his kindness, gentle good humor and caring nature. The service will be Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. at Grace Bible Church in Mena, Ark., Brothers Charles Ballentine and John Ballentine officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the following: Christian Mission Ministry, 4107 Hwy. 270 W., Pencil Bluff, Ark. 71965, and to Mena Regional Home Health and Hospice, 311 N. Morrow Ave., Mena, Ark. Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, Mt. Ida, Ark.

Montgomery County Herald Jun 8. 1927    
Elizabeth LAMBERT
On June 8th angels visited the home of Mr. Morgan Lambert, and called his wife Mrs. Lambert, aged 81 years. Survived by her husband, 3 daughters, 4 sons, one sister and three brothers.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev James Roland.  She was laid laid to rest at the Reed Cemetery in the presence of many friends and relatives

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Friday, March 30, 2001
Mount Ida -- Harris LENARD, age 81, of Mt. Ida passed away Wednesday, March
28, 2001, in Mt. Ida. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 31, 2001, at 3 p.m. at the Pine Ridge Pentecostal Church with Rev. Charles Ballentine officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
Note: Harris Lenard's mother was Bertie Wilhite Lenard, a sister to Ann Wilhite Goodner, last m, to two eyed Tom Wilhite, also a sister to Melvina Wilhite Hicks.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 3 June 2005
ODEN - Raymond Lenard, age 75, of Oden, Arkansas, passed away June 1, 2005, at his home. Services will be Friday, June 3, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Pine Ridge Union Pentecostal Church. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Mena Star
Odie Ocus "O.O." LILES 
Odie Ocus "O.O." Liles,  age 91, of Heavener, OK, formerly of Mena, AR. passed away Friday, April 26, 2002, in Oklahoma. He was born October 12, 1910 in Pine Ridge, AR, to the late Alf Liles and the late Pearl Ann Wimberly Liles. On January 12, 1938, he was united in marriage to Helen Meuser in Mena. He served on the Mena Police Force for 22 years, 17 of those years he served as the Police Chief. He was also a retired rancher and of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the Odd fellow Association. He was a loving father, husband, and grandfather. Survivors include..... He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brothers Lloyd Liles, Jack Liles, Joffery Liles, Othel Liles, and George Liles. Funeral Services were Monday, April l29, 2002, at 2. 00 p.m. in the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gaylan Cope officiating. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Memorial Park, Pallbearers were Leroy Friend, James Hopper, Lee Quinn, Raymond Yahn, Marvin Yahn, Darrell Morphew, Scott Liles and Wayne Jones. Memorials  may be made to the Alzheimer's' Association.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette 13 May 2006
MODESTO, Calif. - Mary Grace Liles, 72, of Modesto, California, formerly of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, died Saturday, May 6, 2006, in Modesto. Services are Saturday, May 13, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Cherry Hill Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Montgomery County News  Sept. 1997
 Lois Sheffield LINBARGER
 Former Mount Ida native Lois Sheffield Linbarger, 81, of Farmers Branch, Texas died September 2, 1997, in her home.  Funeral arrangements are not complete at this time.

Montgomery County News  16 March 2000   
 Delsie I. LOOPER  
Malven - Delsie Irene Looper, 70, of Malvern, died Saturday March 11, 2000, at a local hospital.  Born September 14, 1929, at Mount Ida to Oscar and Rosemond Captola Snow Noakes Gossett, she was a retired Wal-Mart employee and a member of the Mount Zoin Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Looper. Survivors include four sons..., five brothers..., three sisters..., three daughters..., 18 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.. Services were at 10;00 AM March 14 at Atkins on Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wesley Howard officiating.  Pallbearers were... Burial was at Big fir Cemetery, Mount Ida.

Mena Star April 22, 2004 Nellie LYONS
Nellie Lyons, age 91, of Mount Ida, Ark., died Tuesday April 13, 2004
    She was born on August 3, 1909, at Gaston, the daughter of Warren and Drucilla Rowton Warren.
    On June 8, 1929, she was married to Robert Bee Lyons, who preceded her in death on August 6, 1982. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Karon Judy Lyons...., two brothers, Elbert and Kirby Lyons and two sisters, Cora Scott and Ocyavia Graham.... Interment was in Gaston cemetery, under the direction of Davis-Smith, Glenwood

Monterey Peninsula Herald
Tuesday, October 26, 1982, page 4
Charles Perry Moran
Charles Perry MORAN, 71, a resident of the Monterey Peninsula for 46 years, died Sunday at his home in Palo Colorado Canyon following a period of failing health. A native of Caddo Gap, Ark., he was born Oct. 16, 1911. Mr. Moran was a carpenter by trade. His wife, Vera, died Nov. 14, 1971. He is survived by a son, Charles P. MORAN Jr. of Little Deer Island, Maine; daughter, Mrs. Myrtle FALKENBERG of Palo Colorado Canyon; sister, Lorean LUMAN of Memphis, Tenn., as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Friends may gather at the Paul Mortuary Wednesday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at San Carlos Catholic Cemetery in Monterey.


