Obituaries

Lois Leona McGinty

Lois Leona Griess Duncan McGinty of Prairie Grove passed away at her home Nov. 11, 2013. She was 92. Born in Birch County, Minn., and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She worked in factories, starting with WWII in an airplane factory. After the war, she helped make camping trailers, radio parts and electrical parts. She also did typing and filing, soldering, punching-and-pressing, waitressing and was a telephone operator. In 1959, she and her daughter, Mary Jane, moved to Arkansas and it was here in Arkansas she remained. She was employed by Kearney's factory for more than 15 years. She was also a proud and active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the last 48 years. At the Adventist meetings, she met Hugh "Mike" McGinty, and in 1966, they were married. They loved ingathering together, attending church activities and spending time with their family. Leona retired from factory work in her 50's, but after a short retirement went back to work as a janitor at Lincoln Schools, where she worked her way up to teachers' aide until her hearing loss made that job impossible. After 20 years of retirement, she went back to work, but this time for West Fork Schools as a janitor. She was employed for 10 years and had to retire again at age 90 when a fall left her dependent on a walker. She was loved by all and was often addressed as "Grandma" or "Granny" by many of the students and employees. She loved being a part of both school systems. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Edward "Mike" McGinty; sisters, Dorothy Edwards and Beth Mathias; and parents Charles and Ethel Griess. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane and husband, Emmitt "Jr" Biswell, of Prairie Grove; three grandchildren, Tracy and husband, Robert Roebke of West Fork, Blake and Debra Biswell of Prairie Grove, and Kyle and Ashley Biswell of Fayetteville; and 10 great-grandchildren. We wish to thank Home Hospice and Home Helpers for giving us the tools to allow her to remain in her home until her passing. They were always there when we needed them. Also, Phyllis De Brandt, her caregiver for 2 ½ years helped to give her friendly companionship as well as care. She was by her side to the very end. We also want to thank the James Barnett family for their continuous visits over the years, allowing her to remain in touch with her church, their activities, the members and the Bible studies and sermons. Visitation will be held at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. with a short memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity. Online guestbook www.luginbuel.com.

Published November 14, 2013

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