Randal Gene Crouch  October 11th,1940- November 28th, 2023 (4-27-2024)

Connie Coffman  November 2nd, 1939 – April 25, 2024 (4-26-2024)

Randy E. McGee   May 23rd-1957– May 2nd, 2024 (5-6-2024)

Eunice Pauline (Chisum) Pack February 26th, 1936–May 25th, 2024 (5-30-2024)

William Michael Polinsky July 4th, 1968–November 16, 2023 (TBD) cremains

Alta Jewel Chisum Ledford March 8th, 1947–June 6th, 2024 (June 11, 2024)

Aultie C Gilliland Sr. April 16, 1932–May 27th, 2024 (6-28-2024) cremains

Earlene Mae Branch Petersen May 22, 1939–April 1st, 2024 (cremains TBD)

Rex Allen Petty September 24,1957- July 23, 2024 (7-26-2024)

Dennis James McElfish September 7, 1953- June 30, 2021 (8-2024 cremains)

Janson Morgan Dean Waters February 26, 1992- December 3, 2023 (8-2024 cremains)

Betty Jo (McElfish) Pruitt December 15, 1934- August 27, 2024 (8-30-2024)

Wanda Leen (Bryan) Taylor June 14, 1928 – August 28th, 2024 (8-31-2024)

DeLois Jean (Taylor) Barnhouse June 30th, 1934- August 31st, 20204 (9-7-2024)

Randal Gene Crouch, of Clarksville, Arkansas, sadly left us on November 28, 2023.

Randal is survived by his children, Clyde Thomas Crouch, Randy Austin Solomon and Courtni Holdegraver and son-in-law Kirk Holdegraver. Randal was the loving grandfather of Blaize Berry, Linden Crouch, Julian Whorton, Bella Solomon and Gabriel Holdegraver.

Randal had a long career as a Database Administrator for Southwestern Bell and a passionate photography hobby that he turned into a successful business. In his retirement Randal worked as an Alderman for Russellville, FEMA Inspector and groundskeeper for Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Randal grew up in Russellville, Arkansas, and was the class of 1958, and in his retirement also organized the Russellville High School 1958 First Monday reunions. Randal loved his family, friends, community, church (River Valley Grace Lutheran Church), photography and watching his beloved Razorbacks. Randal will be deeply missed.

Randal Gene Crouch was 83 years of age when he passed in St. Louis, Missouri, under the loving care of his children. He was born on October 11, 1940, in Tulare, California.

An open memorial service and luncheon will be held in honor of Randal Crouch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at River Valley Grace Lutheran Church located at 922 West Main St, Lamar, AR 72846.

Committal of ashes will follow thereafter at 2 p.m., Walnut Grove Cemetery of Hector, AR 72843.

Connie Coffman, 84, of Hector, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Regional Center in Russellville.

She was born November 2, 1939, in Claremore, Oklahoma, daughter of the late William Porter and Sarah Lutz Thurman. She loved working with children at church, and she pastored at Thompson Chapel Church for 20 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Coffman; her parents; and her siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie and husband Tony Cochran; 2 sons, Jimmy Coffman, Jr., and Roger Coffman and wife Betsy; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Deannie Fox; and several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A private family service was held Friday, April 26, at Lemley Chapel. Arrangements are private under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Randy E. McGee, 66, of Hector passed away peacefully Thursday, May 2, at Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway.

He was born May 23, 1957, in Hector, son of the late Arvel and Floy Helton McGee.

Randy retired after 28 years from the Pope County Road Department as a Road Grader. He was proud of his job, but more importantly he loved his family,

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy D. McGee; and sister, Shawna G. McGee.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sheila McGee; son, Carey and Christy McGee; brothers, Kenny and Thelma McGee, Steve McGee, Terry McGee;  grandchildren, Elizabeth McGee, Carson McGee, and Colter McGee; and a number of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Graveside service and burial will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, May 6, at Walnut Grove Cemetery with Rev. Jeremy Mathis officiating under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins.

Pallbearers are Jonathan Sanders, Bucky Snider, Jerrod Hicks, Josh Garrigus, Jackie Hicks, and Roger Linden.

Eunice Pauline Pack, age 88, of Hector, passed away peacefully from this earth to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

She is now rejoicing with her Jesus, and family that has gone on before, while those of us left behind will miss her terribly. She was born February 26, 1936, in the Richland Creek area to Bill and Ora (Frazier) Chisum. 

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and aunt. But, to most she was simply Granny. She was loved by all that knew her.  

One thing no one could ever dispute about Eunice is she was a hard worker. She was a farmer and logger most of her life. She learned farming at an early age from her daddy. Granny liked to tell stories about tracking her dad through the woods and how he would boast, “She could find [him] anywhere”.

