Anita M. Pontius

Anita M. Pontius, 94, of Rogers, Ark., died at Ashley Health on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. She was born on Nov. 3, 1918, in Battle Creek, Mich., to Claude and Crystal Howard. She was a bookkeeper and later became a homemaker when her daughter was born. She moved to the area 20 years ago from Florida to be close to her daughter. She loved church and singing in the choir, and a former member of the Bella Vista Community Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Charles Pontius. She is survived by one daughter, Denise McAllister of Rogers, Ark.; one brother, William Purdy (Linda) of Charlevoix, Mich.; and two grandchildren, Alana Barshney (Richard) of Frankfort, Germany, and Sean McAllister (Jamie) of Denver, Colo. The family will hold a private service at a later date. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the International Eye Foundation, 10801 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.