Contributed Obituaries, "S" Surnames

MISCELLANEOUS SCOTT COUNTY OBITUARIES
SURNAME "S"

The following obituaries were contributed for the use of Scott County researchers. If you have an obituary with a Scott County connection and would like to have it posted here, please send it to Delaine Edwards.

Last Updated 9 October 2008

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat
(Online edition)
Tuesday, March 22, 2007
RICKY SALLEE

Ricky Ray Sallee, 50, of Bakersfield, Calif. died Friday, March 4, 2005, in Bakersfield. He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Cline Sallee and his mother, Elouise "Hunt" Sallee. Burial was Friday, March 11, 2005, at Chant Cemetery at Y City under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by two daughters, Ashley and Kimberly Sallee; two sons, Eric and Nicholas Sallee; and three brothers, Jack Sallee of Little Rock, Jerry Sallee of Fort Smith and Tracy Sallee of Texarkana, Ark.

Contributed by Sandi Suggs

ANNA FAYE BLACKWELL SAMPLER

Mrs. Anna Faye Sampler died in the Adair hospital at Clarendon Sept. 23. She had not been sick but a short time, but her condition grew worse and she was taken to the hospital Saturday and died Sunday. Mrs. Sampler was born Feb. 16, 1919. She was converted in 1932 at Bray. She was married to Ralph Sampler Dec. 17, 1933 at McKnight. She is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.S. Blackwell, her brothers, Rube, Lowell and Huey Lee Blackwell, her sisters, Mrs. Bertha Koontz of Clarendon, Mrs. Eunice Johnson and Mrs. Ollie Malone. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Sunday, Sept. 23 at the First Baptist church, conducted by Rev. M.E. Wells. And another young life has gone out to meet the Father who gave it. Her young husband is left so lonely, and mother and father, brothers and sisters hearts are bleeding because of her passing. But how consoling the thought that you may some day be reunited around the Great White Throne, where heartaches are not known and where we can dwell together throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity, where there is no separation and where all is well and we are happy who live for the Master in Heaven. She is free from pain now as she lies in her tomb, resting from all her labors. Loved ones, you may not grieve as those who have no hope, but have the consolation that she gave her heart to God and passed from death unto life. A Friend.

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener (OK) Ledger
Thursday, 04 August 2008
CURIA SCOTT

Curia Genevieve (Forman) Scott, 83, of Hodgen, passed away Satgurday, August 6, 2008, in Hodgen. She was born March 6, 1925, in Hodgen, to John Foreman and Iona (Talley) Foreman. She was a life-long resident of the Hodgen area and a member of the Stapp-Zoe Baptist Church. She is survived by four daughters, Bert Burden, of Oklahoma City, Janna Byrd, of Hodgen, Lynda Long and husband Mel, of Howe, Deanna Scribner and husband Dale, of Edmond; three sons, Bill Connall and wife Etta, of Vale, Okla., Ceb Scott and wife Annette, of Zoe, Scotty Scott and wife Tresa of Hodgen; three sisters, Mary Birmingham, of Grove, Okla., Betty Sue Deere, of Waldron, Ark., Wanda Sherril, of Blanchard, Okla., 18 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband C.O. (Scotty) Scott and an infant daughtrer, Bonnie Sue Scott.

