Montine Richards Whitley

Montine Richards Whitley, age 87, of Bald Knob, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Montine was born December 4, 1923 in Bald Knob, Arkansas, the daughter of Willie and Clarice Richards. She graduated from Bald Knob High School where she was the first football Homecoming Queen in 1940. She attended Harding College. Montine was a member of a singing group, Ten Little Maids, that entertained troops preparing for World War II. On January 1, 1950, she married W. C. Whitley, Jr. They have four children, who feel blessed to have had her for a mother. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge. Loved for her sweet and gentle spirit and caring heart, Montine was happiest when she was with her family and friends. Her cherished role as wife, mother and grandmother was her greatest joy. She found her quiet strength in her relationship with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Winfred and Weldon Richards. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years whom she loved dearly; her son, Billy Whitley and wife, Kelly, of Bald Knob, granddaughters, Kristen Richardson and her husband Justin, great-granddaughter Izzy and Kayla Whitley; her daughter, Debbie Hill and husband, Tom, of Little Rock, granddaughters, Sarah Hill, Anna Hill, Elizabeth Hill and Mary Claire Hill; her daughter, Susan Cox and husband, Richard, of Hot Springs, grandson, Whit Cox, and granddaughters, Laura Cox and Rebecca Cox; her son, Rick Whitley of Little Rock, granddaughter, Alexis Whitley and grandson, Brett Whitley; and her much-loved twin sister, Geraldine Jameson of Bald Knob. Visitation is 4-6 p.m., Tuesday at Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday at the First United Methodist of Bald Knob with burial at Shady Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist of Bald Knob. Please sign the guestbook at www.powellfuneralhome.net.