Lola J. Sales

Lola June Sales, 67, of Bethel Heights passed away Feb. 28, 2014, in Rogers. She was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Clovis, N.M., the daughter of Elbert E. and Mona Shows Newell. She is survived by her husband, Millard "Mike" Sales of the home; her children, John Thompson of Tulsa, Okla., and Mona Rutheyi Thompson of Grand Junction, Colo.; her mother, Mona Newell of Farmington; three stepchildren, Darlene Rocchi, Michael Sales and Tara Sales-Konvyes, all of Pennsylvania; one sister, Leslie Ann Newell of Fayetteville; two brothers, Joe Newell of Cortez, Colo., and Curtis Newell of Broken Arrow, Okla.; 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Lola filled her life with her family, friends, adventures and a variety of unique experiences, leaving behind not only an enormous legacy of love but a treasure trove of incredible stories. She lived in many places and made friends everywhere she went. She volunteered at elementary schools as "The Safety Witch," with the Girl Scouts as a leader and day camp director, with the Civil Defense as an aerial radiological monitor and HazMat first responder, and in the Civil Air Patrol, eventually reaching the rank of major. She was an avid reader and a lifelong student, always expanding her mind. She attended the old Sequoyah Nursing School. She learned how to drive big rigs and started her own business. She became a wilderness rated EMT. She taught for the Oklahoma Safety Council for many years. She was a student at NWACC since 2007 and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Most of all Lola was devoted to family and friends. She opened her heart and home to many, becoming a second mother and special mentor. She taught not only basic life skills, but the greater lessons of charity and wisdom. Her legacy is immeasurable and her impact upon the world will continue on through the lives of those she leaves behind. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the National Cemetery, Fayetteville, Ark., officiated by the Rev. Charles King. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hope Cancer Resources in Rogers, Ark., in Lola's name. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers. Online condolence to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.