Contributed by Bryce Self
January 25, 2005
JAMES ALVIN EUGENE "GENE" SELF

James Alvin Eugene “Gene” Self, 79, of Grand Junction, Colorado passed from this life on Sunday, January 23, 2005 at a hospital in Denver from complications of pneumonia. Mr. Self was born February 10, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest of four children, to Arvil Almer and Fern Ruth (Huston) Self. Gene was raised on the family place near Greenridge and carried with him a lifelong delight in the wooded hills and waters of his childhood home in Scott county. As a teenager, he lived for a time with his eldest brother, Beryl, near Kansas City, and graduated there in 1942 from Pleasant Hill High School. Soon afterward he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving during W.W.II as a military policeman in the Pacific Theatre. Seven months after his discharge, Gene was married on May 24, 1947, in Fort Smith to Miss Doris Marie Speaks, daughter of Jesse H. and Pearl Josephine (Black) Speaks. No children were born to this union, which ended in divorce in 1952 in Tulsa. It was there that Mr. Self remarried on March 25 1956 to Virginia Mae (Peet) Kruger of Alden, Iowa, the youngest of twelve children of Edward Wheelock and Nellie Hart (Hogeland) Peet. By this marriage, Gene became stepfather to Ricky Lane Kruger, whom he loved as his own. Gene and Virginia’s two children together were Jeanine, who died in infancy, and Bryce Wheelock Self. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1961 in Muskogee. Mr. Self never married again, and afterward lost contact with his family back home. Arvil and Fern never saw their youngest son again. Gene’s mother went on to be with her Lord in 1975. His father survived, a fixture in many Scott county lives and hearts until 1993, when he departed at the age of 101. A few years before, Gene’s son Bryce had sought and found his father’s family, and was honored to bring to Arvil’s last years some measure of comfort for Gene’s disappearance. On Christmas Eve of 1994, Bryce traveled to Grand Junction to meet his Dad for the first time in over 30 years. The following summer, Bryce accompanied Gene back to the old home to be reunited with his remaining brother and sister, Bill Self and Freddye Martin. Within six months, Mrs. Martin has also passed away, and Gene was always grateful for that brief but happy reunion. Mr. Self was predeceased by his parents, sister, eldest brother, daughter, stepson, and first wife. He is survived by his son Bryce of Redwood City, California, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Ruth Self, numerous nieces and nephews with their families, former wife Virginia Taylor of Ceres, California, and a special friend and neighbor, Pat Lewis of Grand Junction, Colorado, whose care, aid and friendship has been profoundly appreciated. Special thanks are due for superb care to the following and their staffs: Dr. Cordoban and Veterans’ Hospital of Grand Junction, Dr. Bechtel and St. Mary’s Hospital of Grand Junction, and Dr. Yaeger and Kindred Hospital of Denver. The personal attendance of his nurse Tammy as Gene left us was especially meaningful and appreciated. Arrangements are in care of All-Veteran’s Mortuary of Denver, Colorado. Services and interment will take place at a future date in the Self family plot of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association. There is a safe and everlasting home for all prodigals in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Contributed by Jeanette Shiel
MARGE RUDOLPH "MICKEY" SHIEL

HADLEY -- Marge Rudolph "Mickey" Shiel, age 81, of Third Avenue, died Monday morning, Feb. 21, 2005, at his home. Born on April 7, 1923, in Booth, Ark., he was the youngest of five children of Rudolph and Rebecca (Starr) Shiel. Mickey served in the United States Army during World War II in Italy and Africa in the military police, and had earned the Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and two bronze service stars prior to his honorable discharge in November of 1945. He married Ida Scofield on April 6, 1955, at the Rockwell Falls Presbyterian Church, Lake Luzerne, with the Rev. H. Borden Adams, presiding. He was a life member of the Hudson Sacandaga V.F.W. Post No. 5836, Hadley and a member of the William J. Varney American Legion Post 862, Lake Luzerne. Mickey had worked for the town of Hadley for many years and had also operated a barber shop in Lake Luzerne and Hadley for several years. He had worked on construction and his last employment was for the transportation department of The Sagamore resort in Bolton Landing. Mickey was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Emile Shiel and Edward Shiel; one sister, Clara Carson; and two nephews; Joseph Shiel and Wayne Shiel. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Ida Shiel of Hadley; two daughters and four sons: Roger Boor of Queensbury, Deborah Kirkpatrick and her husband, Paul, of Stony Creek, Julie Wait of Luray, Va., Randy Shiel and his companion, Marla, of Hadley, Eric Shiel and his companion, Lena, of Lake Luzerne, and Kevin Shiel and his wife, Amy, of Saratoga Springs; seven grandchildren: Ronald Myers of Lake Luzerne, Nicholas Myers of Stony Creek, Rudy Wait of Schuylerville, Robin Wait of Luray, Va., Amanda Shiel of Hadley, Serena Shiel of Saratoga and Eric Shiel of Lake Luzerne; one sister, Josephine Fuller of Corinth; a sister-in-law, Helen Allen of Lake Luzerne; one niece, Carol Sim of British Columbia; three nephews, Robert Shiel of Lake Luzerne, John Carson of Greenwich and Gary Fuller of Corinth and their extended families. Special thanks to Nia Miller for her daily help and care and Dr. Pitkin for his weekly visits. At Mickey's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services scheduled. Burial with full military honors will be at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Mickey's memory may be directed to the Hadley-Luzerne Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 215, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Brewer Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Church St., Lake Luzerne.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau (Oklahoma) Daily News (Electronic version)
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
HAZEL LEE SIMMONS