Eunice married Lowell Freeman in 1951 and they began their family and their logging business. Eunice logged with mules until the couple were able to purchase their first skidder in the early 70’s. From that modest start they were able to grow a business to support not only their family, but their community, their church, and others in need.

After Lowell passed, Eunice married Don Pack in 1993 and they further expanded their poultry and cattle operation. Through it all, Eunice found time to be a loving and nurturing mother and granny.

Eunice worked just as diligently for the Lord as she did for her family. She was instrumental in helping to build several churches throughout the years. She and husband Don were proud members of Victory Assembly of God church in Atkins. Even though she lost the ability to be active and do the things she loved, her faith in God never faltered. Eunice stayed strong in her love for the Lord and her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Lowell Freeman; 3 brothers Alvie, James, and Johnny Lee Chisum; a sister Ollie Fay Freeman; a grandson Logan Pack; and twin great grandsons Everette and Eli Fox.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years Don Pack; three sons, Ira and Patsy Freeman of Atkins, James Freeman of Conway, Brent and Dawn Pack of Atkins; three daughters, Pat Housley of Hector, Phyllis and John Allen of Nogo, and Sheila Pack of Alred; a sister Alta and Harl Ledford of Hector; grandchildren Twilla, Paul, Charles, DeShea, Jeremy, Ashley, Josh, Matt, Morgan, Tara, Kyle, Cassie, and Maddie; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service is 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Shinn Chapel, with the Rev. Mike Chism officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Paul Willcutt, Charles and Tyler Brashear, Jacob Hendrix, Ronald Standridge and Josh Workman.

Honorary Pallbearers are Tony and Manuel Garrison, Billy Chisum, Don and Steve Freeman, Roy and Troy Chisum, Matt Winters and Ricky Hendrix.

To those of us left behind: as Granny would say, “Take your time, but hurry every chance you get!”

William Michael Polinsky, aged 55, died in Carson City, Nevada on November 16th, 2023.

He was born on July 4th, 1968 to William Farrell Polinksy and Susan Elizabeth Warner in Glendale California. 

His cremains will be buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Alta Jewel Chisum Ledford, age 77, of Hector, passed away surrounded by her family, Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home.

She was born March 8, 1947, in the Richland Creek area, to William Henry and Ora Mae Frazer Chisum.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and most well known as granny. No matter the relationship she was still granny, and everyone that visited her knows you didn’t leave granny’s house without your bellies full, a hug or at least 8, and most importantly a wave until you were out of sight and a prayer said over you.

Anyone who knew Alta knew she was not only a loving soul but a bit of a scrapper and an even harder worker. In her life from a young age she drove a truck hauling logs, grain and freight around the United States. Her favorite was hauling logs with her family, which is what she did until she was unable to keep going, she kept her health card just incase one day she could climb in that truck again.

She grew up farming with her parents and siblings, she loved to tell stories of working with the hogs. She loved to sneak out and play with the hogs until Papa Bill found out.

Alta married Charley Garrison in, they started a family and logging business of their own. They attended church regularly and served their community when they were not in the log woods.

Alta later married Jackie Piearcy in, moved to Roswell, New Mexico and climbed back in a truck to haul feed and a lot of grain bins. They moved to Oklahoma and finally back to Arkansas with their chicken and cattle farm they built from the ground up.

Alta later married Harl Ledford and fully retired from hauling logs and lived out her life to the fullest being granny to most, A.J. to some and her forever CB handle Misty Blue.

Her life mission was to love everyone, worship Jesus, and to get as many of her family and friends to join her and her loved ones in their heavenly home.

As granny would say and do, come see me soon, with a big granny wave until you’re out of sight.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Alvie, James and Johnny Lee Chisum; two sisters, Ollie Fay Freeman and Eunice Pauline Pack; and a son, Charles Allen Garrison.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Harl Ledford; three sons and daughters-in-law, Manuel and Julie, Tony and Chanda Garrison, and Clifton and Shelli Ledford; three daughters and sons-in-law, Becky and Earl Hall, Dorothy and Johnny Jackson, and Beverly York; 18 grandchildren, Vance (LeRonda), Lynn, Kaycee, Amber, Dustin (Tori), Whitney (Tyler), Jake, Cory, EJ, Brandi, Andrea, Cody, Diln, Sydney, Bode, Thomas, Christine, and Brandy; along with numerous great-grandchildren and friends.

The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Victory Assembly of God in Atkins, with Bro. Mike Chisum officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Aultie C. Gilliland Sr., 92, of Gibsonburg, Ohio passed away on May 27. 2024 at his residence.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 16, 1932 to Harol and Virginia (Mercer) Gilliland. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and worked at Dohler Jarvis for 33 years.

