Rosemond Janice Lovell

Rosemond Janice Lovell, 81, of Conway, died peacefully in her home as she held her daughter's hand on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Affectionately known as "Mammer" she was born May 22, 1932 in East End and weighed only 2 lbs. She had to dress in doll's clothing and use men's handkerchiefs as diapers. She spent her formative years with her grandmother in Malvern, Ark. and graduated from Central High School in Little Rock in 1951 after numerous family moves around the US. She married the love of her life, William H. "Bill" Lovell on Oct. 9, 1953 and lived in Benton where he was employed by Reynolds Mining Corp. "Mammer and PaBill" were active members at Calvary Baptist Church and provided a wonderful example of a marriage full of love and understanding. Bill died Sept. 8, 2008, with Janice at his side just weeks shy of their 55th wedding anniversary and after they had relocated to Conway to be closer to family. Janice entered her daughter Pattie in 1st grade and Bill in LRU (now UALR) on the same day in 1960. Always standing in the background supporting her family, she worked tirelessly making sure everyone had everything and anything they needed for success in life. She could always be counted on for PTA activities, Homeroom Mother, Girl Scout Leadership, and working tirelessly in the Benton Band Club Concessions Stand; she worked outside the home and helped Bill as he worked full time, obtained his college degree and maintained 3 rent houses. Though she never acquired a college degree, she assisted with many of Bill's college assignments, one being an extensive research paper on the Hopi Indians. Upon arriving at class, the professor required each student to give a brief verbal presentation to the class prior to turning in his paper and Bill had never read his. Luckily he was near the end of presentations and used his speed reading abilities to save himself. Janice loved sewing and was quite an accomplished seamstress. Mrs. Burton's second grade classroom at Eastside Elementary used the appliqued window treatments she made from 1962 until her retirement. She always created stylish clothing for herself, Pattie and family members and she & her mother made the dress Pattie designed for her wedding day. She faithfully watched her sewing shows on AETN each Saturday morning and had the pleasure of meeting and studying under Nancy Zieman. When Martha Pullen learned Janice was unable to attend her Love of Heirloom sewing retreat due to health reasons, she personally called and Janice, the two visited for quiet some time sharing sewing stories, tips and tricks. As her health began failing, she hand stitched exquisite Christmas stockings for close family members. She always believed that paying strict attention to the small details of life. Avid Razorback fans, Mammer and PaBill were charter members of the Road Hogs and enjoyed many years "tailgating" and camping their way thru the SWC, SEC and to numerous bowl games. The comforts of the motorhome were missed when they attended games in Hawaii. The grandchildren have many wonderful memories of games at War Memorial in Little Rock made special for each as they enjoyed their favorite meal at "the camp". That love for the Razorbacks lives on in each of them to this day. The motorhome was also used for many vacations throughout the US, Canada and Mexico as well as the countless camping trips to each and every Arkansas State Park. Janice and Bill loved visiting and spending time with people, opening their home for Brownwood parties, July 4th fish fries, friends dropping by or a friendly game of dominoes, and Mammer continually held the Wheel of Fortune Champion title. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha & Charles Miller, brother Waymond Petty, step brother Aubrey "Sonny" Miller and father Clyde Petty all of Benton, and a brother Raymond Phillips of San Jose, Calif. Also preceding her in death was "my Precious Grand Dog, Prissie." Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Pattie (Ken), grandchildren Chuck (Elizabeth), Christopher (Kristin) and Courtney (Ryan), great-grandchildren, Claire and Caroline, "daughter #2 Donette Stone", a step-daughter, three step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren in addition to numerous friends and other family members. Visitation will be Friday, July 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton with a graveside celebration of her life at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at Hicks Cemetery in Benton with Rev. Howard Wheeler officiating. The family wishes to thank Arkansas Hospice, especially Sherrie and Paula as well as Bill Roberts for their care of Janice during her lengthy illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children (www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org or 318-222-5704) or to AETN (AETNFoundation.org or 1-800-662-2386). Guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.