Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista

09/18/2025

Carol Cherry Anderson, 82, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died Thursday, September 18, 2025 at her home. She was born May 25, 1943, in Turlock, CA to Buz and Harmony Cherry.

She was preceded in death by parents, first husband.

Carol is survived by husband, Charles I. Anderson; son, David James Porter; daughter, Linda Raya; stepchildren: Michael Anderson; Mark Anderson; Mary Alatorre. Sister: Shirley Cherry Welch; Brother: Douglas Lee Cherry; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
Carol graduated from Turlock High, Cal State, Stanislaus and Cal State, Hayward where she earned her master's degree in educational psychology. She also had dual degrees in Journalism and Psychology. Among various awards, she earned “Reporter of the Year.”

She was a published author of 5 inspirational novels which honor military families. Her faith-based novels are inspired by true stories. The first 3, a trilogy, ended with her personal favorite, Love Lights on Monterey Bay, which is also featured in a YouTube book trailer. All novels are on Amazon. She always felt that God inspired her written words. She published a children’s book, Grandpa and Muffin Rescue Christmas, which is in honor to her husband and their dog.

Her careers included being a newspaper reporter; college admissions counselor; vocational career counselor. She lived in central California and the San Francisco Bay area for many years, as well as Monterey Bay for a while, which is the setting of many of her novels. Besides the Midwest, she lived in FL and North Carolina. Hawaii, her favorite vacation place, is another setting of her books.
Carol’s prior married name was Carol Cherry Porter between 1964–1983. She remarried in 1987.

She was a member of New Life Christian Church, Bella Vista, AR, where she and her husband were active in small groups and on the welcoming committee. She was also active in visiting the ill and shut-ins in the community.

Organizations that Carol had been active in over the years included the California Federated Women’s Club, where she served as local President and as a district Vice President. She had also served as a board member of the Stanislaus Boy Scouts of America and served as a den mother. In addition, she was a 4-H leader, Sunday School Superintendent and Bible School teacher. She was an occasional volunteer in various classrooms for her children. One of her most memorable volunteer activities was when she served as a chaperone on a California Jr. Scholarship award trip to Washington D.C., NYC, and Boston.

Carol had a passion for life which she liked to share with her family. She loved to travel, having been to Europe, Africa, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as most of the USA. Her hobbies have included writing, gardening, sewing, fashion designing, photography, and boating.

Her wish for those who want to honor her is that they would do a random act of kindness daily for the next week. For those who wish to give, a donation to The American Heart Association would be appreciated.

Visitation for Carol will be held Tuesday, September 23rd from 1pm until 2pm at New Life Christian Church, Bella Vista. Funeral service will begin at 2pm with interment to follow at Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery.

09/04/2025

Larry was born July 9, 1937 on the family farm in Iowa to parents Raymond and Gertrude King. His given name is Lawrence LaVerne King. At an early age Larry was given the responsibility of caring for the chickens. Later in life he developed sarcoidosis. The doctor said caring for the chickens probably contributed to his condition, which affected his lungs. Larry was injured in a farm accident around age 10 and as a result had five fractures in his hips and leg. He also had scoliosis and became quite stooped using both oxygen and a cane. He never complained.

Larry was a graduate of McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas and what is now the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. He was the audio visual director in Moore, Oklahoma, where he also directed their outdoor education program for all 5th graders in the district. He retired in 1998 from the Ft. Lupton school district in Colorado, where he had introduced distance learning, among many other accomplishments. During his career in education he attended many programs, conventions, and workshops. He was a lifelong learner.

He met his future wife, Martha, over a job interview. Recently, they celebrated 59 years of marriage. After seven years of marriage and with great joy, they welcomed their first baby girl, Malea and then Amber, four years later. Larry loved sitting on the floor playing with his girls and on Saturday nights going over their Sunday school lesson and working on their Bible verses. He loved watching the girls pile pillows and blankets under the parsons table as they listened to the radio playing their favorite Christian programs.

In his early thirties he made a profession of faith to follow Jesus. He and Martha faithfully attended First Baptist Church Rogers for as long as his health permitted. He enjoyed being a part of life group and singing in their Saints Alive Choir. He was also blessed to be a part of missions trips to both Thailand and Mexico.

Larry loved taking his family on adventures such as hiking in the Rocky Mountains, attending various events in Estes Park, Colorado, such as the annual stock show and wool show- anything outdoors. He loved to call himself a “nature nut”. Larry always stayed loyal to his Iowa farm roots and enjoyed gardening and growing all sorts of plants and vegetables.