He is survived by his 3 sons: Aultie Gilliland Jr., Joseph Gilliland, and Richard (Barb) Gilliland; 3 daughters: Cynthia (David) Condley, Ella Gilliland, and Christine (John) Brogan; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Rebecca(Eric) and Addie Wolfe, Jessica (James) and Xavier Wheeler, and John(Hannah) Brogan II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Rouiller); parents, 3 siblings and grandson Noah Brogan.

Visitation will be held on Saturday June 1`from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Walnut Grove Cemetery Hector, Arkansas at a later date. Memorial contributions in Aultie’s name can be directed to H.O.O.V.E.S. and St. Judes.

Earlene Mae Branch Peterson, known to many as Gramma Ena, Aunt Nenner, Leadfoot Granny, Plan B Earlene, Momma to five, Sis, and Friend, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 84 in Spokane Valley, Washington.

She was born on May 22, 1939.

Earlene was a woman of deep faith and cherished her loved ones above all else. She had a passion for The Young and the Restless, which she followed for 50 years. Known for her kind heart and thoughtfulness, she would send hundreds of cards each year to let her loved ones know she was thinking of them. Earlene also had a unique love for her velour pants which she had in every color-she said they kept her both warm and sexy, froyo (specifically Orange Creamsicle), and carrying scissors in her purse to cut up salads that were too big. Some of us were lucky enough to have been gifted our own pair of salad scissors.

Earlene owned and operated the Conoco Gas and Repair Shop with her husband, John, for 17 years and she served as a First Responder and City Council Woman in Hector, AR., Together with her husband, Derald, she volunteered on a domestic violence response team in Colorado. Earlene was a fierce advocate for justice, even taking her fight to the Supreme Court in a case involving the tragic deaths of her daughter and granddaughter. Her unwavering commitment to seeking justice and mercy was a testament to her incredible character and steadfast faith.

Earlene was preceded in death by her “beloved mommy” Ruby Mae Mallot and her father, two husbands, her son David Branch, daughter Nancy Mueller, granddaughter Sarah Powell, and great-grandson Coleman Petty.

She attended and served at First Assembly of God in Hector, AR. for over 30 years and also attended and served at Northern Colorado Cowboy Church. Her hobbies included embarking on grand adventures, whether it be through a cruise, road trip, or journey to Hawaii. She found joy in beautiful flowers, fast cars and her 40-year-old Hoya plant named Blanche.

Her wish was for her ashes to be divided, with half buried in her family plot at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Hector, Ark., and the other half combined with her second husband’s ashes and spread in Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Backpacks for Kids and Domestic Violence organizations in your community, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Equal Justice Initiative.

Rest in peace, Earlene Mae Branch Peterson. Your legacy of love, faith, and dedication to justice will be forever remembered.

Rex Allen Petty, 66, of Atkins, left this earth to join his daughter and mother in the heavenly land on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

He was born September 24, 1957, in Phoenix, Arizona, son of the late Joe Reuben and Norma Rae Petty.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bobbie Petty; and a daughter, Bambi Haynie.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Betty Petty; daughters, Deedra Petty and Brandi Petty (Whitney Lee); grandchildren, Erin (Korbin) Sanford, Brooklyn and Gavin Haynie, Kyra Allen (Chris Hendrix), Kenya (Brandon) Stallworth, Mika McCray, Morgan and Amalther Lee; great-grandchildren, Nala Jay Cartman, Winter Allen, Mordecia Hendrix, Grayson Stallworth, Oaklee and Kreek Sanford; 3 sisters, Janie (Jo) Johnson, Nancy (Thaine) Fleming, Tina (Keith) McNutt; brother, Fred (Linda) Petty, son-in-law, Keith Haynie; and a herd of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Rex worked as a landscaper for several years. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grands dearly. His many adventures included the band Hippie Knights where he played guitar and bass, and learning and playing games with his grands and great-grands. He was always helping family and friends when he could. He was a very loving husband: the love he showed his wife is the type of love you would want for your loved ones. He taught his own how they should be loved through the good, bad, and never without.

A memorial visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, at Lemley Chapel. Graveside service and burial will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, July 26, at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Hector under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins.

Janson Morgan Dean Waters, age 31 of Hector, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023 at his home.

He was born February 26, 1992 in Witt Springs, Arkansas to Robert Thomas Waters II and Jennifer Jo Ballard. He loved camping, movies, being outside, listening to music. He loved hot sauce and popcorn. 

Survivors include his mother, Jennifer Waters; grandparents, Ken and Sandy Plummer; brothers, Jacob Waters, Cody Swboni and countless other family members.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle.

Dennis James McElfish age 67 of Russellville passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

He was born September 7, 1953 in Spokane, Washington. He attended Fairpark Baptist Church, he loved his church family and he was an active member at the mission.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30P.M., Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Fairpark Baptist Church, 615 South Knoxville, Russellville, Arkansas with Pastor Will Vodrazka officiating.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle.

