Bonnie Anthony Routon

Bonnie Anthony Routon, 85, a resident of Hope for most of her life, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Dec. 17, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A lifelong Methodist, she was proud of her volunteer work and substantial philanthropic support of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. She served on the UACCH Board of Visitors since its inception in 1996 and was secretary of the University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana Foundation Board of Trustees. She was the major donor to the college's foundation for construction of the Anthony-Routon Amphitheater on the front lawn of the Hope campus, which was dedicated in 2014. She also endowed a scholarship through the UAHT Foundation, in memory of her late husband Bill Routon (1924-2001), in 2006. Despite her deteriorating health, Mrs. Routon attended the college's 50th anniversary Golden Gala celebration in October, at which she was one of UACCH's special honorees. At different stages in her life, she devoted years of work as a journalist, an educator, a political and civic leader, and philanthropist. An avid reader of newspapers and books, she also enjoyed playing bridge in couples and ladies groups. Bonnie Marie Anthony Routon was born Jan. 15, 1930, in Murfreesboro to Graydon W. Anthony and Nina Marie Nelms Anthony. The family moved to Hope during her childhood, and she graduated from Hope High School, after which she attended Monticello College for Women in Godfrey, Ill. She married William Ralph "Bill" Routon on March 27, 1949, and they lived in Hope for the rest of their lives. She worked for the Hope Journal newspaper in the late 1940s as a reporter and society editor. After that, as grade-school coordinator assistant for Hope Public Schools, she started the first classes for students with developmental disabilities at Paisley School in 1950 at the request of longtime Superintendent James H. Jones. Much later, she returned to journalism as she founded her own publication, Hope Tracks, a monthly and later quarterly magazine devoted to the history of Hope and Southwest Arkansas, which was published for a number of years in the 1980's. Her work in politics and campaigns was highlighted by serving as one of Arkansas' delegates to the Republican National Convention of 1968 in Miami Beach, Fla. Over the years she was a member of the local Republican and Democratic women's groups. In the early 1970s, she returned to college at Henderson State College (now University) in Arkadelphia and finished her degree in English and Social Studies in 1974, graduating summa cum laude at the age of 44. She then became a teacher at Hope High School for more than a decade. Among the subjects she taught were Creative Writing, English, American History, Psychology, Sociology and Economics. During those years, she had a lasting impact on many HHS students and fellow teachers, who remained in contact with her for decades thereafter. Besides helping many charitable causes, she was a longstanding member of the Hope First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and led youth groups for 30 years. She also served on the boards of the Rose Hill Cemetery Association, Medical Park Hospital, Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives and the Hempstead County Arts Council. She was additionally involved through the years with the School of Hope, the Clinton Birthplace Foundation, Hope Writers/Storytellers, Daffodil Garden Club, Hope Junior Auxiliary, Hope Community Theater, Arkansas Press Women, Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, Dear Ole Town Club, and many more organizations. She is survived by her four children, Ralph Routon and wife Eileen of Manitou Springs, Colo.; District Judge Steve Routon and wife Barbara of Forrest City; Jane Routon Arnold and husband Mike of Little Rock; and John Routon of Hope. Also surviving are two brothers, Graydon Anthony and wife Barbara of Irving, Texas, and Rev. John F. Anthony and wife Connie of Dallas; 10 grandchildren, William Ralph Routon IV of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Mitchell Routon of Manitou Springs, Colo; Dr. Stephen Routon of Little Rock; David Routon of Bentonville; Hendrix Routon and Addison Routon of Hope, Annemarie Arnold and Curtis Arnold of Little Rock, Chad Arnold of Denver and Amanda Geddes-Smith of Seattle; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a sister, Becky Anthony. The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the Hospice of Texarkana/Hospice of Hope, whose dedicated efforts helped Mrs. Routon achieve her desire to spend her final days at home, enjoying final visits from her children and grandchildren. Services will be held in mid-January. Details will be announced soon by Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home. The family requests that any memorials might go to: UACCH Foundation, 2500 South Main, Hope, Ark. 71801; First United Methodist Church, 2300 South Main, Hope, Ark. 71801; School of Hope/ROC, 500 South Main, Hope, Ark. 71801. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.