Lowell F. Emert, a 25 year resident of Fairfield Bay died at age 92 on November 26, 2009 at the home of his son Alan Emert in Black, Missouri.  Mr. Emert was born near Hillview, Illinois to Floyd Emert and Esther Witty Emert.  His parents and brother Gene and sister Eck and daughter Patricia Dombrosky (Edward) preceded him in death.  Mr. Emert leaves behind his devoted wife of 72 years Helen (nee Tempel) and sons Alan (Elaine) and Robert (Margaret), 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
Mr. Emert retired in 1984 as a Vice President after a 45 year career with Fru-Con Construction Company.  During his career with Fru-Con, Lowell and Helen lived in many different parts of the country.  They enjoyed traveling all over the United States visiting family and friends and sightseeing.  Mr. Emert was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, past president of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Carpenter’s Union and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Donations in Lowell Emert’s memory to the Knights of Columbus would be appreciated.  A service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009.  A Rosary will also be said on Friday, December 4, 2009 at the Church.

Shirley M. LaFay passed away on November 24th,2009, She was 82. Preceeded in death by her husband of 60 years Jack LaFay. She had two sons; Richard LaFay of Slidell, La. And Jack LaFay Jr. of Charlevoix, Mi.; She had 4 grand children, Michelle Foley, Catherine LaFay, Jeff LaFay, and Richard LaFay.  She had 3 great grand children, Jack,Nigel and Archer LaFay. Shirley was a retired executive assistant for Oakland Schools in Pontiac, Michigan, A  Fairfield bay resident for over 20 years and a volunteer at the local library. Her internment will be at the Maple Hill cemetery in Cadillac, Mi at a later date.

Cathy Jo Rucks, February 11, 1955 - November 22, 2009.
Cathy Jo Rucks 54, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas passed away Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Ozark Health Nursing Center of Clinton, Arkansas. She was born February 11, 1955 at Duluth, Minnesota to the late James Robert and Marie Sophie Payne Nelson.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years Ronald Jay Rucks of the home, daughter, Michele Amber Gomes (Rucks) and husband Kleevan of Ndola Zambia, Africa, two grandchildren, Ezra, and Quinn, sisters, and brothers, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
No Visitation or Services are planned, her body was donated to science.
A memoriak fund has been setup to benefit Alzhiemers research at Regions Bank c/o Cathy J. Rucks. Send donation to P.O. Box 1162, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088.

Shirley J. Thompson, age 84, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, formerly of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 16, 2009, at Indian Rock Village in Fairfield Bay.  Born in Ottawa, Illinois, on September 5, 1925, she was the daughter of Otto and Vina (Jacobson)Rygh.  She married William A. Thompson on May 5, 1946, in DeKalb. 

Kyle Dean Bradford, 47, of Shirley died Sunday, November 8, 2009 at his home. Born in Heber Springs on July 11, 1962, he was the son of Joyce (Cullum) Bradford and the late Garner Bradford. A lifelong resident of Shirley, he was self employed and a member of the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father, Garner Bradford; his grandparents, Claude and Effie Bradford and Monte Cullum; and his twin brother, Lyle Christopher Bradford. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Carner Bradford; his mother, Joyce Bradford of Fairfield Bay; his grandmother, Lucille Cullum; one son, Nicholas Alexander Bradford of Shirley; one daughter, Jordan Brooke Bradford of Conway; one stepson, Chad Wood of Hot Springs; one stepdaughter, robin Wood of Little rock; one brother, Chris Bradford of Shirley; one sister, Faith Wilson of Conway; and two step-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the Eglantine Church of Christ with Tim Caldwell officiating. Interment was at the Eglantine Cemetary.

