Lois Jean Merrill
GRAVETTE — Lois Jean Merrill of Gravette died Dec. 22, 2009 in Rogers. She was born Aug. 3, 1932, to the late Robert and Lydia (Crook) Merrill in New Haven, Conn.
She received her B.S. degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut in 1955, her M.S. degree in nursing in 1960 from the University of Colorado and her Ph.D. in education from the University of Nebraska in 1978. In 1986, Lois moved to North Dakota where she was dean and professor of the University of North Dakota College of Nursing until her retirement in 1995. She now holds the title dean emeritus of the College of Nursing. In 1995 she established the Lois J. Merrill University of North Dakota College of Nursing Endowment. It was her desire to continue to enhance and strengthen the nursing program at UND and to provide a means for students in nursing to continue their education. Her previous professional experience included; professor and dean of the University of Evansville School of Nursing and Health Science, associate professor and associate dean of the University of Nebraska College of Nursing, associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and instructor at Syracuse University School of Nursing. Before starting her teaching career, she practiced nursing at Presbyterian Hospital, Denver, Colo., and at Cincinnati General Hospital. After retiring, she moved to Bella Vista where she resided until 2005.
Lois has published many education articles, has been program director for grants provided by DHHS, Division of Nursing and presented a variety of professional papers throughout the States and Canada. During her professional career, she was a member of ANA, NLN, Midwest Alliance, American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau, International. In addition, she participated as an external evaluator and accrediting visitor for baccalaureate nursing programs.
Lois is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Wilfred (Bill) St. John of North Branford, Conn.; three nephews, Bob and Eileen St. John of North Haven Conn., David St. John of Racine, Wis., and Craig St. John of Milwaukee, Wis., and her friend of 50 years, Beverly McDermott of Gravette, Ark.
Lois fought a long and hard battle with poor health since March of 2004. However, throughout it all she remained strong and continued to maintain her very dry and spontaneous sense of humor. She will be remembered for her keen administrative abilities, her dedication and leadership in guiding students and faculty in nursing and her love of the water and mountains. Her proudest accomplishment was her education. Lois will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
At her request no services are planned. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will take place at a later date at Fairhaven-Union Cemetery in New Haven, Conn.
Memorial may be made in her name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780; Lois J. Merrill University of North Dakota College of Nursing Endowment; AAUW Scholarship Fund; or a charity of donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
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Amy Nicole Richards
PEA RIDGE — Amy Nicole Richards, 28, of Pea Ridge, died Dec. 22, 2009 at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville. She was born Sept. 27, 1981 at Jacksonville, Fla., to Norman David Axelson and Cathy Lynn Girouex.
Her hobbies included collecting wolves, riding motorcycles and collecting Coke memorabilia.
Survivors are her husband, Chris; two daughters, Lilie Sage Richards and Camilya Grace Richards of the home; her father, Norman Axelson and stepmother Melody of Robinsville, N.C.; her mother, Cathy Williamson, and stepfather Jack of Eureka Springs; a sister, Christie Brown and husband Mitch of Pea Ridge.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.
Kevin Hamilton
PEA RIDGE — Kevin Lew-Andrew Hamilton, 26, of Pea Ridge, died Dec. 21, 2009, at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville. He was born Aug. 2, 1983, in Oklahoma City to Kevin Dewayne and Tina Marie Hammond Hamilton.
He was self-employed in pallet recycling and enjoyed and spending time with his family.
Survivors are his father of Sand Springs, Okla.; his mother of Pea Ridge; a daughter, Kesny Love Hamilton of Shawnee, Okla.; three sisters, including Kinny Klara-Lynn Skelton and husband Bobby of Rogers; his maternal grandmother, Clara Groenke of Collinsville, Okla.
Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Sisco Funeral Home Chapel in Pea Ridge.
Funeral is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Pea Ridge Cemetery.
Emma Mayo
SPRINGDALE — Emma Johnson Mayo, 86, of Springdale, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at Northwest Medical Center of Washington County.
She was born Sept. 2, 1923 at Fort Worth, Texas, the daughter of Sam and Ora Vandergriff Lockhart. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Forrest Johnson and Oda Mayo and a son, Forrest “Sonny” Johnson.
She was retired from Daisy Manufacturing with over 30 years of service. She was a member of Springdale VFW Post 2952 women’s auxiliary and she was a Baptist.
She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Price and her husband, Mike, of Fayetteville and Barbara Huskey of Goshen; four sisters, Betty Stratford of Wichita, Kan., Frances Cline of Rogers, Ark., Peggy Cawthon of Rogers, Ark., and Marilyn Whisenhunt of Pea Ridge, Ark.; one brother, Dick Lockhart of El Dorado, Kan.; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at Wilson Cemetery in Springdale, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.
Officiating will be Pastor Marvin Stephens.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Moore’s Chapel.
Memorials may be made to: Springdale VFW Post 2952 Women’s Auxiliary, 1006 N. Thompson St., Springdale, AR 72765.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.
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