EvaLena Reder Mayo

EvaLena Reder Mayo, 88, passed away peacefully April 24th, 2018 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. surrounded by her family and only eight short days after the death of her husband, Benjamin M. Mayo. EvaLena was born August 7th, 1929 in Fayetteville, Ark. to George W. and EvaLena Reder. Just like her husband, she grew up on a farm east of Springdale. EvaLena met her loving husband, Benjamin Mayo, in downtown Springdale, Ark. and they were married for 71 faithful years. She was an amazing wife, mother, sister and community educator. EvaLena graduated from Springdale High School as valedictorian after only three years in 1947. She enrolled at the University of Arkansas but decided to put her studies on hold to dedicate time to starting her family. She finished her bachelor's degree many years later at John Brown University in 1970. With passion and enthusiasm, she taught advanced placement math and physics at Bentonville High School from 1970 to 1984. When approached by Dr. Don White about the opening a community college to serve the region, she eagerly joined him. Soon after, Governor Bill Clinton appointed EvaLena to serve on the founding NWACC Board of Trustees. She played an instrumental role of finding and leading the purchase of the land where the college currently stands. EvaLena was a member of the NWACC Foundations Post Oak Society and was one of the College's strongest supporters. In 2014, she received an Honorary Associate Degree of Educational Service. She was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Rogers. EvaLena was preceded in death by parents, George W. and EvaLena Reder; her loving husband, Benjamin Martin Mayo; sister, Martha Lankford, one son, Charles B. Mayo I and one daughter, Peggy Mayo. She is survived by one son, George Mayo and wife Sandy of Neosho, Mo.; five grandchildren, Charles B. Mayo II and wife Megan of Centerton, Ark., Jeremy Mayo of Joplin, Mo., Sarah Hegi and husband Matthew of Springdale, Ark., Malinda Trivitt and husband Chris of Lowell, Ark., Garry Ward of Lowell, Ark.; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at First Christian Church of Rogers, officiated by Pastor, Ronny Nowell. Please sign the online guest book at www.backstrom-pyeatte.com. The family would like to thank the nurses of Circle of Life Hospice for their care over the final moments of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice at nwacircleoflife.com and the Northwest Arkansas Community College at nwaccfoundation.org.