Ernestine DeVorak

Ernestine DeVorak, 101, of Des Arc passed away peacefully at 12:15pm Wednesday, September 12th at Des Arc. Ernestine was born on January 18, 1917 in Oak Prairie Community to Clinton and Evie Childers and subsequently, lived her whole life there. She graduated from Des Arc High School in 1933 where she was an all-district basketball player and a Miss Prairie County. She met her future husband, Dale Leon DeVorak at a Legion Hut dance. They purchased a farm two miles from her parents country store and began to raise their family. After Dale's death in 1966, Ernestine found, through her faith, a quiet strength, while continuing to manage the family farm. Incredibly, in her 100th year, she approved and pushed forward the building of a water conservation reservoir. Ernestine was a much loved member of Oak Prairie Methodist Church and in later years, the Des Arc First United Methodist Church. She loved to play and host bridge in her home and was a charter member for over 50 years, of a bridge club in Des Arc and a long standing member at a Hazen bridge club. Her greatest blessing in life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she adored. Family always came first. "Mamaw's house" was a steady source of love and warmth to all, a safe place to land. Mama was happiest cooking a full breakfast for family and friends in her kitchen. Offering hot coffee and biscuits, big hugs, her quick wit, a helping hand, and heaps of unconditional love. She is survived by two sons, Jerry DeVorak and wife, Jalene, Jimmy DeVorak and wife, Pat, two daughters, June DeVorak, Ginger Raney, and husband, Terry, eight grandchildren, Deya DeVorak, Marcus DeVorak, Julie Bles, Kelly Smith, Kimberley Cash, Aaron Raney, Dustin Raney, Jon Raney and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one brother, Graham Childers. Visitation is Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 12-2 pm at First Untied Methodist Church in Des Arc with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be in Hazen Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home. Bro. Jaimie Alexander officiating. Pallbearers are Landon Smith, Lane Smith, Nathan Cash, Jacob Cash, Luke DeVorak, Sam Bles, Brock DeVorak, Si Bles, Maddox Raney. Memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse. www.garthfuneralhome.com.