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Ray Aldridge
DYER — Ray Aldridge, 72, of Dyer died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in a local nursing home. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Forsgren Construction Co. in Fort Smith.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Dyer cemetery Arbor under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda; two daughters, Susie Burgess of Muldrow and Marsha Peevey of Mountainburg; a son, Harold Aldridge of Mulberry; a sister, Wanda Kessler of Kibler; two brothers, Johnny Aldridge of Dyer and James Aldridge of Van Buren; and 10 grandchildren.
The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Charles Earls
CLARKSVILLE — Charles Edward Earls, 72, of Clarksville died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in an area hospital. He was a farmer.
Funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel in Clarksville with burial at Shady Grove cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Eller; a daughter, Kathy Roberts of Tulsa; three sons, Ralph Earls of Olney, Ill., Randy Earls of Ola and Curtis Earls of Clarksville; a sister, Marilyn Smart of Porterville, Calif.; two brothers, Harold and Jimmy Earls, both of Porterville; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The body may be viewed from 6 to 8 p.m. today.
The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today.
Hulda Hayden
Hulda Henriette Hayden, 95, of Van Buren died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, in her home. She was a member of the Butterfield Assembly of God, a homemaker and the widow of Rodney Hayden.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Ocker Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with burial at Gracelawn cemetery in Van Buren.
She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Phelps of London and Shirley Gilmore of Rosamond, Calif.; a son, Rodney Allen Hayden of Hackett; 11 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Allen Hayden, Rick Hayden, Capt. Samuel Hayden, Maj. Samuel Phelps, Benny Adkins and Daren Bell.
Mary Jo Galbraith
Mary Jo Galbraith, born on Jan. 19, 1916, on a cattle ranch near Stoney, Texas, ended her earthly life on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2006, in Van Buren and has been welcomed into the company of the saints of light.
Mary Jo, one of eight children born to Emory and Bryce Wilkins, moved with her family from the ranch to Denton, Texas, in the early 1930s. There, Jo and her siblings graduated from Denton High School. Each continued their undergraduate education, with Mary Jo receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from what is now the University of North Texas.
In August 1940, Mary Jo married
Will Fred Galbraith, with whom she had three children, May Lynn, John and Bill. Throughout their marriage, Mary Jo taught English and worked as a school guidance counselor. Additionally, she was a strong supporter of the Presbyterian churches her husband served as pastor. Together, they faithfully helped lead congregations in Iowa Park, Gladewater, Kilgore, Gatesville, San Antonio, Giddings and Elgin, Texas. She leaves a legacy of care for children in school, church and community, and considered it a privilege to show hospitality to strangers and those in need.
Arising from her earliest days, Mary Jo developed a love for the out-of-doors and gardening. Countless homebound and hospitalized friends and acquaintances were gifted with her floral arrangements. She delighted in nature’s glory and in the beauty of a generous spirit.
She was one of God’s gifts and was well loved by many, especially her surviving family, Mary Lynn and Leon Johnson, her daughter and son-in-law of Paducah, Ky., and sons, John Galbraith and his wife, Shelley Kobelin Galbraith of Brighton, Mich., and Bill Galbraith and his wife, Sibyl Kingston Galbraith of Fort Smith.
From these families came six grandchildren, Jennifer Panor, Jeff Johnson, Matthew Galbraith, Beth Sarey, Kate Cook, and David Crist. There are five great-grandchildren, Jake and Ryan Sarey and Kate, Meg and Caroline Panor. Mrs. Galbraith is also survived by a sister, Rachel Mays of Denton, Texas.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of support for Mary Jo. particularly from the entire Elgin community and members and friends of First Presbyterian Church. They are also appreciative for her neighbors in Elgin Meadow and those friends, young and old, upon whom she so regularly relied. Thanks is also extended to the caring staffs of the SPJST Rest Home in Taylor, Texas, and the Alma Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Alma.
Mary Jo’s good sense of humor, enthusiasm for life and genuine witness to the faith which sustained her will continue to encourage those who follow.
Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at the First Presbyterian Church in Elgin, Texas, with burial to follow at Elgin cemetery, arrangements being handled by Elgin Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith.
James Dobbs
CLARKSVILLE — James Ernest Dobbs, 74, of Clarksville died Monday, Jan. 10, 2004, in his home. He was born Nov. 22, 1930, in Clarksville. He retired from Clarksville Wood Products after 45 years, and was a Baptist and trustee of the Woodland Community Building.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. today at Hardwicke Funeral Home Chapel in Clarksville.
He is survived by his wife, Harolene; two daughters, Karen Frizzell and Susan Ward, both of Clarksville; a sister, Violet Garrett of Clarksville; several grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Mildred Hickman
Mildred Pauline Hickman, 83, of Fort Smith died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, in a local hospital. She was a homemaker and a member of New Liberty Baptist Church.
Funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at Putman Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith with burial at U.S. National cemetery in Fort Smith.
She is survived by five daughters, Sharon Powers and Kathryn Fisher, both of Tulsa, Deborah Lawrence of Greenwood, Marilyn Buffington of Arlington, Texas, and Carolyn McGinnis of Fort Smith; five sisters, Norene Cox of Beecher City, Ill., Mary Terry of Denton, Texas, Nell Riggins of Harrison, Dell Martin of Marshall, and Sandra Hicks of Malvern; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be grandchildren.
The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.
Dorothy Oliver
Dorothy M. Oliver, 80, of Fort Smith died Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, in her home. She was born Feb. 4, 1924, in Fort Smith. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, retired from St. John’s Center after 20 years, and was the widow of Willie Oliver.
Rosary will be 7:30 p.m. today at St. Boniface Catholic Church.
Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial at U.S. National cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Rowell-Parish Mortuary of Fort Smith.
