Obituaries

LITTLE ROCK — OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

INDEX Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our website, Arkansas Online, arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.

PULASKI COUNTY Amelia Ball, 92, of Little Rock.

Joe Edds, 88, of Little Rock.

Joseph Mike Knepper Jr., 66, of Little Rock.

Mildred Imogene Smith, 86, of Jacksonville.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS ALPINE Tommy Joe Webb Sr., 77.

BAUXITE Jack White, 86.

BLYTHEVILLE Elizabeth Crotts, 92.

Mary Scrape, 91.

CARLISLE Ralph ‘Randy’ Louis Cazer Jr., 58.

CLARKSVILLE Azile D. Moak, 69.

CUSHMAN Charles Manley, 69.

DES ARC Henry Otis Sanner, 65.

EAST END Herndon Watson, 78.

EUREKA SPRINGS Katty Aline Safford Myers Biltoft, 90.

HARRISON Lois Turner, 82.

HIGHLAND Jerome Norwood, 77.

HOPE Clara Armstrong Wright, 91.

HOT SPRINGS Leta Lynn Carroll, 71.

David Lee Halpin, 25.

Richard Dale “Pete” Nelson, 64.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Connie (Buckley) Fitch, 76.

LAKE VILLAGE Alberta Harold Shaver, 83.

LONOKE Lee Rhodes Shirkey, 82.

MCCRORY Thomas Henry Gaston, 54.

MCRAE Versie Irene Gilstrap, 96.

MENA Floyd Festus Webb, 88.

MONTICELLO Brenda Joyce Haney Simpson, 60.

MOUNT SHERMAN Weldon L. Fowler, 80.

OSCEOLA Michael Francis Schuncke, 85.

PANGBURN Maxine Jeremiah, 85.

PARAGOULD William Lee Crabtree, 81.

PERRYVILLE Saundra Moore, 66.

PRESCOTT Margaret Ann White, 79.

STUTTGART Thomas William DePriest, 43.

Debbi Lynn “Britches” DePriest, 44.

WIDEMAN Alfred Young, 68.

OUT-OF-STATE LINDEN, Ala.

Marjorie Robertson Poff, 87.

Pulaski County

Miss AMELIA BALL passed away Feb. 2, 2013, at the ageof 92. She was born in Ravenden, Ark., in Lawrence County, Jan. 1, 1921. She was the third child of the late Dr. Ernest Ball Sr. and Mrs. Lizzie Steadman Ball. Amelia started at Ravenden Public School at the age of 5; she completed three grades before the family moved to Detroit, Mich. There she entered the fourth grade at Field Elementary School. The Depression came on and the family returned to Arkansas. Again she attended Ravenden Public School in the fifth grade. In the fall of 1931 the family moved to Vilonia, Ark., where her father continued practicing medicine. Amelia entered sixth grade at Vilonia Public School and graduated from the twelfth grade in May 1938. In the fall she entered Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA). She earned a BSE in Education in May 1947, and a Masters Degree from Memphis State University in Memphis, Tenn., in August 1958, also doing post graduate work at Vanderbilt George Peabody College For Teachers, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Ark. During the WWII Amelia worked a short time at Ford Bacon & Davis Ordinance Plant in Jacksonville, Ark. Amelia began her teaching career in a one-room school four miles north of Vilonia, Ark., from there to Faulkner Gap, Morrilton School System, Pulaski County Special School District and finishing 30 years in the Little Rock Public Schools. Her teaching career spanned 42 years. Amelia was preceded in death by her late parents; a brother, Ernest Ball Jr.; a sister, Helen Vivian Ball, and a great-nephew, Frank T. Besier. She is survived by a niece, Lee Ann Fincher; a greatnephew, Michael Chase Fincher (Mandy) Brady Golden Fincher, and two first cousins, Mary Alice Ball of Sacramento, Calif.. and Floreine Spotts Guthrie of Paragould, Ark. Funeral services are 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013,at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway (501-327-7727), with burial following at Vilonia Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hospice Home Care, 2200 S. Bowman Road, Little Rock, Ark. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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JOE EDDS of Little Rock died Feb. 1, 2013. He was 88 years old.He was born Feb. 14, 1924, at Lonsdale, Ark., to William Jefferson and Leona Harris Edds. He was married to Ethel Louise Frank for 65 years. After he retired, where you saw one, you saw the other. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific on the destroyer USS Stevens (DD-479). He is survived by his wife, Ethel Edds; son, JoeEdds Jr.; daughter, Olivia Cary, and special son-in-law, Dwayne Cary. He has two grandsons whom he loved very much, Mark (Shannon) Edds, Jason (Heather) Van Pelt; four great-grandchildren, Jackson Edds, Parker Edds, Joshua Edds, and Kaitlyn Kronberg; one sister, Lilly Wyatt; and sister-in-law, Eula Edds. He had many nephews and nieces who held a special place in his heart; also many friends and wonderful neighbors. He was predeceased by his mother, father, five sisters, Fern and Katie Edds, Katherine Breitenberg, Rosalie Painter, Jewell Stevens, and three brothers, Ellis, Hubert and Bill Edds. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. Interment will be Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Mountain Valley Cemetery in Hot Springs. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

