http://www.eptingfuneralhome.com/

Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville, 709 N Walton Boulevard, Bentonville, AR (2026)

01/21/2026

William Allen (Bill) Keeling was called to his eternal home in Heaven January 17, 2026 while at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He had been hospitalized for a brief time and died of complications from heart failure.

Bill was born August 30, 1956, to Clifford and Mildred (Pilant) Keeling in Butterfield, Missouri. He was the youngest of their six children. When he was a toddler the family moved to Joplin, Missouri where they would remain. He grew up there and graduated from Parkwood High School in 1974. In August of 2024, he was blessed to attend the 50th reunion of his class and reunite with several friends. He had stayed in touch with several of them over the years. He was grateful for their friendship.

As a child Bill suffered from rheumatic fever which weakened his heart. Even so, he enjoyed youth baseball and was on a bowling team. In high school, he proudly participated in R.O.T.C. and marched with them in parades. Bill was unable to enter the military due to medical reasons.

He met Marty McCoy on a blind date. She often teased him about the red plaid jacket he wore to their first date and the reservations he made at a seafood restaurant. She doesn’t like seafood! While dating, Bill began attending church with her and made a profession of his faith and was baptized. They married April 23, 1977 at Empire Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri.

The Keelings moved to Rogers, Arkansas in 1981. Finding a new church home was a priority. They planned to visit several local churches. After visiting Immanuel Baptist Church, it felt like home, so they joined the fellowship. In 1983, Bill began volunteering in a new outreach ministry to children called AWANA. The ministry became a huge part of his life as he was soon asked to be the director. He served in that capacity, along with Marty, for more than 30 years. Countless children came through the program, many going on to serve in the ministry as adults. During that time Bill was also involved in other ministries to children such as Sunday School teacher, VBS, and camp counselor. He served as a deacon and helped in other capacities as needed.

Bill’s job for Crane Company had initially brought them to Rogers. Around 1988 Bill moved from Crane to Wal-Mart. He spent nearly 30 years there working in information systems. Bill was a life-long reader. In 2016 he began volunteering at The Friendly Bookstore in Rogers, which is part of the Rogers Public Library. He eventually became a co-manager and enjoyed that role very much. His coworkers quickly became friends and over time became family.

Sports were always a big part of Bill’s life. He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. He coached many of his sons’ baseball teams and the church softball team. He never missed one of his granddaughter’s softball games. By the time she was three they were already having fun playing ball in the yard.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob, Larry, and Gary Keeling, sister Janice Austin, stillborn daughter Shelby Renee, and son Andrew Todd. What a joyous reunion! Faith in our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus enables us to know we will reunite in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife Marty, son Brian, and granddaughter Finley Renee. Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable role he had in this life was as Finley’s PawPaw. We are thankful for the memories they made together. He is also survived by one brother, John Keeling and wife Debbie of Boerne Texas, sister-in-law Jannis Keeling Counts and husband Dan of Bolivar, Missouri, and brother-in-law Jim Austin of Joplin, Missouri. He was blessed with a large extended family which includes many nieces, nephews, and cousins who have been a huge support.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 7, at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Rogers, Arkansas. Everyone is welcome to attend this casual, relaxed event.

Cremation is under the direction of Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville.

01/14/2026

Tammie Charleen (McGarrah) Noah (Sid), 68, of Gentry, Arkansas went to join our Heavenly Father on Monday, January 12, 2026.

She was born November 12, 1957 to Charles Elden McGarrah and Martha Azalea (Cook) McGarrah, the only girl and eldest of four children.

She graduated from Gentry High School, bicentennial Class of 1976 and married her sweetheart of two years Terry Charles Noah two weeks after.

She only lived a short three miles from her parents and childhood home. She and Terry had two daughters in 1981 and 1983 who also graduated from Gentry High School, both of which were the center of her world.

She and her husband had a dairy farm then raised beef cattle, as well as owned their own construction company, TCN Drywall. Tammie had a green thumb and loved to grow a vegetable garden, freeze and can the harvest, and the most beautiful rose bushes.