Hazel Lee Simmons, 93, of Heavener passed away Monday, June 7, 2004 in Heavener. She was a lifelong resident of the area. She was of the Baptist faith and a homemaker. Suvivors include four nieces, Mary Evelyn Sunderman of Willows, Calif., Teresa Manas of Winters, Calif., Margie Evans of Waldron, Ark. and Georgia Sue Shaddon of Panama; one nephew, Ernest Hattabaugh of Vacaville, Calif; a host of great-nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 10 at Dowden Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery at Heavener under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
MAUDIE ELLEN (DOYLE) SIMMONS

Maudie Ellen Simmons, 67, of Rt. 1 Box 234, Pasco WA died Monday February 3, 1975 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She was born in Bates, AR, moved to Washington in 1960 from Bakersfield, CA and lived in the Pasco area since 1967. She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include daughters, Juanita Tucker and Betty Haworth, both Pasco, brother Bill Doyle, Heavener, OK, sister, Carnella Elliott, Bakersfield, CA and Viola Coughern, Hodgen, Okla.; four grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Burial in City View Cemetery.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
NUEL SYLVESTER SIMMONS

Nuel Sylvester Simmons, born February 28, 1900 in Wing Ark. Died Sunday November 8, 1970. Retired Lane Wells Perforator. He died of Black Lung Disease from working in the coalmines and oil fields. He is survived by brothers Aurtor Simmons of Cauthorn, Ark., Auburly Simmons, Oklahoma City, Okla.; sisters Mrs. W.C. (America) Wiles, of Rayville, LA, and Mrs. Ann Mathis, of Heavener, Okla. Burial in City View Cemetery.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
Heavener Legend
MANDY (DOYLE) SISCO

Mrs. Willie Sisco died at her home, two miles South of Hodgens at 7:20 o'clock, last Saturday after a short illness of six weeks. She was born September 26, 1911 at Black Fork, Arkansas and moved to Hodgens in 1918 and has lived close around ever since. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Doyle and was united in marriage to Willie Sisco in July, 1926. She is survived by a husband; a six-week-old son, mother and five sisters, also two brothers, all of whom were present when she passed away. For the past two years, Mrs. Sisco has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Hodgens. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. W. Westmoreland, of Heavener at two-thirty Sunday afternoon at the Baptist Church in Hodgens.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
Wednesday, September 8,2004
CLAUDIE O. SKINNER
Claudie O. Skinner, 85, of Poteau, passed away Monday Sept. 6, 2004. She was born Feb. 14, 1919, at Cauthron, Ark. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Poteau for 60+ years. She was a member of DAV Auxiliary and a nurse (retired). Survivors include her husband, Luther E. Skinner of the home; two sons, Garry Skinner of Cameron and Carl Edward Skinner of DeBerry, Texas; three sisters, Jean Shaw of Poteau, Jimmie Baldwin of Wister and Ophelia Plummer of Idabel; one brother, Carl Latta of Chickasha; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and loved ones; and a host of beloved friends. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Evans Chapel of Memories at Poteau with the Rev. Roger Mattox officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery at Poteau under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. Pallbearers will be Larry Baldwin, Brandon Basldwin, Caleb Baldwin, Ben Baldwin, J.T. Baldwin and Josh Baldwin.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, 22 July 2005
MARY SMITH

RATCLIFF — Mary Jane P. Smith, 78, of Ratcliff died Wednesday, July 20, 2005, in Ozark. She was born Oct. 12, 1926, in Pennyfarms, Fla. She was a sewing machine operator in New York and a member of Ozark Seventh- day Adventist. No services are scheduled. The body was cremated under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark. She is survived by three daughters, Maella Smith of Ratcliff, Ellen Kinney of Illion, N.Y., and Esther Smith of Waldron; a son, Raymond Smith of Clinton, N.Y.; three brothers, David Pointon of Johnstown, N.Y., Clifford of Pepperall, Mass., and Norman Pointon of Phoenix; seven grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times-Record Online edition
Thursday, 02 October 2008
JEAN SNELL

Jean Snell, 83, of Longview, Texas, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Good Shepard Hospital in Longview. She was born Nov. 30, 1924, in Waldron to Mae Beal and Claude Winters, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rocky Snell. She was a homemaker and member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1957. She is survived by one daughter, Paula Gamble and husband Martin of Chandler, Ariz.; one son, Jeff Sutton and wife Carol of Longview, Texas; one brother, Franklin Winters of Uniontown; three grandchildren, Josh and Jason Sutton and Daegen Kluxdal; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeral will be held Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home today from 5 to 7 p.m.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Sunday, 18 March 2007
JAMES SOLLEY

James Ronnie Solley, 64, of Mansfield, Ark. died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, in a Fort Smith hospital. He was a retired truck driver and a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. Funeral services were March 10, 2007, at First Baptist Church in Jenny Lind with burial at Old Jenny Lind Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. He is survived by a daughter, Tammy Taylor of Bella Vista; a brother, Don Solley of Greenwood; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jason and Keith Solley, Will and Brandon Robinson, Terry Bottoms and Johnny Chastain.

