Jolene Sikes Klingaman

Like the tower before her, the 1967 Ms. KATV Talltower became loose from her moorings and fell. Jolene Sikes Klingaman, born December 21, 1944 in Los Angeles, Calif., passed peacefully on December 18, 2020 in Fayetteville, Ark. Though short of stature, her sparkling brown eyes and vivacious, outgoing personality made her the center of attention at any gathering because of her often-outrageous storytelling. Her childhood memories of growing up between Oroville, Calif., and Little Rock and her U of A college days as a free-spirited member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority became the foundational stories of her life. As the former wife of professional golfer R. H. Sikes, she traveled widely and accumulated a never-ending wealth of stories about famous people she met and antics she was involved in that enlivened family gatherings for the rest of her life. Addicted to all aspects of human drama, her head was filled with personal details of movie stars, politicians and, most of all, her beloved Princess Diana. Her English bulldogs were the loves of her life, but she found room in her heart for her last pup, Winnie. As a proud member of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, she was our own Indian Princess. Because of her bubbly, outgoing nature, sales were a natural fit for her career. Though her many years of suffering from a long list of serious illnesses was a challenge, she never lost her sparkle. She will be greatly missed. Jolene is survived by her husband Gerald Klingaman of Fayetteville and daughter Angie Sikes of Fayetteville; Jeffrey and Lorie Klingaman of Clarksville, Ark.; Joe and Jennifer Klingaman of Westfork, Ark.; and Maggie and Rob Beason of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Honorary children include Jay McClelland (Atlanta, Georgia), Jennifer Klingaman (Fayetteville), Chickako Goto Ng and Boon Ng (La Crescenta, Calif.), and Rosa Nava (Springdale). Grandchildren include Brandon Klingaman (Fayetteville), Lily and Olivia Caudell (Clarksville); Jackson Klingaman (Westfork); and Lola and Nate Beason (Idaho Falls, Idaho). Honorary grandchildren include Hannah and Samuel Ng (La Crescenta, Calif.). She was preceded in death by her father Richard Sitton and beloved stepmother Dorothy of Little Rock; mother Eileen Overly Davison and Bill Davidson of Oroville, Calif. A proper Princess Party is being planned for June when the weather warms and the virus cools. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, Ark. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Chapel.