Edmund August Woerner 93, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Ozark Health Medical Center Clinton, Arkansas. He was born November 25, 1916 at Chicago, Illinois to the late August and Wilhelmena (Dahlberg) Woerner.
He is a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.
Edmund was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Richard Woerner, and George Woerner, three sisters, Agnes Curry, Dorothy Paglusch, and Cora White.
He is survived by his wife Ann May (Siecker) Woerner, of the home, son, Raymond Woerner and wife Toni of Naples, New York; two daughters, Jean Rumps and husband Norb of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; and Shirley Rudolph and husband Jim of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and two sisters, Lorraine Divis and Mary Denges.
Memorial Mass will be 11:00am Friday, December 11, 2009 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.
Cremation Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Melinda Kay Watts 42, of Conway, Arkansas passed away Monday, November 2, 2009 at her home. She was born February 21, 1967 at Little Rock, Arkansas to Clell and Judy A. Havens Watts.
Melinda worked 22 years as an LPN and specialized in wound care. She was a devoted nurse, giving extra time, care and compassion to her older patients. She will be lovingly remembered by her patients and their families.
She is preceded in death by her husband Quenton Riley, maternal grandparents, Clotine and Havis Havens, and paternal grandparents, Albert and Bessie Watts.
She is survived by her son and daughter, John Riley and Malia Watts both of Conway, AR; mother, Judy A. (Havens) and Richard "Skip" Wheeler of Fairfield Bay, AR; father, Clell Watts and wife Cheryl of Little Rock, AR; two brothers, Michael Watts and wife Marsha of Conway, AR; and Scott Hearnsberger of Little Rock, AR; niece and nephew, Hannah and Matthew Viola of Conway, AR.
Casketbearers: Mike Watts, Scott Hearnsberger, Matt Viola, Bobby Holloway, Kris Keck, and Jesse "Bo" Clark.
Funeral Service will be 10:00am Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas with Pastor, John Walls officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery Hwy 95 West - Clinton, Arkansas.
The family will gather to visit with friends from 5:00-7:00pm Friday, November 6, 2009 at Roller-McNutt Chapel Clinton, Arkansas.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

George Edward Malfatti passed on to a better place with the Lord on October 29^th, 2009 at Ozark Health Nursing Home of Clinton, Arkansas.

 He was born November 25, 1921 in Edwardsville, Illinois the son of the late Wedo and Gertrude Malfatti, also preceeded by one grandson, Michael Malfatti, one brother E. Malfatti, and a sister Dorothy McCarthy.

 He was a World War II Veteran in the Army. He was an engineer in Construction. Lived in Morris, Illinois until he retired from B&W Construction. Then moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas in 1993.

 Member of the Lutheran Church in Morris, Illinois, while at Fairfield Bay he fellowshipped at Cornerstone Church.

 He is survived by his wife Lois Malfatti of 56 years, three sons: Stephen of Colorado, George F. Jr., of Illinois, and John C. of Conway, Arkansas, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sisters, Rose Higgintolham of Zion, Ill, and Mary Ann Knorr of Joliet, Ill.

 A private Memorial Service was held on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

Alex raymond Mahalko

Alex Raymond Mahalko was born to earth August 23, 1930 to Alex and Alice foley Mahalko in Chicago, Il and died on October 15, 2009 in Heber Springs, Arkansas at the age of 79. A resident of Edgemont, Arkansas, he was a loving family man, a retired Master carpenter, and a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church in FAirfield Bay. He served his country in the United States Army in Korea and in the Navy reserve. He was in the Honor Guard and a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #330. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a helper to friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ed Mahalko. He is survived by his wife Veronica Mahalko, a daughter Linda Pacha and husband Tom of IL., a son Paul Mahalko of IL., a ste-daughter Judy Biggins and husband Bob of IL.,  two step-sons, Gilbert Klingberg and wife Rhonda, Jeff Klingberg and wife Jane, nine grandchildren and 14 great great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. Done with his work on earth, he has gone to his heavenly home.

A Mass of christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 16, 2009 at the St. Francis catholic Church in FAirfield Bay with FAther Oliver Ochieze officiating. Burial with Military Honors was held in Woodland Memorial Park Cemetary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Francis Catholic Church in Fairfield Bay.

family Funeral Service 106 South 4th Street, Heber Sorings, 72543, 501-362-2088 in charge of arrangements.

John Dan Weaver 36, of Shirley, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at his home. He was born March 29, 1973 at Jasper, Wyoming the son of Ferrell and Mary Kay Gray Weaver.
John loved his children Josh, Jordan, and Justin, words cannot express the love his entire family felt for John and he for them. He will be missed but never forgotten. John loved hunting, fishing, and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rodger Gray, Eulas Kirkindoll, and Mary Kirkendoll. Paternal grandparents, Rufus Weaver, and Joe McDonald, and Opal McDonald.
He is survived by his three sons, Joshua Weaver of Shirley, Jordan Weaver of Springdale, and Justin Weaver of Alread, parents, Ferrell and Mary Kay Weaver of Clinton, two sisters, LeAnn Livingston and husband David, and Susan Weaver both of Conway, and many relatives and friends.
Honorary Casketbearers: Jeff Weaver, Jared France, Jeff Gray, Jamie Beavers, and David Livingston.
Visitation will be 6:00-8:00pm Friday, October 16, 2009 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Clinton, Arkansas.
Graveside Service and Burial will be 10:00am Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Weaver Cemetery Banner Mountain Road Shirley, Arkansas with Pastor, Kyle Blanton officiating.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Jessica Mae Easley was granted her angel wings on October 13, 2009. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who Jessica had touched in some way throughout her incredible and memorable life.

