William Joseph (Bill) South, Jr. age 72, passed away April 18, 2016. He was born June 20, 1943, in Memphis, TN, to William Joseph South, Sr. and Eddie Lou (Fudge) South. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Hershel South. He leaves his son, Todd South (Jennifer); his grandchildren, T.J. and Leandra, all of Chula Vista, CA; one brother, Dan South (Cheryl) of Tumbling Shoals, AR, and many nieces and nephews. His many friends from Spring Creek Manor in Sulphur Rock, AR, will miss him.

A family graveside memorial will be held at Memphis Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements were made by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 W. Main Jacksonville, Arkansas.  501-982-3400.

James Allen Clites, 45, of Cabot passed away on April 17, 2016. He was born on October 9, 1970 to the late William H. and Hazel Hildegard Pierce in Warren, Ohio.

James is survived by his son, James (JW) Clites of DesArc, Arkansas; one grand-daughter, Allison Marie Clites of Parkin, Arkansas; two brothers, David Clites of Mississippi and Eugene Long of West Virginia; two sisters, Tammy Stipes of Bald Knob, Arkansas and Shirley Posey of Arkansas and many loved ones.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.

Wallace Eugene VanderLyke, 71, of Sequoyah Oklahoma passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 11, 2016. He was born in Rochester New York on June 29, 1944 to Wallace VanderLyke and Evelyn Neal.

Wallace proudly served in the US Navy and loved the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Loraine Montgomery, his two daughters Kara Hankins (Chris) of Sallisaw, OK, Lisa VanderLyke of Muldrow, OK, one brother Leonard VanderLyke, of Ozark, Arkansas and many other loved ones.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas.

501-982-3400.

Alfred LeRoy Keese, 75, of Hot Springs Village, born June 2, 1940, passed away on April 21, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alice Keese; sister, Lola Kauffman of Concord, North Carolina, and son, Christopher Matthew Monson. Alfred proudly served in the United States Air Force. He loved waterskiing, fishing, and boating with the grandchildren. He also had a love of family history research and traveling with his wife. Alfred was associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served with his wife as a local missionary for three years just prior to his death.

Alfred is survived by his wife, Carolyn Stephenson Keese; children, Cherie Marie Rougtenberg (Mike) of Washington State, Cartlund Monson (Monica) of Mercer Island, Washington, Carlton Monson of Kirkland Washington, Carolyn Hiatt (Roger) of Draper, Utah, and Camille Jenson (Will) of Salt Lake City, Utah; twelve grandchildren, and brother, James Keese (Betty) of Wintersett, Des Moines, Iowa.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400

Charles Edward Lagergren Sr., 67, of Conway passed away on April 21, 2016. He was born on December 19, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana to William Rudolph Lagergren Sr. and Winifred Elsie Stephens. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Charles leaves behind his wife, Jo’elle Bergeron Lagergren; children, Shawn Anthony (Megan) Lagergren of Baltimore, Maryland, Courtney Claire (Paul) Aleman of Havana, Arkansas, Charles Edward Jr. (Samantha) Lagergren of Conway, Arkansas, Seth Nehemiah (Karlee Ann) Lagergreen of Havana, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren; three brothers, William Rudolph Lagergren Jr. of Sales Creek, Tennessee, James Samuel Denning of Lebannon, Tennessee, Micheal Lagergren of Pensacola, Florida and one sister, Pamela Jean Williams of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.

Jessie Armbruster, 88, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on April 22, 2016. Wife of the late Edward Armbruster Jr., of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was the daughter of the late Jesse and Della Edmison of Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a bookkeeper for Mobil Oil Company, and retired as a licensed practical nurse.

Survivors include her children, Michael (Beth) Edmison of Conway and Susan Armbruster (Gary Forrest) of Poteau, Oklahoma; brother, Jon Edmison; sister, Barbara Mize of Little Rock. Jessie took pride in her grandchildren, Camille Edmison, Melissa Edmison, Lindsey (Roy) Droste, and Austin Edmison; six great grand-daughters.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas.  501-982-3400

Meredith Diane Thornton, 59, of Conway, went on April 23, 2016 to join her beloved mother, Neva Strain-Schmitt; brothers, Kenny and Terry Johnson; and the love of her life, Julian Thornton, in the house of our Lord.

She is survived by her loving daughter and best friend, Leslie McGonigal.

We were blessed to have her loving presence for 59 years. Diane will be missed dearly by her relatives and many friends. A special thank you to her loving nephew, Lane Johnson.

A memorial service to celebrate Diane’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 27^th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service Chapel 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you please make contributions to A Natural State Funeral Service. 501-982-3400.

