Obituaries

Tilda Lea O'Neal

Photo of Tilda Lea O'Neal
Tilda L. O'Neal, 75, of Rogers passed away Sept. 23, 2014, in Bentonville, Ark. Tilda was born June 22, 1939, to Willie and Thelma Seay in Lake City, Ark. She graduated from Lake City High School, attended Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, and then attended and graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., in 1963. She taught grade school in Blytheville, Springdale and Rogers schools. She married Gary O'Neal in December 1962, and they had four children; their daughter, Elaina (preceded her in death); sons, Bruce, Brent (Gayla) and Bart (Samantha); grandchildren, Kennedy Rosemarie O'Neal, Alexzandra Jean O'Neal and Braxley Peyton O'Neal; being from a large family she has seven brothers, Otis, Claude, Danny, Roy, Robert, Ronald and Raymond; and five sisters, Margie, Anna, Nancy, Betty and Shelia. In earlier years, she and Gary played in local doubles tennis tournaments. She also became a very proficient co-pilot and navigator on many flying trips. Having three sons and a husband who hunted, she had her own bird dog (Bea) and her 20-gauge shotgun. Several years, Thanksgiving dinner was served from her Coleman stove on the tailgate of the pickup while the family was pheasant hunting in Western Kansas. She was very active in church work and was a charter member of Mountain Springs Fellowship, acting as a Sunday school teacher, church treasurer and music director. Music was an important part of her life for fun, fellowship and especially in praise of the Lord. Her strong faith has sustained her for many years and through a long illness. Her strong support from friends and family was her cherished memory. We owe thanks to many at the Highland Oncology Clinic and the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Mountain Springs Fellowship in Rogers, 13994 Highway 94 Spur (old Monte Ne area). Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Butler Creek Cemetery, Sulphur Springs. Memorial contributions to Mountain Springs Baptist Church, 13994 Highway 94 Spur, Rogers, AR 72756; or HOPE Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset, Springdale, AR 72762. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

Published September 26, 2014

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