Jessica's life would seem too short for many, but those who knew her understood that quality far exceeded quantity of existence. Her gentle smile, giving nature, and robust energy brought much joy to everyone she met; she never met a stranger. Jessica was always happy despite her struggles and pain, and each day was an adventure in discovery.

While she battled cancer, she remained courageous and brave, gave us hope and reminded us how precious life truly is. She found joy, love, and laughter in every waking moment and was quick to share her exuberance for life with others. She was an unselfish child who gave freely of all she had, material or spiritual. She had a great love for all God's creations, with a particular fondness for animals of all kinds. She loved planting flowers and tending her garden. Jessica loved the great outdoors; camping, hunting and fishing. She enjoyed softball, basketball, and her favorite was swimming. Jessica could spend all day playing croquet in the yard; or hours with her beloved pets, dog Leeroy and horse Twister. She especially enjoyed music and quality time with friends and family. She remained faithful and praised God, for each day was a blessing. Jessica will be greatly missed as she is loved by many.

She is survived by her parents, Teresa Biggs Radke and Daniel Moore of Shirley, Ark.; one sister, Katie Treuter of Shirley, Ark.; a brother, Mike Radke of Luck, Wisconsin; grandfather, Allen Biggs; grandmother, Pamela McAnally; aunts and uncles, Tim and Sherry Biggs, Tracy and Dennis Bracey; cousins, Neana Riedy, Stevie Beyers, Nicky Beyers and Reece Bracey and a host of loving relatives and close friends as well as a very large extended family.

Visitation is 4 – 8 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Roller Coffman Chapel, Mtn. View.

Funeral service is 4 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2009 at Flatwoods Missionary Baptist Church, Mtn. View with Chaplin John Powers officiating and speaker, Paul Parsons.

Honorary pallbearers are Michael Sweeney, Allen Biggs, Bruce Lasater, Timothy Biggs, Buddy Trammell, Michael Radke, Thomas Tyson and Dennis Bracey.

Rappaport, Dr. Sheldon R. dearly loved husband of Sharon Hanna, peacefully returned to spirit on October 12, 2009. Sheldon was born to Morris and Faye (Farber) Rappaport on April 19, 1926 in Jacksonville, Florida. His brother, Harold, predeceased him. He lived in Arkansas for 18 years after moving from Essexville, Michigan.

Dr. Rappaport, was a clinical psychologist, educational consultant, author, and holistic-health practitioner. He received his A.B. and A.M. degrees from Temple University and his Ph.D. from Washington University in 1952.

Among his many accomplishments, he founded The Pathway School for children with learning disabilities, in Audubon, Pennsylvania. He authored and led two federally-funded National Diffusion Network training programs, one for elementary-school personnel, and the other for secondary-school personnel. . He served on a Task Force for the Joint Commission on Mental Health of Children and as a consultant to the President’s National Advisory Council.

He is survived by his son, Bruce (Lydia), and daughter, Lisa Nelson (Michael). Three grandsons, John David and Justin Rappaport, and Michael McNary. Also, his 6 step-daughters, Carol, Linda, Barbara, Christine, Theresia, and Margaret as well as his sister-in-law Ruth.

Our deeply felt thanks to all of the wonderful people and special friends, including Hospice, who were a part of his life and his long illness.

There will be an open house on November 8, 2009 from 1PM - 4PM. Please come and help us to celebrate Sheldon's life at 101 West Cliff Drive, Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.

Adam Wayne Gibbons 23, of Shirley, Arkansas passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Branch, Arkansas. He was born August 24, 1986 at Clearinda, Iowa to Kenneth L. and Mary Lou Mattly Gibbons.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Archie Mattly, paternal grandfather, Gene Gibbons, and uncle, Ron Gibbons.

He is survived by his parents, Kenneth L. and Mary Lou Gibbons of Shirley, AR; sister, Rebecka Ann Bradford and husband Rodney of Shirley, AR; two brothers, Joe Linn Burch of Clinton, AR; and Michael Allen Burch of Fairfield Bay, AR; maternal grandmother, Florence Mattly of Bedford, Iowa; paternal grandmother, Mary E. Gibbons of Shirley, AR; four nieces, and nephews, Drew Koone, Issabelle Bradford, Reed and Lexi Burch.

Cremation Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.

Idest Arzelle F. Garner 95, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas passed away Saturday, September 5, 2009 at her home. She was born July 11, 1914 at Magnolia, Arkansas to the late Oscar Reagan and Trudy Odella Whitlow Ford.