Wabash Pearl 8-2-17 Robinson Public Library
WILLIAM S. APPLE
William S. Apple, the second son of Eunice and Jeremiah Apple, was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, August 28, 1848.
As a boy he moved with his father's family to a farm near Terre Haute, Indiana where they lived until 1867. The family then moved to Crawford County, Illinois and lived on a farm north of Robinson.
At the age of 26, he came to LaMotte Prairie and on September 29, 1878 he was married to Mrs. Sarah Decker Lisman. To this union three children were born.
He moved his family to Robinson in 1888 to obtain the benefit of better schools and for the remainder of his life had as his one ambition, the education and welfare of his children. After the children completed the work in the Robinson schools the family moved to Champaign, Ill. and the State University remaining there until 1903 when he came back to what is known as the John Decker farm where he spent the remainder of his life. He united with the First Presbyterian Church Sunday, November 25, 1916, while Rev. Lawrence was pastor. On the evening of July 26, 1917 after two and one-half years of__, at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 28 days. His death is the first break in the family circle and brings with it the keen appreciation of the loving and thotful (thoughtful) father who has been lost. Those who survive him are his widow, two sons, Chas. E. Caddo Gap, Ark., John Emerson, of Tulsa, Okla., and daughter Mary Ghloe at home, 5 grandchildren, one sister Mrs. Mary Sentney of Willow Hill, IL., Caleb H., Cyrus S., U. G. and James S. , all of Palestine, three sisters having proceeded him in death.

Funeral Directors

The maker doesn't want it, the buyer doesn't use it, and the user doesn't see it.. What is it?

Thornton Funeral Home
211 Luzerne St. 
Mt Ida, AR 71957
Phone: (870)867-2001
Established in 1949.  The funeral home was burnt down in the 1980's so have only some records from the 1970's to present. Their records are confidential and they do not file the obituaries out of the local paper. The funeral home is located directly opposite the Mt. Ida Cemetery.

Davis-Smith Funeral Home now Smith Family Funeral Homes since 29 Dec. 2021, website On December 29, 2021, Smith Family Funeral Homes co-owners, Jeff and Leslie Smith, acquired the two Davis-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Hot Springs and Glenwood from Everett, Tony and Ladonna Smith.
209 North 3rd Street, Glenwood, AR
AR 71943
Phone: (870) 356-2114

Davis-Smith Established 1935.  Their records are filed by surname.  Their records only go back to 1950 and information is scant in these earlier records.  Obituaries out of the local paper are filed with the recent records. http://www.davissmithfuneralhome.com

Caruth-Hale Funeral Home
155 Section Line Rd,
Hot Springs, AR 71913-6431
Phone: (501)525-0055

Caruth Funeral Home Records, Hot Springs, AR / abstracted by Lewis C. Stephens. Hot Springs, AR : Arkansas Ancestors, c1989.  Vol.1. 14 Jul 1909 to 31 Dec 1970 -- Vol. 2.  1 Jan. 1971 to 31 Dec. 1990. Loose bound. Copied from old earliest  records of Caruth Funeral Home. Found in libraries in Hot Springs and Little Rock. The records include the deceases name, DOB, DOD, spouse and parents names. ?Records dating back to late 1890s also are available there at the Garland County historical society.

Gross Funeral Home
120 Wrights St, Hot Springs, AR  71913-6239
Phone: (501)624-1244
History May 2003 a fire damaged the facility.  The building will be rebuilt. Records were microfilm in 1974 and are available at the Arkansas Historical Collection, Little Rock. James B. McCaffrey moved to Hot Springs in 1874 to become the first undertaker in Hot Springs. His first partner was Gus Buchanan who left in 1883 to become a banker. McCaffrey then hired Bernard "Billy" Gross. McCaffrey died in 1886 and Gross purchased full interest in the firm and changed the name to B. Gross, Embalmer & Undertaker. In 1900 he helped organize the first ArkansasFfuneral Directors Association and in 1910 bought the first ambulance service to Hot Springs. In 1919 Billy Gross died at Levi Hospital. In 1910 George H. Brenner, wife Katherine and her brother George J. Ellenbrook joined the firm. The facility burned to the ground c. 1922. In 1972 the firm was sold to Griffin Leggett Healy & Roth the states largest funeral home operation. In 1982 the funeral home moved to Wright's Lane off Higdon Ferry Road. A crematory was installed in 1988.

Gross Funeral Home Records / by Lewis C. Stephens. Hot Springs, AR : L.C. Stephens, 1991- .  Apr. 18, 1874 to May 30, 1921. Found in libraries e.g. Hot Springs, Little Rock, Clayton Library Houston, TX.