Booker Thomas Currie Jr., 87, of Brinkley passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016. He was born on October 13, 1928 to Booker T. Currie and Rose Anna Gaines in Augusta, Arkansas. Booker is preceded in death by his wife, Pearlie Mae Whitman Currie and his parents.

He is survived by two daughters, Lula Palmer of Moro, Arkansas and Ardenia Griffin of Forrest City, Arkansas; five sons, Claudell Whitman Sr. of Moro, Arkansas, Troy Whitman Sr. of Brinkley, Arkansas, Eugene Whitman of Ohio, Julius Whitman of Little Rock, Arkansas and Jeremiah Whitman of Virginia; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Flint of Texas; two special cousins, Erma Cummins and Viola Moore Smith; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 6^th at 1:00 p.m. at Harris Chapel Cemetery located between Augusta and Gregory on Highway 17 with graveside services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Elder Troy Whitman Sr. officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas.            (501) 982-3400.

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

John Adam Ross, 72, North Little Rock, born April 5, 1944, passed away May 5, 2016. John was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Henrietta Ross; sister, Diane and aunts, Flora and Lillie Ross.

Growing up around Lamar Porter Field and Travelers Field, John had dreams of one day being an umpire in the “BIG” Leagues. He began to umpire baseball games while in high school. After years of working Pony League, Legion and College games around the state, John’s dream was fulfilled when he was invited to Professional Umpire School.

After his career in baseball, John worked all across the United States in Sales and Sales Management.

John was known as a teller of tales. He was quick to share a story from his colorful past (even if you had heard it many times before). He kept his mind sharp with his love of reading and crossword puzzles.

Memorials may be made to Lamar Porter Field.

Cremation entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville AR, 501-982-3400.

Raymond Lee Davis, Sr, 70, of Ward, born January 16, 1946, passed away May 6, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Davis; mother, Tiney Goodman; and siblings, Rose Marie Davis, Clara Jean Davis, Betty Jean Davis, Buddy Davis, Gene Davis, Joe Davis, and Lester Davis.

Raymond is survived by his children, Ray Davis, Gayle Sullivan, Waylon Davis, David Davis, Misty Long, and Steven Davis; two siblings, Lois Hicks and Carl Thurmond; and ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 315 Indian Point Road, Ward, Arkansas (out by the pond) on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1 pm.

Cremation entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 501-982-3400.

Wanda Paulette Rutledge, 50, of Conway passed away on Friday, May 6, 2016. She was born on March 19, 1966 to Paul Franklin Hannah and Wanda Hardwick in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Wanda; first husband, William Stacks and son, William Wesley Stacks.

Wanda loved her daughter and grand kids, her life was centered on them. She was a wonderful, loving mother who was very down to earth. She loved fishing, enjoyed cooking and had a love for travel. Wanda was very fond of her lab, Leroy.

She leaves behind her husband, Frederick Daaron Dempsey; her daughters, Elisha Stacks Smith of Conway, Victoria M. Dempsey of Conway, Heather M. Dempsey of New York and Ashlinn B. Dempsey of Greenbrier; grandchildren, Madalynn Grace Smith of Greenbrier, Kristen Paige Smith, Hunter Owen Smith and Fisher Lee Smith; siblings, Paul D. Hannah of Conway and Linda Boyd (Michael) of Murfreesboro.

Visitation will be held graveside on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Thorn Cemetery in Greenbrier with graveside services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Jack Burgess officiating. The family has requested for memorials to be sent to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 W. Main Street Jacksonville, AR 72076.

501-982-3400

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Bridgette Lynn Vance, 52, of Little Rock passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2016. She was born on January 18, 1964 to Robert Vance and Linda Hammer in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bridgette was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Maurice Vance.

She is survived by her daughters, Brittany Vance of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Amanda LeBouef of Hammond, Louisiana; two grandchildren; three brothers, Mark Vance of Texarkana, Texas, Robert Wade Vance of Texarkana, Texas, David Vance of Little Rock, Arkansas; one sister, Kim Childers of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Henrietta R. Beottcher Leonard, 76, of Robinson, Kansas passed away on Friday, May 6, 2016. She was born on April 18, 1940 in Altavista, Kansas to Lester Beottcher and Clara Iams. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Clara.

She enjoyed watching Ralph Stanley ministry on t.v. Henrietta loved her family but most of all she enjoyed being a grandmother to her grandkids and great-grandchildren, they were the light of her life.

Henrietta left behind to treasure her memory three children, Arthur D. Leonard (Chris) of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Glen Leonard of Robinson, Kansas, Douglas Leonard (Beverly) of Maumelle, Arkansas; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Vernon Beottcher of Oklahoma; two sisters, Roberta Beottcher of Oklahoma and Wilma Beottcher of Kansas as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are pending.