She was born and raised in Magnolia and was a member of First Baptist Church of Magnolia for many years and loved to serve there. She was a retired teacher of 30 years in Elementry and High School education for the Columbia County Schools and was close to receiving her masters degree. She loved to teach and loved her students as if they were her own. Her hobbies were quilting and her vegetable gardens. Arzelle will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.

She was preceded by her parents, husband of 69 years Thomas Ovein Garner, one sister, and two brothers.

She is survived by her daughter, LaJoyce Doran and husband Michael of Fairfield Bay, AR; two grandchildren, Debbi Dethan and husband Rodger, and Ford Summerlin and wife Debbie, four great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and one sister Melva Dodson of Magnolia, AR.

Local Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Susie Kirkendoll Barrigar, age 78, of Atwater, California, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2009, in an Atwatercare facility.  She was born at Shirley, Arkansas, on March 20, 1931, the daughter of the late Dudley and Wilma Kirkendoll.  She was the widow of Joseph Barrigar who passed away June 22, 2000.  Susie had worked as a medical receptionist in Atwater, where she was a long time resident.  In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by three daughters, Lori Cook, Barbara Oser, and Karen Shipley, and a grandchild, Ethan Sullivan.

Susie is survived by three sons, Bennie Cook of Lathrop, California, Kenny Cook of Winfield, Alabama, and Gary Cook and wife, Karen, of Winton, California; one daughter, Linda Cook of Aztec, New Mexico; two sisters, Violet Elliott of Clinton and Beth Bradford of Shirley; seventeen grandchildren, and twenty nine great grandchildren. Susie is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.

Graveside services and interment will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pee Dee Cemetery at Clintonwith Rev. Sam Brown officiating.  Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Heber Springs.  www.olmstead.cc

Mary E. Sharp

Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Sharp, age 84, of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009.

She was born on Nov. 27, 1924, at Cullman, Ala., the daughter of Louis G. Gulley and May Barclift Gulley. On Nov. 1, 1944, she was married to Kenneth Ray Sharp. She was preceded in death by her father and her mother.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. For several years, she was the noon-time news anchor for KFSA (now KFSM) Channel 5 television station in Fort Smith. Beth was a former resident of Fairfield Bay, Ark.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Kenneth Ray Sharp of Hot Springs; on e son and daughter-in-law, Dana and Dean Traywick of Hot Springs; five grandchildren and spouses, Ashley Shires and husband, Robert of Boulder, Colo., David Simpson and wife, Leah of Camdon, N.C., Laura Dommes and husband, Kevin of LaFayette, Calif., Ben Sharp of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Deano Traywick and wife, LaVonda of Benton; nine great-grandchildren, Shophie Shires, Jacquie Shires, Bennet Simpson, Jada Simpson, Jake Dommes, Graham Dommes, Stella Sharp, Austin Traywick; one sister-in-law and husband, May and Charles Reaves of Little Rock; and nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Services were held on Aug. 24 at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. William "Bud" Reeves officiating, under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to the entire staff of Quapaw Care and Rehabilitation Center.  We will always cherish the many tender acts of love, care and concern given to Beth, during her lengthy illness.

Memorials may be made in Beth's name to either The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw Avenue, Hot Springs, Ar. 71901-4040 or to First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901-5451.  Guest registry is at http://www.davis-smith.com.

Samuel Ralph Nicholson 64, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas passed away after a long battle with cancer Monday, August 17, 2009 at Conway Regional Medical Center. He was born December 5, 1944 at Newport, Arkansas to the late Ralph and Lucille Cook Nicholson.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Mills Nicholson, three sons, Trey Moore and wife Christal of Little Rock; Brett Alan Nicholson of Orlando, Florida; Heath Cook Nicholson of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Raven Cook Nicholson, Haley Gilliam, and Nathan Winton.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas.

Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society 901 North University Ave. Little Rock, Arkansas. 72207

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Emma Jean Duran 80, of Clinton, Arkansas passed away Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Ozark Health Nursing Center Clinton, Arkansas. She was born February 12, 1929 in Vance, Mississippi to the late John and Mary Alice Young Wilkins.
Emma Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a Secretary of a Variety Store, and partnered with her husband in a resturant business for eight years in Mississippi before moving to Fairfield Bay, she will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, second husband Robert Johnson and a daughter Anita Brown.
She is survived by her husband LaVoughn L. Duran of Fairfield Bay, Ar; sons Bobby Johnson and wife Shelia, and Tommy Evans both of Mississippi; daughters Marianne Doris Swilley of Louisiana, and Yvonne of Mississippi; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren two sisters Katherine Vawter and Martha Reed, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Cremation Arrangements are under the direction of Roller McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com