Rose Custer Hollis Bethell

Rose Custer Hollis Bethell, 94, of Fort Smith died Aug. 21, 2014, at home. She was born July 27, 1920, in Pine Bluff, Ark., the daughter of Rosa Lee Custer Hollis and Mack C. Hollis. Memorial celebration services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will follow immediately in the Narthex Reception area of the church. A private burial service at Woodlawn Memorial Park will precede the memorial service. Following a year at Hendrix College, Rose Custer Hollis graduated with honors as the top graduate in the school of Business and Statistics from the University of Arkansas. She became a member of Chi Omega Fraternity and continued as an active participant for 75 years, including 25 years on the House Corporation Board. After moving to Fort Smith, Rose became involved in all aspects of First United Methodist Church and the community. She became the first woman elected as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of First United Methodist Church and served in many other roles including chairperson of the Altar Guild for 20 years. Her civic involvement included President of Parent Teacher Associations for Ballman Elementary and Ramsey Junior High. Other civic contributions include a role in the establishing of the Bonneville House Association and serving as its President; working with the Fort Smith Public Library to form the Friends of the Library; and serving as President of the Board of Directors of the Fort Smith Girl Scout Council. She was an active member of the Wednesday Club, PEO, the Embroidery Guild, and a volunteer reader with first graders at Albert Pike Elementary School. Rose was selected as recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds by the Noon Exchange Club in 1980. Rose was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Edgar E. Bethell. She is survived by two daughters, Delia Rose Bethell and husband Gene Gandy of West Sacramento, Calif., Barbara Bethell of Muldrow, Okla.; and son, Bruce Hollis Bethell and wife Suzanne of Fort Smith. Survivors also include two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Amanda Dee Bethell Lawrence of Shreveport, La., and her children Eleanora Joanne and Andrew Robert; and Rev. Leslie Hollis Bethell Roper and husband Jeff Andrew Roper and their children Jordan Alexander and Daniel Hollis all of Batesville, Ark. Honorary pallbearers will be the Altar Guild of First United Methodist Church The family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring persons from Home Instead and Peachtree Hospice for the loving care they have given to our Mother. Memorial donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Fort Smith, Ark., 72901 or The Friends of the Library 3201 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, Ark., 72903 or the charity of donors' choice. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.