Larry continued his love of adventure late into his life, traveling the country to volunteer at numerous national parks. He loved meeting new people and seeing new places, never being content to just stay in one place. Oh how he fought, but he got to go home to Jesus and he knew we would all be ok. He now has no pain and can do all sorts of things again. He is so happy and whole.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Norman, Gerald, and his sister, Jean. He is survived by his wife Martha, daughters Malea, and Amber (Blake), and grandchildren, Shelby, Asher, Caleb, Nathaniel, Judah, and Maddox.

Visitation will be Monday, September 8, 2025 from 10am until service time at 1030am at First Baptist Rogers, at the Olive Street Location.

Memorials may be sent to: The Food Pantry at First Baptist Rogers.

08/28/2025

07/21/2025

Robert B. Frost, 80, of Bella Vista passed away July 18 at Highlands Health and Rehab. He was born February 9, 1945 in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania to Leo Anthony Frost (born Leo Anthony Mrozowski) and Dorothy Matukaitis Frost.

Robert graduated from Palatine Highschool in Palatine, IL and attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) on a full ride track scholarship, running primarily in the 400m and cross-country races. He had the opportunity to run in many different places across the United States and in other countries. After graduating Robert worked for a short time as a teacher before going into the motor coach industry. Robert lived in Northwest Arkansas for several years, but moved around quite a bit previously due to his long-time career as a purchaser in the motor coach industry where he worked for companies such as Greyhound, MCI, Trailways, and Prevost, where he retired after spending the last ten years of his 41-year career in the field. This job took him to many places including New York City, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, and Chicago.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Richard Frost and Robert’s twin brother, Ron Frost; and one sister, Marlene Frost.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou (Anderson) Frost of Bella Vista; three sons: Michael Frost of Bella Vista, Matthew Frost (Amy) of California, and Tim Frost (Jill) of Texas; one brother, Leonard Frost (Kathy) of Arizona; sister-in-law, twin brother Ron’s wife, Linda Frost of Texas; three nephews: Scott, Ryan, and Brian; three nieces: Cheryl, Heather, and Theresa; and one grandson, Hudson Morgan Frost.

The family will have a private memorial at a later date.

06/23/2025

On the evening of June 17, 2025, David Weber, born in southern Illinois and a long-term resident of Northwest Arkansas, received his angel wings to heaven.

He was beloved and cherished by his children Gabrielle, Lisa (Rick), Mark (Shirley), granddaughter Aubree (Michael), great-grandchildren Austen, Blake, Parker, and his nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his wife Anny, parents Paul and Lena, brothers Don and Ray, daughter Michelle, and granddaughter Sierra.

David attended the University of Illinois and earned a degree in Economics and Finance, then began his professional career as an Auditor with the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Unexpectedly, David was drafted into the Army and two years later he received an honorable discharge. He returned to work at the FDIC, and soon after, accepted a position with a local bank. A couple of years later, David received an opportunity with a larger financial institution, the Mercantile Bank in Kansas City. During his career at Mercantile, David began as an Auditor and after multiple promotions, he held the position of Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations, managing operations and the data processing center. He continued his career in banking in Ponca City as EVP for the First National Bank. Before retiring, David transitioned to selling real estate with Century 21 and Lindsey Realty.

During his initial employment with FDIC, David met the love of his life, Anny. They were married in Illinois and moved multiple times for his career opportunities while raising their children in Massachusetts, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma. After retiring from his banking career, they moved to Arkansas to spend time with Anny’s parents in Bella Vista.

David was active in both his professional and community life. As a Boy Scout, in the college Army ROTC, as well as during his business career, he volunteered as a member or as an officer of professional associations and local civic groups. In Arkansas, David and Anny were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista.

David’s family are thankful for the care provided by the nurses and staff at assisted-living Village on the Park and skilled nursing Hampton Place, as well as by Circle of Life, all of whom helped make his life easier. During his residence at the Village on the Park, David enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of his neighbors and staff.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of the donor's choice will be appreciated by David’s family.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista, 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista, Arkansas.

06/05/2025

Michael Albert Green was born October 8, 1959 to Albert F. Green and Johanna Anagastapolous in Chicago and passed on May 21, 2025. A dedicated nurse specializing in dialysis care, he gave the utmost care to his patients and diligence to the field.

On July 2, 2005, Michael married Mary Gretchen Voorhees. They met at a holiday party where a common friend introduced them. They knew something special had sparked and spent many loving years together. Both night owls, their work schedules aligned so they could stay up late watching movies and dreaming and scheming together. After Michael and Gretchen moved to Arkansas, they enjoyed walking, eating out, exploring the Crystal Bridges Museum and other landmarks in NW Arkansas. At home, they loved watching birds, drinking coffee and collecting coins.

