Estelle June Sansom

Estelle June (nee Ruschell) Sansom was carried home to our Heavenly Father in the loving arms of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 19, 2015. She was born September 1, 1925 in Tampa, Florida, the daughter of Arthur Joseph and Nettie Mae (nee Mills) Ruschell. Estelle, known by many as "Boots," peacefully passed away in her home, surrounded with nearly nine decades of memories from her amazing life. As a 26-year "Navy wife" she traveled the globe with her husband, CTRC Richard Rae Sansom, USN (Ret), to assignments in San Diego, Hawaii, Maryland, Okinawa and Japan. Their final assignment was to West Fork in 1976 as they settled down to enjoy retirement atop Onda Mountain. Estelle was a member of First Baptist Church West Fork for 35 years and was the church clerk for nearly 25 of those years. She also taught Sunday School and was a Vacation Bible School regular. She greatly loved and was loved by every member of the congregation. She was a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star, an active supporter and volunteer to the West Fork Tiger Band, Meals on Wheels, Cooperative Emergency Outreach, and Prairie Grove Life Ministries. She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister and two brothers. Survivors include her son, CDR Richard T. "Sam" Sansom, USN (Ret), daughter Alexis J. Walker, both of West Fork; four grandchildren, Mary J. Sansom, MCPO Richard M. Sansom, USN, both of San Diego, MAJ Whitney P. Walker, USAF, of Fort Walton Beach, and ET2 Wesley M. Walker, USCG, of Sheboygan; and six great-grandchildren. A family only graveside service will be held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 1 p.m. Memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church West Fork on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, family asks that memorial donations be made to Friends of West Fork Library, Library Hall, 210 Garfield Ave., West Fork, Ark. 72774 or Life Ministries, 881 E. Stills Rd, Prairie Grove, Ark. 72753. Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.