Contributed by David Eick
Orange County Register
Feb 2, 2001
IVA MAE SPARKS

COMMENTS: Iva was raised in the Winfield area of Scott County, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband Otis Sparks, her father, Frank C. Neff and mother Ersie Metcalf Neff, formerly of Winfield, Arkansas, and her brother Lee Hawthorne of Winfield. Her brother Vernon Neff, of Santa Ana, CA, recently preceded her, as did her sister Helen Audry Neff Murphy of Orange, CA. Burial will be this week at Sehorn Cemetery, Winfield, Arkansas.
David Eick, g-nephew and family history buff, Colorado

Iva Mae Sparks, 87, of Orange, a homemaker, died Jan. 31, 2001, of natural causes. Visitation: 3-8 p.m. today, Shannon-Donegan Mortuary, Orange. Services out of state. She is survived by daughter, Dorothy Harris; sons, Jerry DeWitt, Wayne Sparks; sisters, Opal Fitch, Mildred Farnsworth; brother, Don Neff; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
The Heavener Ledger
Thursday, December 18, 2003, p. 10
LORA STAFFORD

Lora Christine Stafford, 97, of Bates, Ark., died Friday, December 12, 2003 in Bates. She was a life long resident of the area and a member of the Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Weeks, Ark. Funeral services were Monday, December 15, 2003 at the Cedar Creek Baptist Church with burial in the Weeks Cemetery in Weeks, Ark., under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. She is survived by seven daughters, Wynona Evans of Heavener, Aylene Martindale of Bates, Ark., Freda Pierce of Waldron, Ark., Glenda Griffin of Bates, Ark., Maggie Scott of Nashville, Ark., Modine Hall of Pocola and Sandra Leonard of Oklahoma City; four sons, Fred J. Stafford of Lovings, Bobby D. Stafford of Bates, Ark., Samuel M. Stafford of McCurtain, Gary Stafford of Lovings; one sister, Edith Cavanaugh of Jacksonville, Florida; three brothers, Bill Stevens of Austin, Texas, Lloyd Stevens of San Antonio, Texas, Sam Stevens of San Antonio, Texas; 29 grandchildren; 58 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred; daughter, Geraldine.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Friday, 23 March 2007
DR. JOHN BEEN STEWART

Dr. John Been Stewart was born April 21, 1916, in Greenwood and died March 16, 2007, at the age of 90 from cancer in his home surrounded by a team of caregivers that God hand-picked. His life consisted of many accomplishments, beginning in the sawmill town of Forester, Ark., working for Vernon Carter in the company store. Continuing from that point he attended college and medical school. He was class president of the 1940 UAMS medical students. His residency was served at Park Lane Hospital in Dallas and six months before completion of that residency he was drafted into the U.S. Army Corps, where he was a flight surgeon in the 73rd Fighter Group, 318th Squadron. While serving in the Army, he was on five different islands in the Pacific. He returned home with the rank of major and a Bronze Star. He returned to Fort Smith to begin his medical practice with Dr. Jones, where he met Sue Jean Webster and made her his wife. He then began his own private practice with Dr. Bob Thompson, Dr. Jim Thompson and Dr. Ralph Kramer. They were broad ranging doctors, performing surgeries and delivering many babies in the Fort Smith and surrounding areas. Their practice was the last of the doctors that made house calls. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Noon Civics Club, Wilderness Club and the Snake Root Society. He is survived by two daughters, Stacie Ashcroft and husband Norm of Kansas City, Mo., and Ann Penn and husband David of Austin, Texas; one son, Jeb Stewart of Van Buren; three grandchildren, Eric Cobb of Madison, Wis., Amy Cobb of Phoenix, Ariz., and John David Penn of Austin; and three great-grandchildren, Josh, Erin and Morgan Cobb of Madison. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Stewart. Memorial services were March 21, 2007, at First United Methodist Church followed by a private entombment at First United Methodist Church Columbarium under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Following the memorial service, there was a celebration of his life at Hardscrabble Country Club. Memorials may be made to the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903; The Good Samaritan Clinic, 615 N. B St., Fort Smith AR, 72901; or Bost Foundation, 1801 S. 74th, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

