Ann Ross Pestel

Born 12/9/34 Passed 3/26/14 Ann Martin Ross Pestel was born Dec. 9, 1934, to Rutherford Ross and Ann Martin Ross in Fort Smith, Ark. She resided with her family on Free Ferry Road in Fort Smith. Ann was one of the five Ross children. She attended Fort Smith Schools, Centenary Jr. College in Hackettstown, N.J., the University of Alabama, continued her education with a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Tulsa. Married to Joseph L. Pestel, three daughters, Sue, Ann and Lucy, resided in Tulsa, Okla. She was an art teacher for 17 years and executive for the Boy Scouts of America for nine years. She retired to Bella Vista, Ark., where she was a volunteer for Hospice, the Peel Mansion, Children's snack's programs and active in many other community events. She is survived by her sister, Sue Cross; daughter, Lucy Willis, Rex McCracken Jr., grandsons, Joseph Ross Willis, Steven Randall Willis, Rex Payne, wife, Amanda, great-grandchildren, Gunner and Gentry Ann Payne; daughter, Ann Pestel, granddaughters, Jessica, Kim and Julie; daughter, Sue Pestel, grandsons, Cameron Becker, wife, Erica, great-grandchildren, Lie Lani and Ethan Becker, grandson, Derrick Becker, great-grandson, Teagan Becker. Ann loved animals, bird watching, gardening in which she was a Master Gardener. She was a good steward of our Earth being conservative and recycling. Ann was loved by her family and many friends. She has left many cherished memories of the wonder and magic of nature, picnics, nature walks and crawdad hunting with her grandchildren along with many other "Great Adventures." She will be greatly missed and lives on in our hearts and spirits forever. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arkansas Animal Shelter or Tulsa Boys Home, P.O. Box 1101, Tulsa, OK 74101. Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 4, at St. John Episcopal Church in Fort Smith, Ark., with a second service at 2 p.m. on Monday, April, 7 at Unity Church of the Ozarks in Bentonville, Ark. Online condolence may be made at www.funeralmation.com.