Willa Mae Autry Rusk

Willa Mae Autry Rusk was born Nov. 9, 1924, to William and Bertha Peckenpaugh Autry. Willa was the eldest sibling to Jetti, Carl and Clarence. Willa was called "Jean" by her friends. She passed from this earth on Aug. 8, 2014, at the age of 89. She was surrounded by her family and friends. Willa married Thomas J. Rusk on July 13, 1940. They had three children together, Jerry, Burton and Martha. She was of member of the United Methodist Church of Centerton for 58 years, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and sang in the choir for over 50 years. She was a member and leader of the Burgin Valley 4-H Club for 51 years. She was also a lifelong member of the National Cattleman's Association. Willa and her husband Tommy bought a farm off hwy 102 in Bentonville in 1959 where they raised Polled Hereford cattle. Her husband passed from this life in July of 1984, they were married 44 years. Willa continued to work the farm with the help of her son Jerry and family until she decided to retire in the early 2000s. She spent her years making quilts with her sister Jetti. Her pride and joy was her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she wasn't in her sewing room working on a quilt, you could find her outside tending her roses or sitting with a book with her cat. Her true pride and joy was being with her family. She and her son talked daily on the phone, sharing the news together while they drank their coffee. In the evenings they did the same, spoke about the days events and what they looked forward to doing the next day. She loved the days when Rachel, Troy and the girls would come by for a visit or even spend the night. Sharing stories of old times and learning about new times from Emma and Katie. She enjoyed looking through old pictures with Sherry and remembering the good times. She could always rely on Sherry Dawn to bring her pictures of the last family gathering so she could have them to look at. She and Matt spent lots of times spoiling Bubb and Ms Kitty. Matt always was at home when he was with his Granny. Richie would come by and they would sit and visit about the St. Louis Cardinals. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Bertha Autry; her siblings, Jetti Coleman, Carl and Clarence Autry; her son, Burton Rusk; her daughter, Martha A. Cowgur; and her granddaughters, Theresa and Kimberly Rusk. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Naomi Rusk of Centerton. Jerral Rusk of Ohio, Troy Rusk of Decatur, Sherry Rusk of Rogers, Rachel "Elizabeth" and Troy Norton of Centerton, Matt Cowgur of Centerton, Richie Cowgur and Melody Manypenny of Centerton. Great-grandchildren, Jerry and Erica Rusk of Ohio, Jessica Rusk and Cory Perry of Ohio, Tommy Rusk of Ohio, Ashley Rusk of Oklahoma, Tiffaney Rusk of Oklahoma, Cortney Rusk and Cody Young of Oklahoma, Taylor Wise-Rusk of Rogers and Amber and Chad Cook of Centerton. Great-great grandchildren Ethan Colson of Oklahoma, Cole Rusk of Ohio, Lilly, Layla and Lucus Perry of Ohio, Koda and Carlee Young of Oklahoma, Ty Cowgur of Centerton and Rayden "Bubb" Cowger of Southwest City, Mo. Macee Hickman and Jaxson Cook of Centerton and Life-Long dear family- friends John, Becky and Whitney Freeman. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. this evening at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers. The Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Living Waters United Methodist Church in Centerton with Interment to follow in Centerton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. Condolences may be expressed online at www.RollinsFuneral.com.