Contributed by William Highfill
Heavener Ledger
Thursday, October 28, 2004
R. E. STINSON

R. E. Stinson, 79, of Muskogee, formerly of Waldron, passed away Wednesday, Octobber 20, 2004 in Catoosa. He was a longtime resident of the area and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 23, 2004 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron with burial in Weeks Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home, Heavener. He is survived by one daughter, Gail George and husband Vernon, of Catoosa; two sisters, Mona Brothers and Eupha Thompson, both of Bates, Arkansas and three grandchildren, Jeff George and wife, Julie, Justin and Melissa George. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose.

Contributed by William Highfill
Russellville Courier (online edition)
Thursday, 19 January 2006
DOYLE STOCKTON

CLARKSVILLE — Doyle Patrick Stockton, 36, of Lamar died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006, at Keokuk, Iowa. He was a millwright. Survivors include his wife, Pauline Ashalintubbi Stockton; a son, Corey Feikema of Clarksville; daughters, Lacy Stockton Wright of Benton, Mo., and Jamie Dodge Massey of Lamar; parents, John Dick and Doreen Hull Stockton of Lamar; a brother, Donald Joseph Stockton and wife, Dana, of Waldron; and grandchildren, Marland Massey and Lucas Wright. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Roller-Cox Chapel with the Rev. DeWayne Holland officiating. Burial will be in West Mount Zion Cemetery at Hartman by Roller-Cox Funeral Service. Pallbearers: Active — Jackie Flaherty, Tom Flaherty, Jeff Arnold, Vic Farmer, Donald Clark and George Floyd. Honorary — Ray Lockard and Jack Flaherty Jr. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, 21 July 2006
RICHARD STOKES

WALDRON — Richard Edward Stokes, 69, of Waldron died Thursday, July 13, 2006, in Fort Smith. He was born April 19, 1937, in Cushocton, Ohio. He was a maintenance supervisor for Kent State University. Graveside memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel of Fort Smith. He is survived by a daughter, Lela Stokes of Waldron; a son, Burton Stokes of Rootstown, Ohio; a sister, Virginia Hogue of Ravenna, Ohio; and two brothers, Bennie Leant of West Branch, Ohio, and Freddy Leant of Vermont.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Saturday, 02 February 2008
STEVEN STRANGE

Steven Strange, 54, of Jenny Lind, Ark. passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. He was self-employed in the concrete industry. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert. Survivors include his wife, Lisa of the home; one son, Joey Strange of Greenwood; two stepsons, Gerry Hamberger of Fort Smith and Josh Branham of the home; mother and stepfather, Josephine and William Hamilton of Huntington; two sisters, Brenda McCafferty of Somersworth, N.H., and Marsha Clark of Pocola; two brothers, Cecil Strange of Huntington and Leo Strange of Muldrow; and two grandchildren, Candance and Jordan Strange. Memorial services were Jan. 24, 2008, at Sehorn Cemetery in Winfield, Ark., under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny and Ronnie Patillo, Dan Long, Leo Strange Jr., Guy Strange and Daniel Strange.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
SABRINA MARIE STREETER

Sabrina Marie Streeter, 30, of Davidson, Mich., passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, in Flint, Mich. She was a 1992 graduate of Heavener High School and attended Carl Albert State College. She had been a resident of Davidson Mich. for the past three years. She was preceded in death by her father, James Streeter, paternal grandfather, Bud Streeter; maternal grandparents, Henry and Gertrude Ripley; and paternal grandmother, Retha Davis. Survivors include a daughter, Hannah Streeter of Davidson, Mich.; a son, Blake Streeter of Davidson, Mich.; her parents, Deborah and Joe Davis of Blackfork, Ark.; paternal grandparents, Sam Davis of Heavener, and Russ and Elaine Streeter of Houghton Lake, Mich.; a sister, Sharon Smith of Ozark, Ark.; two brothers, Leonard Joe Davis, stationed in Iraq and Jeff Sassen Hagen of Texas; several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Big Creek Baptist Church with burial in Blackfork Cemetery at Blackfork, Ark., under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Fountain of Grace Assembly of God Church, 2382 E. Mt. Morris Rd. in Mt. Morris, Mich.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times-Record (online edition)
13 September 2006
CHESTER JOHN "CHET" STROM

