Obituaries

Ethel Lorraine Mayes

Photo of Ethel Lorraine Mayes
Ethel Lorraine Tefteller Mayes, age 72, of Bella Vista, after a lengthy battle with cancer, crossed over into of arms of Jesus on the morning of April 22, 2017 at the Circle of Life in Springdale. She was born on Oct. 17, 1944 in Henderson, Texas, the daughter of James Wesley Tefteller Sr. and Beulah Mae Valentine Tefteller Her family later relocated to Elm Springs, Ark., where she met her husband, Richard Leroy Mayes, of Farmington, Ark. They were married in Elm Springs on May 1, 1959. They were married for 59 years and were the best of friends. Ethel was a devoted wife and mother. She loved being a home maker and made it her life's goal to maintain a welcoming home. Together they created a family full of adventure, creativity and fun. She was an accomplished decorator and enjoyed decorating homes for the family business. She was also a wonderful cook. Ethel loved entertaining and hosting poolside cookouts. She also loved to travel, camping, hiking, and fishing as well. Ethel had many hobbies but her favorite was being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. She was also a gifted career woman and business owner. She and her best friend owned and operated The Campus Beauty Shop and later Ann Lynne's in Springdale. In 1978 Ethel decided to leave the workforce. Many years later Richard encouraged her to pursue her dream. In 1991, Ethel began a successful new career as a real estate agent. She loved working at Lindsey and Associates and developed many close friendships. She was loved by her "Lindsey family." In addition to her parent's death, Ethel was preceded in death by her younger brother, Gordon Tefteller, who was hailed as a hero when he was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1967. Ethel was also preceded in death by three sisters; Audrey Tefteller Turner, Dorothy Tefteller Stone, and Shirley Tefteller Boatwright, and her brother James Wesley Tefteller Jr. She is survived by two brothers, Eddie Tefteller of Palm Springs, Calif., and Hubert Tefteller of Covington, Texas. She is also survived by her loving husband, Richard Leroy Mayes, and their four children; Ricky Gordon Mayes. Lisa Michelle Mayes Woods, Matthew Kyle Mayes and Jason Robert Mayes and her thirteen grandchildren all of northwest Arkansas. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday May 02, 2017 at Cross Church, 1709 Johnson Road Springdale, Ark. 72764, with the Reverend Charlie Foster and Bob Mayes officiating, under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home 3926 Willowood Ave. Springdale, Ark. 72762. A reception will follow and all are welcome to attend. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road Springdale, Ark. 72762. Online condolences may be made to www.memorialfhspringdale.com.

Published April 30, 2017

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