She is survived by three daughters, Sherry Sewell and Allison Oliver, both of Fort Smith, and Carla Hogue of North Little Rock; three sons, James Oliver of Kansas City, Mo., Mitchell and Byron Oliver, both of Fort Smith; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Charles Oliver, Jarrette and Jerry Hogue, James Sewell, Donald Bray, William White and James McDade.
The family will receive friends at 2412 N. 30th Street.
Hugh Gant
BENTON — Hugh Dennis Gant, 93, of Benton, formerly of Fort Smith, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, in Benton. He was a retired maintenance supervisor for Gordon Transports, a member of the First Baptist Church of Benton, an ordained deacon, a member of the Sebastian Blue Lodge No. 706, the Western Arkansas Consistory, and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was the widower of Lillie Gant.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith with burial at Roselawn cemetery.
He is survived by two sons, Hugh Gant Jr. of Benton and Roger Gant of Watson, Okla.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Wallace Floyd Sunday school class of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 W. 12th, Little Rock, AR 72204; or the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 211 S. Market St., Benton, AR 72015.
Floyd Thorman
Floyd Thorman, 85, of Van Buren died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, in Van Buren. He was a manager for the Co-op Feed Department in Van Buren for 50 years, attended City Heights United Methodist Church and was a cattleman.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gracelawn cemetery in Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife, Regina; a daughter, Carolyn Stevens of Van Buren; two sons, Fred Thorman of Van Buren and Wesley Thorman of Fort Smith; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Fred, John and Frederick Thorman, Tommy McMellon and Sonny Stevens.
The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Lena Hall
CHARLESTON — Lena M. Hall, 91, of Charleston died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, in Charleston. She was born May 4, 1913, in Center Point. She was a member of Westark Church of Christ in Fort Smith, was a former teacher in the Nashville and Texarkana Arkansas School Districts, was retired from the Arkansas Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs and was the widow of Jack Hall.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens under the direction of Texarkana Funeral Home in Texarkana, Texas.
She is survived by two sisters, Betty Pack of Athens, Ala., and Ruth Bearden of Charleston; and a brother, J.D. Chesshir of Searcy.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p. today at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Bayou Church of Christ, 716 York Chapel Road, Nashville, AR 71852.
Paul Black
SPRINGDALE — Paul Clifford Black, 72, of Springdale died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, in Springdale. He was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Lucas. He was a carpenter, an Army veteran of the Korean War, and a member of Temple Baptist Church in Springdale.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale with burial at Bluff cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Diane Carolan-Stegman of Dayton, Ohio; a son, Cliff Black of Springdale; a sister, Eva Suttle of DeQueen; a brother, Horace Black of Witcherville; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Nick and Hunter Black, Jason Elam, Gene Springston, Blaine Stegman and Jesse Stewart.
Charles Brunk Sr.
RYE HILL — Charles B. Brunk Sr., 62, of Rye Hill died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, in Fort Smith. He was a Fort Smith city police officer from 1975 to 1977, a Sebastian County patrol officer in 1977, 1978 and 1981, captain of the Detention Center from 1987 to 1996, a member of Faith Baptist Church in Jenny Lind, a veteran of the Army and the Korean War, and a member of the Bowling Association at Bowling World in Fort Smith.
Funeral will be 2 p.m. today at Faith Baptist Church in Jenny Lind with burial at Old Jenny Lind cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; two daughters, Gina Atkins of Pocola and Chrissey Harris of Fort Smith; four sons, Johnny Brunk and Charles Brunk Jr., both of Muldrow, Jimmy Belue of Fort Smith, and Richard Belue of Lavaca; a sister, Faye Robinson of Van Buren; three brothers, J.C. Morgan of Van Buren, Donald and Danny Brunk, both of Muldrow; 20 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard members.
John “Doug” Stanfill
John “Doug” Stanfill, 48 years old, of Mulberry died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in his home. He was always a caregiver and spent his life helping everyone, especially the elderly, have a better quality of life. He was a loving and caring person to everyone. He was a Christian.
By his request, there will be no services and his body is to be cremated. Remember him with happiness and love, which is what he wanted.
He is survived by his companion, Kent Moore, of 20 years; parents, Carvel “Whitey” and Kathryn “Sue” Stanfill of Fort Smith; a sister, Patty Borum and brother-in-law, Jim; three brothers, Tony of Greenwood, Vic of Conway, and Kevin of Little Rock; a niece, Candace Borum of Fayetteville; and nephews, Heath Borum of Fort Smith and Trey Stanfill of Alma. He has aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention by name. He is loved and will be missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Area Agency on Aging Hospice, P.O. Box 1763, Fort Smith, AR 72902. Obituary submitted by Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark.
Mary E. Howard
Mary E. Howard, 73, of Fort Smith passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in Fort Smith. She was a member of Central Christian Church.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. today at Central Christian Church. Burial of ashes will be 11 a.m. Thursday at U.S. National cemetery in Fort Smith. Cremation under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
She is survived by her husband, Merrill Howard of the home; a daughter, Mary D. Lindsey of Fort Smith; three sons, Merrill G. “Rusty” Howard, Jason T. Howard and Jeff D. Howard, all of Fort Smith; four sisters, Laura Moran of Gladwater, Texas, Ruth Bell of Dover, Del., Grace Kouniavis of Carrollton, Texas, and Ellie Horter of Philadelphia; a brother, Thomas Johnson of Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Stephen Clem of Fort Smith, Courtney Howard of Farmington, Allison Howard of Gravette, Josh Howard of Detroit, and Amanda Howard of Lavaca; and two great-grandchildren, Kaleigh Howard and Abigail Howard, both of Lavaca.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 400 N. Waldron Road, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