We mourn the loss of Chester John “Chet” Strom, who died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at his house in Booneville, at 93 years of age. Chet was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., on Aug. 17, 1913. As a young man, he worked in his father’s diner, “road the rails” for a while during the Depression and then joined the Navy before the war started. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and served in the Pacific during World War II. He was actively involved in the Battle for Midway and Guadalcanal. After the war, he switched to the newly established Air Force, from which he retired in 1960. Chet moved his large family, his wife, Sis, and seven children (six girls and one boy), to the Booneville area after retiring from the U.S. Air Force in October 1960. Two more children were born after coming to Arkansas. He operated a small farm in the Tate community for a few years before moving into Booneville with his family, and taking a job at Fort Chaffee as a refrigeration specialist. Chet was first a husband and a dad. But, he loved a good pipe, a good book, crossword puzzles, walking his dogs, gardening and telling stories to family and friends. He was a skilled “ham” radio operator. He love his country and was proud of his military service. And he especially loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He had just met his first great-grandchild the week before his died. He leaves a legacy of having touched thousands of live as his children pursued careers in service-oriented occupations. His smile and caring will be desperately missed. Chet and his wife, Sis, had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2006. He is a member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Booneville. He is survived by his wife, and nine children, Donna Strom of Booneville, Barbara Clare of Magazine, Judy Lovett of Waldron, Mary Petersen of Black River Falls, Wis., and John Strom, Tanya Berry, Patty Pyle, Tommy Strom and Joe Strom, all from Booneville; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be Mike Pyle, Gail Lovett, Johnny Lovett, Brady Oberman, Richard Lovett, Eddie Clare, Nathan Clare and Gary Masterson. Visitation 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. today at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Booneville. Mass services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Booneville with burial at 2 p.m. at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith with full military honor guard under the direction of Roller Funeral Home of Booneville.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
Wednesday, 05 March 2008
FINES FRANKLIN STURGEON

Fines Franklin Sturgeon, 88, of Poteau passed away March 2, 2008 at the Advance Care Hospital in Fort Smith, Ark. He was born Jan. 7, 1920 in Checotah to Fines and Nettie Sturgeon. He worked as a soil conservation engineer for 30 years and then for the OCC AML Program as Senior Project Inspector for 23 years. He was a member of the South Broadway Church of Christ, Poteau, and a veteran of WWII, and was recently presented with a certificate for surviving the Battle of the Bulge.He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joe Sturgeon, Everett Sturgeon, and Horace Sturgeon; a sister, Helen Pope; a grandson, Jeff Branch and a great-granddaughter, Brittney Cox. He is survived by his wife, Goldie Sturgeon of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Delores and Max Manlove of Poteau, Judy and Stanley Branch of Poteau and Brenda and Fred Woodral of Bates, Ark.; three brothers, Lonnie Sturgeon Bonnie Leo Sturgeon and Wayne Sturgeon; four sisters, Lois Gould, Nina Cunningham, Hazel Utley and Patsy Mayse; seven grandchildren, Mark Manlove, Eric Manlove (currently serving in Iraq), Terry Manlove, Tammy Cox, Melody Wood, Angelia Tolleson and Robert Randolph; 10 great-grandchildren, Jacob Manlove, Cathleen Manlove, Seth Manlove, Cody Cox, Kyla Wood, Britleigh Wood, Logan Randolph, Luke Randolph, Bryce Tolleson and Brayden Tolleson; numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 10 a.m. at the South Broadway Church of Christ, Poteau, with Rob Lungstrum officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.Pallbearers will be Terry Manlove, Cody Cox, Robert Randolph, Johnny Wood, Gene Sturgeon and Kenneth Risenhoover. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Manlove, Eric Manlove, Bob Cooper, B.T. Davis, Kenneth Ferguson, Hershel Lucas, Bill Wallace, Ed Abernathy and Mike Kastl.Evans and Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, is in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record (online edition)
Friday, 15 September 2006
SANDRA SWAIM

NATURAL DAM — Sandra Kay Swaim, 65, of Natural Dam died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, in a local hospital. She was a homemaker and attended Cornerstone Community Church in Cedarville. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday at Hall Cemetery Arbor in Natural Dam under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. She is survived by her husband, Earl; a daughter, Maelena Glass of Spotsylvania, Va.; four sons, Robert Ross of Arkoma, Frankie Ross of Waldron, Rodger Ross of Fort Smith and James Pendleton of Van Buren; a sister, Barbara Hudson of Fort Smith; three brothers, Richard and Johnnie House, both of Fort Smith, and Jim House of Dallas; 27 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.