Lorraine Kerksieck

Lorraine Marie Hooks Kerksieck passed away at home early Monday morning on December 16, 2013. She was 85 years old. She was predeceased by her husband, Julius Jackson Kerksieck, her infant daughter, Carol Jane Kerksieck, her parents, John and Elizabeth Makovec Hooks, her brother, Edward Hooks and her sister, Mary Jane "Jake" McKnight. Raised in Slovak, Arkansas, as a devout Catholic, she attended Mount Saint Mary's High School and Arkansas State Teachers College where she earned a degree in Business. She taught at Wiley School and Carlisle High School. She retired from teaching when she married her one true love, "J.J", and quickly took up homemaking and childrearing. She has happily resided in Ulm, Arkansas, since 1956, and as the family matriarch, enjoyed a full life made rich by her family and friends, favorite hobbies, such as gardening, sewing, quilting, mowing, and enjoying her pets and grand-pets. She was survived by her children, Joan O'Dwyer, Ann Kerksieck, John and Rana Kerksieck, Peck and Michele Kerksieck, her grandchildren, Libby and Chris Atkinson, Kelly O'Dwyer, Ashley Kerksieck, Emily Kerksieck and Jacob Jackson Kerksieck, one great-grandson, Ethan Atkinson, sister-in-law, Rosemary Hooks, and numerous nieces and nephews and relatives whom she loved dearly. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. by Father Phillip Reeves at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stuttgart with visitation at Turpin's Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. followed by a rosary service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to Holy Rosary Church and/or School or the charity of your choice. Please go to www.turpinco.com to sign the online guestbook.