Bobbye Kreulen

Bobbye Kreulen (Roberta Frances Hudgens Harrison Kreulen) passed away peacefully of natural causes the morning of March 16, 2011 as a priest completed the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in Conway, Arkansas. Bobbye was the oldest of four children born to Calvert John & Corynne (Jenkins) Hudgens in Little Rock on Christmas Day, 1917. Bobbye was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Leon Harrison in 1951 and her second husband Lt. Col. Herman Piet Kreulen in 1995, as well as her daughter Roberta Harrison Jucas, step-son Mike Kreulen, her parents, brother Gerald Vaugine Hudgens and sister Juanita Hudgens Halsey. Bobbye is survived by her children Francis Leon Harrison II and wife Chartene of Hockley, Texas; Gerald J. Harrison and wife Lib of Conway; son-in-law, John Jucas and wife Suzanne of El Dorado; Lynn Kreulen of Yakima, Wash.; Piet Kreulen Jr. and wife Deborah, formerly of Little Rock; and Patrick Kreulen and wife Teresa of Poplar Bluff, Mo.,as well as her brother, Calvert John Hudgens Jr. and wife Aggie of Olive Branch, Miss. Bobbye was a lifelong Catholic, growing up in the neighborhood surrounding Holy Souls Catholic Church in Hillcrest. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class from Mount St. Mary's where she was a member of the Belle's Basketball team. Bobbye graduated from Little Rock Junior College and then married her high school sweet heart, Francis "Tootie" Harrison. She was employed by the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock from 1951-1963, serving as the executive assistant to Monsignor John M. Bann and Bishop Albert L. Fletcher. After Tootie's death in 1951, she cared for her three young children with the help of her parents and siblings. Bobbye served one term on the Pulaski County quorum court in the 1950's. In 1963, Bobbye found her second chance at happiness when she met and married Lt. Col. Herman Piet Kreulen. They enjoyed thirty two years of marriage and loved traveling and spending weekends in Lake Hamilton at the "Bee Hive." She was a founding member of Christ the King Catholic Church where she was active with the Rosary Club, Prime Timers & Adoration. Bobbye and Piet volunteered at St. Vincent's Infirmary for many years together. After Piet's death, Bobbye continued to volunteer until 2004 when her eyesight made it difficult for her to travel. Bobbye loved to dance, grow flowers, play bridge, say her rosary, and sip on a good highball. She adored her family and was fiercely proud of her Arkansas heritage, dating back to the 1700s when Captain Don Joseph Valliere first commanded the Arkansas post. Her grandchildren gave her immense pleasure and she treasured many moments with them all. She leaves behind her memories to 17 grandchildren and their respective spouses as well as 26 great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Pam Felcman and husband David of Katy, Texas; Frank Harrison and wife Paige of Madison, Miss.; Donald Harrison and wife Karen of The Woodlands, Texas; Jennifer Harrison of Austin, Texas; Heather Mainord and husband Bill of Conway, Ark.; Joe Harrison and wife Wendy of Conway, Ark.; Michael Harrison and wife Heather of Conway, Ark.; Kerry Baldwin and husband Clay of Cabot, Ark.; Tracy Eddy and husband John of Little Rock, Ark.; Piet Kreulen and wife Angie, of Tulsa, Okla.; Cody Kreulen and fiance Heather of Little Rock; Kelly Stadler and husband Randy of Yakima, Wash.; Ben Jackman and wife Tina of Yakima, Wash.; Kyle Kreulen and wife Heather of Benton, Ark.; Jennifer Barrier of Collierville, Tenn.; Jake Kreulen of Little Rock; and Ben Kreulen and wife Bobbi of Suisun City, Calif. Visitation and Vigil Service with Rosary will be held Friday, March 18th at 6 op.m. in the evening at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 19th at 10 a.m. in the morning at St. Joseph's Catholic Church located at 1115 College Avenue in Conway. Father John Marconi, Pastor of St. Joseph's will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock. The Famly will be at Christ the King Family Life Center following the burial service. Donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212, in memory of Bobbye Kreulen. A special thank you to all of the caregivers at Heritage Living Center in Conway for their devotion and care to our beloved Mom, Gran, and Sister. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.