Martha Jane "Janie" Barnett Eldridge

Martha Jane "Janie" Barnett Eldridge, 61, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2010 at 2:15 p.m. Janie was born May 1, 1949, to Dr. Horace Clyde "Mutt" Barnett and Martha Harness Barnett, both originally of Heber Springs, Ark. Survivors include her husband William C. "Bill" Eldridge, of Fayetteville, sons Stephen Alan Bone and Jason Carter Bone, daughters-in-law Lisa and April, respectively, of Memphis and Little Rock. Granddaughters Taylor and Emily Bone of Memphis, Olivia and Piper Bone of Little Rock. Brothers Dr. David Barnett and wife Pam of Little Rock, and Don Barnett of Folsom, Calif. Other survivors are nephew, John David Barnett of Little Rock, niece, Cheryl Ann Barnett of Little Rock, niece, Jennifer Barnett Nips and husband Scott of Little Rock, and niece, Stephanie Bond of Dallas, Texas. Additional survivors are her stepchildren William Conner Eldridge (Wife, Mary Elizabeth, grandson Will) of Arkadelphia, Catherine "Cathy" Eldridge Curley (Husband Mike, grandsons Jack and Chris) of Greenwich, Conn., and Preston Tull Eldridge, of Little Rock, Ark. Janie grew up in Jonesboro, Ark., graduated with honors from Jonesboro High School, attended Stephens College in Missouri, and graduated and holds a Masters Degree from Arkansas State University. Janie was a very beloved and respected English teacher for 25 years with McCrory High School, and in later years with Gentry and Gravette schools, most recently as Gifted and Talented coordinator for both school districts. During Janie's tenure at these three school districts she touched the lives of thousands of students. Her passion for learning and passing on that learning was always on display. Never more so than when she went back to school, mid-career, to become certified in Gifted and Talented Education. G/T programs are a mainstay of any good educational system now, but not then. True to her nature, she saw a need, worked hard, and filled that need…for the students, not for her. In later years she prided herself on having many books going at once, became a master gardener, was accomplished at both golf and tennis, and truly enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters and extended family. She and Bill loved to travel together, and did so extensively, finding new places to explore whenever possible, especially during a Razorback Road Trip. Janie left us much too early, with many future plans still on the list. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and colleagues from all across the State of Arkansas and beyond. Services will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs, Ark. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, 11/2. Funeral Service will be at 11 am, Wednesday, 11/3, with interment following at Heber Springs Municipal Cemetery. Reception will be held following interment at Red Apple Inn and Country Club. All are welcome. Flowers will be handled by Tom's Florist & Gifts (501) 362-8287 in Heber Springs. If you would like to consider a memorial in Janie's name please consider the Janie Barnett Eldridge Scholarship fund at McCrory High School or The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.