Obituaries

Evelyn M. Bast

Evelyn M. Bast of Hot Springs died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at Lakewood Nursing Home in Hot Springs, Ark. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Robert Marlar, Oma Morrison and Arthur Bast and by her parents, William and Molly Bagley; three sisters, Jewel Hemp, Clara Marlar, and Delia Bowerman; as well as three brothers, Herbert, Doyle and James Bagley. She was also preceded in death by two children, Patricia Ann Bryant and Richard Marlar and one grandson, Timothy Bryant. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Chikar and Carolyn Mebane and two sons, Dennis and Joseph Morrison as well as 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was born July 17, 1925 in Hope, Ark. A child of the Great Depression, she was the middle child of seven and worked hard all her life – at home, raising her six children, growing a huge garden, cooking and canning – in addition to working outside the home to help augment the family income. The crowded household often included other relatives who needed assistance. When she and her husband, Oma Morrison, of 54 years were at retirement age, they had to face the heartbreak of Alzheimer's disease. After his death in 1999, she was truly blessed when the Lord brought her together with the loving husband, Arthur Pleasant Bast. They had eight wonderful years together before his death at age 93. During that time she learned how to laugh, love and return to the church, as well as their daily devotionals together. She was able to pass the time with friendly games of dominoes, cards or bingo and to enjoy being with friends and family. She always enjoyed raising flowers and taking care of their many houseplants – pansies being her favorite. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Oaklawn United Methodist Church with Pastor Fred Hunter officiating. Pallbearers will be Anthony and Stanley Bryant, Patrick and Bo Minton, John and Kyle Morrison. Private burial will be in Crestview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice (in lieu of flowers) or the church or charity of choice. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Gross Funeral Home. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com.

Published January 29, 2012

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