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JOSEPH MIKE KNEPPER JR. (JOE), 66, of Little Rock passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. He was a loving and caring husband, son, dad, pappy, and brother; a Vietnam Marine Corps veteran; and loved spending time with his family and playing music. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Sr., one brother, Robert, and one grandson, Andrew Kelley. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Scarlet; three daughters, Beth Ring (Auston), Teresa Sommer, and Tonya Knepper; eight grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; mother, Millie Allen; two sisters, Barbara and Sandy; sister-in-law, Leslie; and numerous relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at New Hope Nazarene Church on Atwood Road. Arrangements are by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I-30, Little Rock, (501)455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ drummond.

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Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, beloved mother, sister, grandmotherand friend MILDRED IMOGENE “MOM” SMITH passed away peacefully at home; preceded in death by her husband Charlie and daughter Barbara Perkins. Born Dec. 18, 1926, in Newport, Ark., the daughter of the late Oliver and Ethyl Carter lived a long and fruitful life. As a charter member of McArthur Drive Assembly of God she loved theLord above all things. Mildred is survived by a sister, Francine and husband Gerald Stacks of Heber Springs; brother William Carter and wife Barbara of Jacksonville; brother Otto Carter of Lepanto; daughter Ann and husband Jerry Walker of Jacksonville; son Larry and wife Paula Jo Smith of Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mildred’s kindness and unconditional love touched many lives. Faith was her life; she not only believed, she walked the talk, witnessing to all she came in contact with. Her home was always open to friends new and old. She loved nothing more than attending church, playing games and being surrounded by her friends and family. She will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at McArthur Assembly of God in Jacksonville with Bro. Marc Bateman, Bro. Dwayne Duck, and Bro. Larry Burton officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

Arkansas

ALPINE - A wonderful husband, father, grandfather andgreat-grandfather, Tommy Joe Webb Sr., age 77, of Alpine left this world to go to heaven he professed to everyone who knew him on Feb. 2, 2013. A continuous and steadfast testimony for his Lord! He was born Feb. 5, 1935, to Tom J. and Euloise Webb, and was raised by a loving step-mother, Callie Sue Webb. Tommy worked at Troy Keeton’s Garage in Arkadelphia for 37 years. He served his country in the U. S. Army for two years in the 91 Artillery Battalion Company. He rededicated his life to the Lord in 1969 at Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, became a deacon and worked teaching the Lord and Savior to all. Family and church were two of his greatest loves. He helped start and rebuild the Missionary Baptist Churches in Alpine and Glenwood, Ark. He was a member of Amity First Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and was active with the Baptist Disaster Relief. He continued to serve his Lord as long his health would permit him. Tommy served for 10 years on the Amity School Board, where his children attended school. He met the love of his life, Estalene Lenora Runyan, and they were married on June 11, 1957. Of this union five children were born, Anita Joyce, Karen Maina, Barbie (Rick) Land, Cindy (Butch) Hester, Tommy (Paula) Webb Jr.; and also surviving were 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Anita Joyce; a grandson, James Saunders; a brother, Bobby Webb, and a sister, Mary Shinn. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Amity First Baptist Church with Bro. Johnny McAnally officiating. Interment will be in Sweet Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Online guest register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

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BAUXITE - Jack White, 86, of Bauxite passed away Feb. 1, 2013. A visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047). Cremation by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, Benton, Ark.

