Obituaries

On July 7, 1951, Joanna Leapheart Newman was born in Atkins, Arkansas, to Cummitt Morris Leapheart and Lois Geneva (Brooks) Leapheart. She was the eighth child and youngest daughter among twelve siblings. Joanna spent her earliest years in the loving care of her paternal grandparents, Eddie and Tobitha Leapheart, in Happy Bend, Arkansas, before joining…View Obituary

Charles (Sonny) Leroy Moon of Pea Ridge, Arkansas was born February 4, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan. He passed on Tuesday evening, July 21st, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Beulah Moon; his brother Daniel; wife Virginia; and son Terry. He is survived by children Randy, Martin, and Susan; grandchildren, Tiphani,…View Obituary

Jordan Spencer Ferchow, 36, of Fayetteville, AR, left us to live among the wildflowers on July 15, 2026.  She was born on June 27, 1990 in Fort Smith, AR. Jordan was a genuine, selfless free spirit who was full of life, and who loved spending time outdoors, making memories, and embracing every adventure that came…View Obituary

Ruth Marie Summer, 75, of Fayetteville died July 17, 2026 in Fayetteville. She was born January 25, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri to Dorsey and Dapholyn Roberts Beeler. She was an artist and enjoyed traveling to Ireland. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph Mendenhall and sister Margaret Price. She is survived…View Obituary

James Ronald French, 77, of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 in Fayetteville. He was born November 14, 1948 in Modesto, CA to James and Omal Stafford French. He was preceded in death by his parents. James was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired from the University of Arkansas from…View Obituary

In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne Smith Gary Wayne Smith AKA “Bimmy” 72, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026. He was born on February 9, 1954. Gary was a hardworking and devoted family man who retired from the University of Arkansas after 10 years of dedicated service. He was always on…View Obituary

Toney Willis Bowers, 71, of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born in Springdale, Arkansas on January 15, 1955. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Luna Bowers; his brother Aaron; and his sister Jeannie. He is survived by his wife of…View Obituary

Frederick Joe Willis, age 70, of Elkins, Arkansas passed away at Washington Regional Medical Center on July 1, 2026. He was born September 4, 1955 to Willie “Bill” Willis and Mary Emma Stewart Willis. He is preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother Daisy “Sammy” Willis; sisters, Sharron Elkins and Karen Springston; niece Nikki…View Obituary

In Loving Memory: Nelson Verl Hency, Jr, 74, peacefully entered the presence of his Savior on July 3, 2026. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ whose life was marked by unwavering love, hard work, and selfless sacrifice. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever…View Obituary

In loving memory of Dale Stanley Fercho (“Papa”), 82, of West Fork, Arkansas. He was born February 23, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and passed away on June 27, 2026 at his home. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Sharon Uldene Fercho; father Donald Fercho; and his mother Margaret Erickson Fercho. Dale was…View Obituary