Brandon Dewayne Waggoner, 33, of Sherwood, born May 26, 1982, passed away May 6, 2016. He is preceded in death by his brother, Connor Carr; cousin, Josh Givens; grandparents, Edward and Maxine Tanner, and great grandparents, Riley and Delphia Wood.

God blessed Brandon with talents that he shared with so many. He loved nature and appreciated the trails, caves, and waterfalls he explored with family and friends.

Brandon is survived by his mother, Sam Carr; stepfather, Robert Carr; father, Tony Waggoner; sister, Ashley Feist; grandparents, Wayne and Patty Waggoner, and aunts, uncles, and cousins that he loved with all of his heart.

A family Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 11, at 2:00 pm at Immanuel Baptist Church with interment following at Hamilton Cemetery; both are located in Carlisle.

Cremation Services have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400.

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Alfred LeRoy Keese, 75, of Hot Springs Village, born June 2, 1940, passed away on April 21, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alice Keese; sister, Lola Kauffman of Concord, North Carolina, and son, Christopher Matthew Monson. Alfred proudly served in the United States Air Force. He loved waterskiing, fishing, and boating with the grandchildren. He also had a love of family history research and traveling with his wife. Alfred was associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served with his wife as a local missionary for three years just prior to his death.

Alfred is survived by his wife, Carolyn Stephenson Keese; children, Cherie Marie Rougtenberg (Mike) of Washington State, Cartlund Monson (Monica) of Mercer Island, Washington, Carlton Monson of Kirkland Washington, Carolyn Hiatt (Roger) of Little Rock Arkansas, and Camille Jenson (Will) of Salt Lake City, Utah; twelve grandchildren, and brother, James Keese (Betty) of Wintersett, Des Moines, Iowa.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 10am at the Stake Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 13901 Quail Run Drive, Little Rock Arkansas.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400

Tammy Jean Williams, 50, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. She was born to John Ball and Donna Parnell in Spokane, Washington on December 14, 1965.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Paul Williams; parents, John and Donna; one son, Justin Adkins of Conway; one daughter, Lyndsey Poulnott of Beebe; four grandchildren; one sister, Lisa Taylor of Searcy; two brothers, John Ball of Orlando, Florida and Billy Taylor of Searcy.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Hobart “Bart” Preston Newsom, 63, of Sherwood passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born on May 11, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Preston Wiley Newsom and Ella Mae Bibb. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Bart is survived by his sister, Nancy Wade (Jimmy) of Cabot; nephew, Mark Wade (Leigh) of Cabot; niece, Meleah Wade of Cabot.

He is a member of Open Door Community Church in Sherwood. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Open Door Community Church in his honor.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tim Woodard for all he did for Bart.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., A Natural State Funeral Service Chapel 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.

Floyd Eugene Speer, 52, of Jacksonville passed away on May 12, 2016. He was born on September 12, 1963 to Alford O.D. Speer and Mary Catherine Parish in Lonoke, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his father.

Floyd is survived by his mother, Mary Catherine Speer of Jacksonville; wife, Becky Speer of Jacksonville; one brother, David Speer of Jacksonville; four sisters, Elaine Whaley of Jacksonville, Rhonda Manion of Wichita, Kansas, Debbie Milner and Marie Losey both of Jacksonville as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Maddox Road Baptist Church 702 E. Maddox Road Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400.

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Billy Allen Justice, 70, of Sherwood, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, May 14, 2016. He was born September 19, 1945 in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bessie and Kelly Justice; sisters, Irene Justice, Schilla Edwards; brothers, Jimmy Justice, Herman Justice; stepson, Gary Isham.

He is survived by wife, Carol Justice; sisters, (twin) Helen Cauldwell, Lindy Rodgers, Kathy Johnson, Teresa Grasser, Chris Johnson, Jeanette Mann; brothers, Robert Justice, Johnny Turley, Joe Turley; daughter, Donna Hurt; stepson, Terry Isham; grandchildren, Danny Hurt, Amy Hurt-Wirges; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews who knew him simply as Uncle Bill Bill.

He was tenacious spirit, who often loved to make other’s laugh. He had a love of nature, and loved to spend his time outdoors. Most of all he had a love for the Lord. He attended Christian Assembly in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 19 at 1:00 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service Chapel, 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, AR 72076. Graveside services to follow at Arkansas Memorial Gardens at 2:00 p.m., officiated by brother-in-law, Rev. Darrell Cauldwell. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 501-982-3400.

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Peggy Ann Brown, 64, of Jacksonville passed away on May 16, 2016. She was born on December 30, 1951 to the late Harold Aldal Sr. and Ailene Wynn in Missoula, Montana.

She is survived by her children, David Braadland (Kelli), Paula Galvan, Crystal Braadland, and Carrie Cunning (Willie); ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister and three brother as well as a host of other family members and friends.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas 501-982-3400.

www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com