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BLYTHEVILLE - Elizabeth Crotts, 92, Clear Lake Community, Blytheville, died Friday. Survived by daughters, Reba Helms, Clear Lake; Barbara Green, Titusville, Fla.; Leda Young, Little Rock. Graveside services Monday, 1:30 p.m., Dogwood Cemetery. Visitation Monday noon until 1 p.m., Cobb Funeral Home. Online register may be signed at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

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BLYTHEVILLE - Mary Scrape, 91, Blytheville, widow of “Jinx” Scrape and mother of Janet Green and Gary Scrape, died Feb. 1, 2013, in Memphis, Tenn. Services are Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, 11 a.m. in Dogwood Mausoleum Chapel, Dogwood Cemetery, with visitation Monday, 6-8 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home. Express condolences at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

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CARLISLE - Ralph “Randy” Louis Cazer Jr., 58, passed away Feb. 1, 2013. He was a farmer and member of Carlisle United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Hill Cazer. Survivors include his father, Ralph Cazer Sr. of Carlisle; sister, Glynda Tarpley of Little Rock; two nephews, Thomas Tarpley and Daniel Tarpley, both of Little Rock. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Carlisle United Methodist Church with visitation following. Arrangements are by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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CUSHMAN - Charles Manley, 69, of Cushman died Friday. Survivors, wife, Lucy Ann Jackson Manley; son, Scotty Manley; grandson, Stephen Manley; sister, Mitzi Felts. Funeral service, 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cushman United Methodist Church. Burial, Pleasant Valley Cemetery, by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Monday. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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DES ARC - Henry Otis Sanner, 65, of Des Arc died Saturday. Survivors include one son, Shane Sanner; mother, Gladys Sanner; three brothers, Harvey Joe, Jim, and Steve Sanner. Visitation 1 p.m. Tuesday with funeral services following at 2 at Garth Funeral Home Chapel. Burial in Sandhill Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home. On-line guest register www.garthfuneralhome.com.

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EAST END - Herndon Watson, 78, passed away Friday,Feb. 1, 2013. He was Baptist, a Korean War Navy Veteran, retired transportation supervisor, youth baseball and softball coach, an avid Razorback fan and loved to dance.He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Watson and Della Watson Kaiser, and wife, Joan Strange Watson. He is survived by son, Rusty Watson; daughters, Lou Ann Elmore and Leslie (John) Thomas; brother, Charles (Dean) Watson; sisters Wilma (Wayne) Croy and Pat (Mike) Dunger; grandchildren, Blake and Layne Elmore, Trevor (Desiree) Thomas; great-granddaughter, Cadence Elmore, and companion, Sheila Blankenship. Funeral service will be Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I-30, Little Rock (501) 455-5800. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery in East End. The family will be at 22133 Phillip Drive in East End. Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to charity of donor’s choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

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EUREKA SPRINGS - Katty Aline Saffold Myers Biltoft, age 90, of Eureka Springs passed away Feb. 2, 2013, in Berryville, Ark. She was retired from the Arkansas State Hospital after 30 years of service. Katty was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ruby Saffold; her husband, Aubrey Myers; three brothers and one sister. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Ross and husband Jim, of Eureka Springs; Katty Caldwell and her husband Norman, of Benton; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Dorothy Ogles, Texarkana, Ark. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at Ashby Funeral Home.Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with 3 p.m. graveside service at Lone Sassafras Cemetery at LaDelle, Ark. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

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HIGHLAND - Jerome Norwood, age 77, of Highland, Ark., formerly of Cleveland, Miss., passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. All arrangements are by Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland, Ark. www.tricountyfuneralhome.com.