Gross Funeral home Records - Hot Springs, Arkansas 16,435 Records from January 1, 1958 to December 31, 1992.
Deceased FND Death Date Birth Date Spouse Father Mother Cem
Bauerschmidt, Mike Sep 29 1900 - Jul 5 1988 Martin Bauerschmidt Grace Horn Blish Cemetery
Morrison, William H. (Dutch) Sep 22 1968 - Feb 25 1906 Johnie L. John Morrison Mary Luft. Gaston Cemetery
Singleton, Ezra Marion Dec. 12 1961 - June 29 1884. Father: George M. Singleton. Mother: Delia Carney. PLHI
Singleton, Melvin Feb 10 1979 -May 8 1905. Nora Bates : Elbert Singleton : Emma Pruitt. AR
Smith, Nellie Beatrice Oct 14 1985 - Feb. 13 1903 Oliver - M.C. Roberts : Clara Shipman. Gaston Cemetery
Warneke, Lonnie Jun 23 1976 - Mar 28 1909 Charlyne Louis Warneke: Belle Scott. Owley Cemetery

Extractions from the oldest records of Gross Mortuary/Funeral Home in Hot Springs, AR.
Joseph P. Smith by W.D. Smith Story, Arkansas Feb 1, 1852 -- Jun 26, 1925 (NE of Mt. Ida, AR)
Mary Almeda Smith [mother] by Sam Smith O'neal Cemetery Mar 31, 1869 -- Dec 29, 1898 Mt. Ida, Arkansas
Archie Smith by S.L. Smith Nelson Cemetery Jan 4, 1898 -- Aug 30, 1913
S.M. Smith by Gean Smith Mt. Ida Cemetery Sept 10, 1830 -- Feb 14, 1902 Mt. Ida, Arkansas
Mary A. Smith by Gean Smith Mt. Ida Cemetery Aug 15, 1848 -- Oct 17, 1883 Mt. Ida, Arkansas
Willie H. Smith by Mrs. H.M. Smith Womble, Arkansas Sept 1, 1895 -- May 20, 1916
Delsie Davis Smith by W.M. Davis Mt. Ida, Arkansas Nov 2, 1904 -- Apr 24, 1928

Random Smith deaths & burials
Peter Smith Cemetery Garland County, Arkansas
Peter Smith died July 23, 1876 age 60 yrs 6mos 15 days [erected by his wife, Sarah Smith]
Sarah Smith May 18, 1819 to Aug 15, 1896 age 77yrs 2mos. 27days
[from the H.S. Monument Records, she is the one that a monument was purchased to be installed at Beandry, Arkansas]
Peter Smith & Sarah Smith are both found in the 1850 Federal Census for ARK, in Mountain Twsp., Montgomery County.
The following are also buried in this cemetery.
Janette Smith slate marker, unreadable, no dates
Joice Elizabeth Smith d/o Peter & Sarah, died Apr 21, 1856, age 12 yrs 3
mos. 8days Stone/marker broken in 3 places
Sarah Smith slate marker with no dates or unreadable

Geyer-Quillin Funeral Home
400 Mena St,
Mena, AR 71953-3336
Phone: (501)394-2261

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home
611 Janssen Ave
Mena, AR 71953-3223
Phone: (501)394-1310
Established in 1932.  Their records are filed by date of death. Need to know DOD if you make an enquiry.
Beasley-Wood Funeral Home records  6 Feb 1928-5 Mar 1932  history

Bowser Family Funeral Home was Halls.
2608 Hwy 71 South
Mena, AR 71953
479-394-4477
Toll Free: 888-394-4477

Mena Memorials (headstones)
1129 Hwy 71 South Mena, AR 71953
501 394-3590
This is the oldest firm in Mena. (20 years in business) They keep a portfolio, headstones in photo albums. Mena, AR has three monument markers.  Main St Monument (400 Main St) and Stripe Monument (20601 Main St.)

Also check the Polk County Library for funeral directors records. The records contain good biographical information i.e. name of father and his birthplace, maiden name of mother and her birthplace, religion, DOB and place, occupation as well as funeral expenses. e.g.
John H. Wilhite died July 4, 1933 in Mena and was buried at Board Camp aged 87.
Casket                             $45.00
Hearse                            $16.00
Removal Charges            $3.00
Personal Services         $10.00
Minister                            $1.00
Funeral charges total    $74.30

