Ann Martin Ross Pestel

Ann Martin Ross Pestel was born December 9, 1934 to Rutherford Ross and Ann Martin Ross in Fort Smith, Ark. She resided with her family on Free Ferry Rd. in Fort Smith. Ann was one of the five Ross children. She attended Fort Smith Schools, Centenary Jr. College in Hackettstown, N.J., the University of Alabama, continued her education with a Masters degree in Fine Arts from the University of Tulsa. Married to Joseph L. Pestel, three daughters, Sue, Ann and Lucy resided in Tulsa, Okla. She was an art teacher for 17 years, and Executive for the Boy Scouts of America for 9 years. She retired to Bella Vista, Ark. where she was a volunteer for Hospice, the Peel Mansion, Children's snack's programs and active in many other community events. She is survived by her sister, Sue Cross, daughter Lucy Willis, Rex McCracken Jr., grandsons, Joseph Ross Willis, Steven Randall Willis, Rex Payne wife Amanda, great-grandchildren, Gunner and Gentry Ann Payne, daughter Ann Pestel, granddaughters, Jessica, Kim and Julie, daughter Sue Pestel, grandsons, Cameron Becker wife Erica, great-grandchildren Lie Lani and Ethan Becker, grandson Derrick Becker, great-grandson Teagan Becker. Ann loved animals, bird watching, gardening in which she was a Master Gardener. She was a good Steward of our Earth being conservative and recycling. Ann was loved by her family and many friends. She has left many cherished memories of the wonder and magic of nature, picnics, nature walks and crawdad hunting with her grandchildren along with many other "Great Adventures". She will be greatly missed and lives on in our hearts and spirits forever. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Arkansas Animal Shelter or Tulsa Boys Home, P.O. Box 1101, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Fort Smith, Ark., with a second service at 2 p.m. on Monday, April, 7 at Unity Church of the Ozarks in Bentonville, Arkansas.