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HOPE - Mrs. Clara Armstrong Wright, a long-time residentof Hope, Ark., passed on Feb. 2, 2013, in Bentonville, Ark. She was born on March 24, 1921, in Ida, La., to Frank and Maude Stanley Armstrong. After pursuing a degree inNursing from Charity Hospital of Shreveport, she was a practicing RN there during WWII. She married George H. Wright, MD on Aug. 28, 1941. After the war, they settled in Hope, Ark. where they raised their four children. Throughout her long, productive life Clara was active in community leadership roles, supporting educational, religious, healthcare and non-profit groups. In latter years of her life she enjoyed her affiliation with Eastern Star and Habitat for Humanity, and especially continuing her meditations and study of Christian beliefs. Wherever she was, Clara filled the room with her effervescence, energy, and beautiful smile. She enjoyed laughing, gentle teasing and socializing with groups of friends, all traits of her remarkable legacy. Preceded in death by her beloved husband in 1997, Clara was the matriarch of a large Armstrong-Wright family. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and five brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Kay Wright Walter of Texarkana, Ark. and three sons, George H. Jr. and wife, Jan Gaines Wright of Hot Springs, Ark.; Larry D. and wife Michelle Watson Wright of Springdale, Ark.; and Randy and wife, Nan Hogan Wright of Hope, Ark. She is the grandmother of Matthew and Michael Walter, Misty McAlister,and George H. Wright, III (Trey), Elisabeth Burak, Julia Spears, Olivia Wright, Brad Wright, Kimberly Ross, John William Wright and David Wright. She is survived by 20 great-grandchildren. Clara was loved by many nieces and nephews whom she admired and who enjoyed her infectious laughter and personality throughout the years. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of Hope. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at First United Methodist of Hope on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. Family will receive friends immediately following the Memorial Service in the fellowship hall. Rev. Steve Johnson will officiate the service. A private burial service will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hope. Arrangements are by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online guest book: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

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HOT SPRINGS - Leta Lynn Carroll, 71, of Hot Springs,passed away Feb. 1, 2013, at her home. She was born Aug. 8, 1941, to the late O.T. and Juanel (Wilson) McCullough in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Travis High School in Austin, Texas, and worked as Deputy Clerk at Saline County District Court. She spent a decade at the sewing machine making Eastside Drill Team and Cheerleading uniforms for the Benton High School Pepsteppers and Cheerleading Teams. She was an amazing woman who loved the Lord and her family with a passion. She lived for her kids and grand girls and never hesitated to let you know all about them. After retiring, she began to embroidery and make quilts. So many lives have been touched by Leta and she will be deeply missed. Go Horns! She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Kenneth Carroll; two sons, Thomas Scott Carroll and wife, Terri of Olive Branch, Miss. and Larry Ray Carroll and wife, Georgeine of Collierville, Tenn.; one daughter Nancie Lynn Garrett and husband, Steve of Jessieville, Ark.; and four grandchildren Crystal Kulow and husband, Chris of Alabaster, Ala.; Kristin Carroll of Collierville, Tenn.; Faith Garrett and Paige Garrett both of Jessieville, Ark. Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047). Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at 12 noon at Pinecrest Memorial Park with Rev. Larry Catcher officiating. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

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HOT SPRINGS - David Lee Halpin, 25, of Hot Springs, diedin his parents’ arms at home on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. He was born June 1, 1987 in Hot Springs to John and Sherry Halpin. David was an undergraduate student at HendersonState University with nine hours remaining toward attaining hisdegree in Political Science. He loved the outdoors, working with thoroughbred horses, hunting, fishing, and spinning (all that loved him know what we mean) two dogs Coco and Nugget. David is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, A.J. and Melba Halpin, his maternal grandparents Milton Gale and Betty Jo Gale, Uncles Lee Hadley Halpin and Troy Barbee. Loving survivors included his parents, brother Anthony Halpin, Aunts and Uncles Linda and Hall White, Nancy “Nan Nan” Gale all of Hot Springs. James Halpin of Norman, Okla., Mary Beth and Bob King of Fayetteville, Ark., many cousins, and “Day Day” to Cameron, Emily, Matty Halpin all of Hot Springs. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb 5, at Gross Funeral Home Chapel in Hot Springs with services to follow at 11 a.m. with cremation and private burial. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Oliver, Aaron Pennigton, Josh Galbavy, Blake Evans, Ethan Frazier, Eric Hanna, and John Pennington along with all of David’s lifelong friends. He will be deeply missed by all those he touched. Guest register at http:// www.grossfuneralhome.com.