Cremation vs. burial

In 2013 the cost of a funeral was about $6,500 including a typical casket of $2,000. A cremation typically costs a third, about $1,600 and a direct cremation, without a memorial service, the cost can be well below $1,000.  There can be a cost for interring the urn. You don't have to buy a burial space. There are many options for permanent memorials, e.g. cemeteries, gardens, coral reef out at sea etc.. Every year in the States 2.3 million people die. In 2011 42% were cremated. That is double the rate 15 years ago. It varies by state. About 9% are cremated in Montgomery Co. AR. So, why the jump in cremations?  The cost, it is a third of the price. It is practical as we are running out of cemetery space in some places. Many people live thousands of miles away from their home town and want to be buried by their parents so it is a practicable way and cost effective method to achieve their wishes. The Catholic Church has relaxed their policies on cremations. Up into 1963 it was outlawed but the church still prefers burials. Cremated remains may be scattered over uninhabited public lands, a public waterway or sea, subject to health and environmental standards, or on the private property of a consenting owner, if they are reduced to a particle size of one-eighth (1/8) inch or less. A person may utilize a boat or airplane to perform such scattering. Cremated remains shall be removed from their closed container before they are scattered.

Hint: If you send a sympathy card to a friend, if possible enclose the death notice from the local paper, the family will appreciate this. A joy shared is doubled and a sorrow shared is halved!

Eulogies are from friends and relatives are a chance to bid a short, sweet goodbye.  The task of writing and delivering a eulogy is never easy. Eulogies are often filled with personal anecdotes - but choose shorter rather than longer stories. A good eulogy should be fairly personal and succinct, is able to capture the spirit of the deceased and to relate a few stories and remembrances of the person's life that in three to five minutes paints a picture. The best eulogies bring a smile, a nod, and glistening eyes to those mourning a loved one.  More people are clearing their throats to talk about those they loved and say goodbye. It maybe the hardest thing you ever have to do, keeping your composure and hitting just the right note in 5, 10 or 15 minutes is not easy. Get in the right frame of mind to do the job. This is the last time you will have to do something for that person who died, and it's up to you to do it. "Steel yourself to get through the situation because you'll never get another chance." Most times a funny story is needed - if not required - during a eulogy. Any funeral is by definition a very sad time. If you can find a way to brighten the moment and do it in a kind and gentle way, I think it helps everyone get through the situation.

Funeral Card Message:

Miss Me-
But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss Me a Little-But Not Too Long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss Me-But Let Me Go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
and each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me-But Let Me Go.

Hymns:

When the roll is called up yonder
I'll Fly Away
How Great Thou Art
In the Sweet by and by
When we all get to heaven


Thank you message:

Perhaps you sent a lovely card,
Or sat quietly in a chair,
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray,
If so we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
As any friend could say;
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us that day,
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part,

The family of

In Memoriam:

We never said a last farewell.
Or even said goodbye.
You left us all before we knew it.
And only God knows why.
Sadly missed by

Near a shady wall a rose once grew
Budded and blossomed in God's free light.
Watered and fed, by morning dew
Shedding its sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride;
It followed the light thro' the crevice length
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view,
Were found the same as they were before;
And it lost itself in beauty anew,
Breathing its fragrance, more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us more to grieve?
And make our courage faint or fall?
Nay, let us faith and hope receive;
The rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore
Just as it did on the other side
Just as it will forevermore.
May your heart in its wisdom know love endures and life is everlasting.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 37, 30 December 1843, Page 4
THE ROSE IN THE BURIAL-GROUND.
Meekly thou bend'st thy lowly head
To airs that lingering breathe around,
And shedd'st thy sweetness o'er the dead,
Thy tears on holy ground ;
And, longing for the blessed light, Dost chide the tardiness of night !

Where the serene are lying low
The brave their last lone bed have made-
How passing beautiful art thou,
In silence and in shade,
Thou type of fond remembrance  set
O'er one whom memory treasures yet !

Thou speak'st of long-lost memories
Of pleasure, in her golden noon,
Of hopes that blossom'd to the skies,
And witlier'd all too soon ;
Of the deep anguish of the soul 
The shatter'd wheel, the broken bowl.

And gentler thoughts than these  oh ! yes,
The sigh of love, the tear of grief
Shed o'er thee ; with the tender kiss
Imprinted on thy leaf ;
The heart's best blessings  though the grave
May close on them we cannot save.

An only sister may have brought
Thee in thy simple beauty here ;
Perchance a sorrowing mother sought
Her lost child's lowly bier ;
She loved him  and she wished to prove
To others how intense that love.

It may be that he sleeps, whose name,
Bright and unsullied, blameless, free,
Might have descended on the stream Of years to immortality.
Enough the final die is cast ;
The dream, the aspiration past !

It matters not ; the crowd shall pass
Thee by unheeded ; with the wane
And rise of moons, the long lank grass
Shall wreathe the stone again ;
And other hearts shall mourn their woes,
Even where the good and great repose !
by William Sinclair.  

 These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation.

Ye pioneers, it is to you
The debt of gratitude is due
Pearre