Betty Jo Pruitt, 88 of Hector, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

She was born December 15, 1935, in Tarkio, Missouri to the late Earl and Ruby Mae (Mallot) McElfish.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Pruitt; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and husband Mark Krauss.

She is survived by her son, Verlin Pruitt and wife, Penny; daughter, Sandi Lyons; grandchildren, Missy and Michael Morris, Mandy and Josh Garrigus, Travis Pruitt, Meghan and Tyler Moore, Logan Lyons, Mandy Crow, and  Dara Meyers; and a heap of great-grandchildren, and other family and friends.

A graveside service and burial will be held 3:00 PM, Friday, August 30, at Walnut Grove Cemetery with Bro. Jeremy Mathis officiating under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins.

Memorials for funeral expenses may be made to Lemley Funeral Service P.O. Box 126, Atkins, AR 72823.

Online obituary and condolences will be available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.

Wanda Leen Taylor, a beloved wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at the age of 96.

Her life was a testament to love, family, and the simple joys that filled her days.

Wanda was born on June 14, 1928, in Hector, Arkansas, to Whit and Nettie (Millikin) Bryan. On Oct. 2, 1944, she married the love of her life, Leonard Julian Taylor, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they built a life rich in love and dedication, a marriage that would have marked its 80th anniversary this year.

Wanda’s family will greet friends at Welcome Home Free Will Baptist Church, 233 Welcome Home Road, Hector, on Saturday, Aug. 31, beginning at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2 p.m. with her final resting place at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Hector, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

Wanda’s life was filled with the warmth of family and the beauty of nature. She found great joy in the simple pleasures, whether it was tending to her flowers, picking blackberries, or feeding the birds, especially the Cardinals and hummingbirds, that visited her garden. She was a nurturing soul, always ready to share the bounty of her garden with loved ones, offering fresh-picked flowers or home-cooked meals as tokens of her love.

Her deep devotion to her family was evident in everything she did. Holidays were particularly special to her, as she relished the opportunity to cook and care for those she held dear. Wanda’s love for her husband was profound; she treated him with a tenderness and care that spoke volumes about their enduring bond. On cold mornings, she would warm his boots by the fire, start his truck, and send him off with a carefully packed lunch, a gesture of her unwavering love.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Gladys Bryan, Jewell Bohanan, and Sybil Tucker; and a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Jimmy Condley.

She leaves behind a large and loving family to carry on her legacy: her devoted husband, Leonard Taylor of Hector; her sister, Shirley Pruitt of Hector; her two sons, Leon Taylor (Barbara) of Hector, and Jerald Taylor (Rena) of Russellville; seven grandchildren: Don Condley (Patty) of Atkins, Dennis Condley (Jannie) of Russellville, Julia Langford (Marcus) of Russellville, Steward Condley (Melanie) of Hector, Stephen Taylor (Traci) of Hector, Bradley Taylor (Stacie) of Russellville, and Garrett Taylor (Jordan) of Clarksville; and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed to experience her kindness and love.

Wanda’s life was a beacon of love and simplicity, a life that provided a meaningful example for her children and grandchildren to follow. Her gentle smile, caring heart, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her.

DeLois Jean Taylor Barnhouse, 90, of Hector, Arkansas, died August 31, 2024, at her home. 

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  The family will visit with friends on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel.  A graveside service is planned for 10:00 AM, Friday, September 6, 2024, at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Hector, Arkansas, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.  Rev. Darwin Barnhouse will officiate.

DeLois was born on June 30, 1934, in Aledo, Oklahoma, to Glen & Opal (Witten) Taylor, the second of five children. As a teen, she began attending The Salvation Army. It was through a youth group gathering that she met the love of her life, Eudell (Bill) Barnhouse.

Bill & DeLois were married on August 1, 1953. Together, they had three children, Glenna, Billy, and Michael. They lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Alaska, and Nevada until Bill retired from the Air Force to Meeker, Oklahoma. She served as a Program Analyst for Tinker Air Force Base until her own retirement in 1989.

DeLois loved to garden and cook, as well as to travel around the country with her husband. She loved The Salvation Army’s Home League and served faithfully as Home League Secretary for more than 20 years.

DeLois found much delight in her family, particularly in her role as grandmother to 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

DeLois is preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Opal, brothers Delmar and Robert, sister Nancy, and beloved husband, Bill. She is survived by her sister, Sharon Kendrick, daughter, Glenna (Peter) Shao, sons Billy (Alma) Barnhouse and Michael (Lori) Barnhouse, grandchildren Nick, Jon, Brian, Michael, Thomas, Matthew, Victoria, Jamie, Ashley, and Lorin, and 18 great- and 2 great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army’s Camp Heart O’Hills, 23122 E Salvation Rd, Welling, OK 74471.