In his last year of life, Michael dedicated himself to the care of Gretchen, who was diagnosed with leukemia. In those months, Michael made the most of their time. They enjoyed whims like new cars, daily adventures and family visits. Gretchen passed on March 24, 2025 and Michael of a broken heart shortly after.

Michael is survived by his sister, Theresa Chase, Mountain Home, Arkansas. Those who love them will hold a lasting memory of their commitment to service and helping others and the deep love between them. They will be buried in Washington, Iowa, next to Gretchen’s parents. No services are planned.

06/02/2025

Steven Barclay Hill, 84, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died May 16, 2025, at home in hospice care. Steve was born on March 24, 1941, to Ralph and June Hill in Roanoke, Virginia.

When Steve was four years old, they moved back to Wisconsin. They lived in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for all his school years, grade school, high school, and two years of college.

Steve worked for Lipton Company as a sales representative for all of his career.

He married Darlene Lien Rogness in 1985, and in retirement they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 2001.

Steve enjoyed playing guitar and singing in gospel bands in the Christian Church and the Community Church. He also played and sang in a 50’s music band with Chuck Goodman and Duane Lahti.

We are grateful for all our friends we have since being here in Bella Vista, and we are grateful for our church and friends also.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, and one son, Preston Hill, of Racine, Wisconsin.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, June 4, at Bella Vista Community Church.

Memorials may be made to Bella Vista Community Church or Circle of Life Hospice.

05/30/2025

Sheila Rae Row (née Pruitt), born on November 25, 1945, in Malvern, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family: her husband of 42 years, Arthur “Art” Row, Jr.; her daughter, Adrian Renee Rogers; her son, Edmund Lee Rogers IV (known to many as “Roge”); and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Anne Porter.

Sheila was the beloved daughter of Alice Lavadna Miles and Henry Ray Pruitt. She is also survived by her two cherished granddaughters, Erin Renee Rogers and Emma Elaine Rogers, who knew her best as their devoted and joyful “Mimi.”

She never met a stranger—her warmth, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made her beloved in every community she joined. During her early career, she held a variety of roles across the Kansas City Metro area, always leaving a lasting impression. Later, she and Art moved to Stockton, Missouri, where they became co-owners of the Orleans Trail Hotel and Restaurant and built a thriving hospitality business together.

After retiring in 2013, they relocated to Melbourne, Florida, where they enjoyed many peaceful and happy years. Eventually, the desire to be closer to their children and grandchildren led them to settle in Bella Vista, Arkansas—a decision that brought Sheila tremendous joy and fulfillment in her final years.

A woman of boundless spirit and infectious laughter, Sheila left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was known for her quick wit, deep compassion, and fierce loyalty. She lit up every room with her smile and was a proud, lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unforgettable memories for her family and friends.

A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at her home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas, whose care and compassion meant so much during her final days.

Her love endures in every heart she touched—and her story will live on, told through laughter, cherished memories, and the lives she helped shape.

05/19/2025

Jo Ann White, age 86, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Mercy Medical Center located in Rogers, Arkansas. She was born February 9, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee the daughter of Aurelia Black and James Looney. Jo Ann attended Messick High School in Memphis and maintained a lifelong friendships with her group of high school friends.

She enjoyed bird watching, gardening, shopping and collecting antiques. She worked with the IRS as a manager for many years.

She moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2015 from Santa Rosa Beach Fl where she had lived for 10 years after leaving Memphis. She was preceded in death by: her parents James and Aurelia Looney and her husband Thomas R. White.

Jo Ann is survived by: her daughter Denise Mullins, and her son; Scott White and his wife Gwen, as well as her grandchildren Rachel Johnson and husband Ben, Alexandra Mullins and her husband Eli Hartman, Sean Thomas White and her great grandchild Leo Rain Hartman, as well as her sister Jimmie Faye McDowell and her nieces Connie Stapp and Patty Wright.

A celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be announced at a later date by the family.

In lieu of memorial plant a flower in honor of Jo Ann.....she would have loved that.

05/18/2025

Coins placed on military headstones are a traditional way for individuals to express respect and remembrance for fallen service members, with each coin denomination often carrying a specific meaning.

A penny indicates a visit to the grave, a nickel signifies training together at boot camp, a dime means serving together in some capacity, and a quarter suggests the visitor was present at the service member's death.

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