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HOT SPRINGS - Richard Dale “Pete” Nelson went to be withthe Lord on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Suzanne Nelson; parents, Lola and Tommy Nelson; brother, Louis Nelson; sisters, SueTheel and Linda Clark, and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lue and Luther Eagle. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debbie (Eagle) Nelson; sister, Barb Casteel; brothers, Bill (Judy), George, Dave, and John Nelson; sister-in-law, Kimberly Eagle and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was retired from Kroger and attended Fellowship North Church. He was an avid hunter who enjoyed fishing, gardening and hummingbird watching. He will be greatly missed by his “furry friends” Gracie, Lucy and MicMic. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Fellowship North, 1 E. 52 Place, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD, 20814. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday at Fellowship North Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home at Smith Family Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

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HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE - Connie (Buckley) Fitch, 76, of HotSprings Village, died at 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at her home. Connie was born Dec. 4, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the late Carl and Betty Buckley. She married Dave Polzin in1956, (living), she married Tom Fitch in 1985 (deceased). Connie graduated from Bloomington High School in Bloomington, Ill. and then attended the University of Wisconsin. She taught Bethel Bible classes for 20 years and was an Elder at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. She was on the board of Directors at Lakeside Country Club and an 8 time women’s golf club champion. Connie served on the Board of Directors for the chemical dependency unit at Brokaw Hospital. She was on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Foundation. Connie also graduated from the Sheffield School of Interior Design in 1993. After moving to Hot Springs Village in 1993, she became a Bridge Life Master in 1998, was an ACBL Star teacher and Club Director. She also served as president of the Village Card Club of Hot Springs Village. Connie was very active in the Cedar Mountain Singers in HSV for nearly 20 years. She also did extensive genealogy research for her family andwas a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Surviving are a daughter Debra Polzin of Bloomington, Ill.; two sons: Jeff Polzin of Bloomington, Ill.; Mike (Grace) Polzin of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; one brother, Mike Buckley of Bradenton, Fla.; Also surviving are grandchildren, Bailey, Eddie, Andrew, Anna, Alex Polzin, and one great-granddaughter Edith Evans. She is also survived by her loving companion, Jim Awalt of HSV, and her beloved poodles Toby and Tucker. Her memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at CedarVale Funeral Home. A private Inurnment will be held at a later date in Bloomington, Ill. Connie was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, companion, and friend who will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of the Arkansas Hospice at Mercy Hospital in Hot Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HSV Animal Welfare League 195 Cloaca Lane Hot Springs Village, Ark. 71909 or to Arkansas Hospice, 300 Werner St. Hot Springs, Ark. 71913. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.

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LAKE VILLAGE - Alberta Harold Shaver, 83, of Lake Village, died Saturday. Survivors are, husband, Henry Shaver; son, Mike Shaver; two daughters, Linda Rutdledge, Brenda Crow; one brother; two sisters; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Visitation was 4-6 p.m. Sunday. Funeral Services 10 a.m. Monday, at Bishop Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Bishop Funeral Home of Lake Village. www.bishopfuneralhomeinc.com.

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LONOKE - Lee Rhodes Shirkey, age 82, died Feb. 1, 2013. He is survived by his son John Shirkey of Lonoke, daughters Becky (Kurt) Kincheloe of Lonoke, Beverly Shirkey of Houston, Texas, and Belinda Shirkey (David) Kwun of Ariz.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two sisters. Graveside service was at 12 p.m. Saturday at Lone Tree Cemetery, Stuttgart. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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MCCRORY - Thomas Henry Gaston, 54, died Friday. Private services announced at later date. Survivors, wife, Donnie Tucker Gaston of the home; sons, Gary Gaston, Little Rock, Scott Tucker, McCrory; daughters, Tamecia Sullivan, Little Rock, Holly Martin, Michigan, Victoria Gaston of Patterson; five sisters, one grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews.

