Ara Kathleen Riedel Gresham

Ara Kathleen Riedel Gresham went home to Jesus on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, at the age of 96. Born May 9, 1920, in the Mount Olive community just west of Heber Springs, Ark., she was the only child of James Edward and Cordia Mae (Hulse) Riedel. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Guy, with whom she's reunited after five years – the longest they were ever apart. She is survived by son, Billy Gresham (Joan), of Heber Springs; daughters, Ara Sue Gresham of Little Rock and Lynda Perry (Terry) of Mabelvale; grandchildren, Jean Ann Burchfield (Gary), Randy Gresham (Janie), Danny Gresham (Debbie) and Lisa Castleman; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Kathleen started school in a one-room schoolhouse at McAnear. She went there through the eighth grade then attended high school at Heber Springs. She was the only pupil from the McAnear school in 1933 to go on to high school. She married William Guy Gresham on Feb. 10, 1934, and enjoyed 77 years and nine months of marriage to her best friend before his death in Nov. 2011, also at age 96. A hard worker all her life, Kathleen farmed, worked as a nurse for Dr. Gerald Pearce, and was a wonderful homemaker for over 83 years. She was famous for her fried pies which were prized by all fortunate enough to have tasted them. Kathleen was smart and funny, a loving wife and mother, a loyal friend and an enthusiastic traveler. She will be remembered lovingly for a life well lived. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Heber Springs and the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Home Care, Little Rock, for the wonderful care they gave Kathleen during her brief time there. Special thanks also to Aretha, Kayla and the sitters of First Choice Senior Care, especially Rosalind, for their kindness and around the clock care. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Heber Springs, with funeral service following at 11 a.m. Rev. Jeff Dial will officiate. Burial will be at Pearson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cleburne County Aging Program's Meals on Wheels, 320 Trailwood Drive, Heber Springs, or the Cleburne County Historical Society. www.olmstead.cc.