Obituaries

Lila 'Lona' Staats

Photo of Lila 'Lona' Staats
"Lona" Staats passed away at home peacefully on Jan. 5, 2013, at the age of 76. Lona was born on Jan. 23, 1936, in Evansville, Ind., to parents Eugene and Edna Singleton. The Singleton family was blessed with seven children, in which she was the youngest. It was in 1955 that she married her first husband, Carl Faith, and father of her children. It was in 1972 in California, where she met her beloved husband, Ellis "Al" Staats; they were married for 40 years. She was full of life and never a stranger to anyone. No matter who you were, she always considered you family, she opened her arms and always had a hug for you. She lived life one day at a time and enjoyed spending time with her children. If there was a bowling alley or a bingo hall, you would find her there enjoying herself with many friends and family. During football season, you would always find her in front of the television, cheerinq on her beloved Colts. She was always proud of her children's achievements, reflecting the high value she placed in family. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James Singleton, Parvin Singleton, Roy Singleton; sister, Eloise Esmeier; sons, Ellis Staats Jr. and Lyle Staats; and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ellis Staats; sons, Guy Faith (Judy) of Houston, Texas, Grey Faith (Debbie) of Montague, Calif., Glen Faith of West Fork, Ark., and Robert Staats (Robin) of West Fork Ark.; daughter, Candy Faith (Henry Madrid) of Oxnard, Calif.; sisters, Emma Ripplemeyer of Ammon, Idaho, and Marion Butterfield of Perryville, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free; I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all. If my parting has left a void; Then fill it with remembered joy. My life's been full. I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free. In lieu of flowers, please honor Lona by contributing to your favorite charity. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is the Benton County Funeral Home in Rogers, Ark.

Published January 9, 2013

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