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MCRAE - Versie Irene Gilstrap of McRae, better known as Sister Mother, died Feb 1, 2013. She was a member of the Pentecostal Faith. She is survived by four daughters: Dorothy Rains of Sugar Creek, Mo., Louise (Bob) Temar of Cincinatti, Ohio, Helen (Paul) Martinez of Sugar Creek, Mo. Murlie (Don) Branscum of McRae, Ark.; two sons, James (Nancy) Savage of Fishers, Ind., Fred (Alice) Savage of Indep. Mo.; one sister, Murlie Wampler of Glenco, Ala. 17 grandchilren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, two grandchildren; her parents, Oscar and Lydia Davis. Six sisters, four brothers. Graveside service will be Wednesday, Feb, 6, 11 a.m. at Crossroads Cemetery in Pineville, Ark. Family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, Feb 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

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MENA - Floyd Festus Webb, age 88, of Mena, Ark. formerly of Smithville, Okla., passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Mena. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, 2 p.m. at Octavia Baptist. Interment will follow in Octavia Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

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MONTICELLO - Brenda Joyce Haney Simpson, 60, of Monticello, passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at her home. She was born Oct. 19, 1952, in Monticello. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Beulah Cemetery. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Mondayat Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

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OSCEOLA - Michael Francis Schuncke, 85, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. Visitation will be at Roller-Swift Funeral Home, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, from 6-7 p.m. with Rosary following. The funeral Mass will be at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. with burial following at Mississippi County Memorial Gardens.

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PANGBURN - Maxine Jeremiah, 85, died Friday. She was the daughter of the late William and Mary McKinney Bates. Preceded in death by parents and husband Clayton Jeremiah. Survivors, children, James L. Jeremiah and Carlotta Taykowski; brother, Noah Bates. Visitation: Monday, 4-7 p.m. Funeral: Tuesday, 1 p.m., Olmstead Funeral Home. Interment: Henderson Cemetery. www.olmstead.cc.

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PARAGOULD - Dr. William Lee Crabtree, 81, Paragould, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro Springs. Dr. Crabtree was in private practice, W.L. Crabtree Family Dentistry, until December of 2012 and was a member of the ADA and Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Bonita; son, Robert Michael Crabtree of Little Rock; brother, Harold L. Crabtree; nieces, Carlena Adams, Bethany Benson; three great-nieces and nephews; special aunt, June Crabtree; his wife’s cousin, who he fondly regarded as his sister-in-law, Janice Gleghorn and a host of family and friends. His life will be celebrated at Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ, 10 a.m., Monday, with Michael Cox and Larry McFadden officiating with private burial in Batesville. Memorials may be sent to Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ Building Fund or the charity of your choice. Sign onlineguestbook at www.heathfuneralhome.com.

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PERRYVILLE - Saundra Moore, age 66, a retired receptionist, passed away Thursday. Visitation 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Huson Funeral Home in Little Rock. Services, noon Wednesday at Harmony Baptist Church in Perryville with burial following at Harmony Cemetery. View full obituary and sign online guest book at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

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PRESCOTT - Funeral service for Mrs. Margaret Ann White, age 79, of Prescott, Ark., 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, Brazzel/Cornish Chapel, Rev. John Bryant officiating, burial Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Rosston, Ark. Visitation 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 4, Brazzel/ Cornish. Arrangements by Brazzel/Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott. Online Guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

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STUTTGART - Thomas William DePriest, 43, and Debbi Lynn “Britches” DePriest, 44, died Wednesday. They are survived by daughters, Regan and Bailey DePriest; and Tommy’s son and Debbi’s step-son, Drake DePriest. Tommy is also survived by parents, Brenda Goines and Kenneth (Judy) DePriest; brother, Benny Barnes; sisters, Robin Caldwell and Kelly Penn; and two grandchildren. Debbi is also survived by parents, Marty (Robert) Shoemake and Bud (Debbie) Norris. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church with burial following in Lone Tree Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home. Visitation is 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Fellowship Hall. www.turpinco.com.

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WIDEMAN - Alfred Young, 68, died Feb. 2. Funeral service, Monday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. at Calico Rock Funeral Chapel. Burial, Hand Cemetery, under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home. Visitation Sunday, Feb. 3, from 6-8 p.m. Survivors, Libbie Young (wife), Johnny Young, Billy Young, Kathy Staggs (children).

Out-of-state

LINDEN, Ala. - Marjorie Robertson Poff, 87, Demopolis, Ala., formerly Blytheville, died Feb. 1, 2013, in Linden, Ala. Services are Feb. 4, 2013, 10 a.m., Cobb Funeral Home, in Blytheville with burial in Elmwood Cemetery and visitation Feb. 3, 2013, 9 to 10 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home. Express condolences at cobbfuneralhome.com.