Brooks Ann Cloninger

Brooks Ann (Dietrich) Cloninger, 72, a resident of Eureka Springs, Ark., Grassy Knob Community, passed away Thursday, April 5, 2012, at her home. Brooks was born in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 10, 1940, to John "Dutch" and Daisy Brooks (Moore) Dietrich. On Sept. 18, 1988, she married Ray Cloninger. She received a bachelor's degree of business from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. Brooks was a member and past president of the Eureka Springs Garden Club, and she enjoyed pontoon boat gatherings in the Grassy Knob Community, working in her garden, taking care of her family, and she will be missed very much by her family and friends. Preceded in death by her parents; and one grandson, Austin Watkins; Brooks is survived by her husband, Ray Cloninger of the home in Eureka Springs, Ark.; one son, John Watkins of Fargo, N.D.; one stepson, Ross Cloninger of Texas; one daughter, Jillian Nelson and husband, Dan, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; one stepdaughter, Lindsay Cloninger of Baton Rouge, La.; one brother, John Watkins Jr. and wife, Ellen, of Hampton, Va.; six grandchildren, Collin, Kaitlyn, Samantha, Connor, Brooke and Sierra; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Celebration of Life services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the Grassy Knob Community Center, 12037 W. Highway 187, Eureka Springs, AR 72631, with a meal to be served after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Association (12037 Highway 187, Eureka Springs, AR 72631, (479) 253-7680) or to the charity of your choice in remembrance of Brooks Ann Cloninger. Online tributes to the family may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory of Rogers, Ark.