She was a loving, caring, compassionate, understanding and strong woman who was always helping others. There were many troubled children who called her mom and looked to her for guidance throughout the years. These are traits she taught to her daughters and grandchildren.

Tammie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Martha, her brother, James “Delaney” Cook, her husband of 41 plus years, Terry, her youngest daughter, Dedra Lynn Noah, and her adopted son, DJ Spann.

She is survived by her eldest daughter, Amy Charleen Noah, adopted daughter Rebecka Renae Spann, and son-in-law David Glenn Grizzle; four grandchildren, Pandora, Noah, Dorrian and Henry; Brothers Dobby McGarrah, Jeff McGarrah and his wife Michelle (Shelly), and Ira “Dewayne” Cook, five nephews, five nieces, and numerous other family and friends.

A visitation for Tammie will be Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:00pm followed by a funeral at 3:00pm at The Assembly Church in Gentry, Arkansas.

01/12/2026

William Roger Autrey, age 90, of Garfield, Arkansas, was called home to be with the Lord on December 23rd, 2025..

Roger was born on December 5th, 1935, in Hugo, Oklahoma to William Cecil and Anna Sue Autrey. Throughout his life, he lived with faith, devotion, seeking to serve God and others through teaching, coaching and preaching.

A faithful member of the Cave Springs church of Christ, Roger found strength and comfort in prayer, scripture, worship and his church family. He will be remembered for his love for family and unwavering faith in God.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Sharon Kay Autrey; children Wes Autrey (Teri), Andra Lahr (Mark), LeAna Kelshaw (Julian); grandchildren Rachel Autrey, Natalie King (Tyler), Sarah Autrey, Dalton Lahr; great granddaughter, Reagan; brother Wendell Autrey and many other nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Sue Autrey, his brother, Harmon Autrey and sister Ermo Jean Autrey.

We rejoice in Roger’s victory over death knowing he is in Paradise.

01/12/2026

Kellie Lavon Tempel Arthur, age 63, of Rogers went home to be with the Lord Saturday, January 10, 2026 surrounded by her family in Bentonville. She was born on September 23, 1962 in Denver, Colorado the daughter of Judy Edwards and Stanford Waddell.

She enjoyed traveling, helping others, and was very generous giving to others. She served at First Baptist Rogers for many years as a Ministry Assistant, also served in the Choir for many years. She enjoyed spending quality time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. She was the embodiment of a Proverbs 31 Woman.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, and her husband Clyde Tempel.

Kellie is survived by: her husband; Bob Arthur, of Rogers, four sons; Jacob Ford and his wife Kristyn of Rogers, Justin Ford and his wife Megan of Cave Springs, Joseph Ford and his wife Mikayla, of Bella Vista, Paul Jon Tempel, of Hawaii, one daughter; MaryBeth Tempel Green, of Elm Springs, 9 grandchildren, one brother; Edward Waddell and his wife Teresa, and many loving family and friends.

A celebration of Kellie’s life will be: 10:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at First Baptist Rogers at the Pleasant Grove Campus location with Pastor Wes George, Pastor Mark Maier, and Pastor Jim Shaw officiating.

Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Rogers, “General Fund.”

01/07/2026

Richard “Lynn” Brannon, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026. Lynn was born October 18, 1952 and was a life-long resident of Bentonville.

Lynn graduated from Bentonville High School in 1971 and attended College in Oklahoma. He worked 35 years for the U.S. Postal Service.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Nadine Brannon; wife, Carolyn; wife, Jeanie; and nephew, Dr. Justin Brannon.

He is survived by his wife, Lana Brannon of the home and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother, Jay Dene Brannon; sister, Peggy and AC Thrasher; three nephews: Jay Dene Brannon Jr, Josh Brannon, and Tavis Baker; two great-nephews: Jay Dene Brannon III and James Brannon.

Visitation and graveside service will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1:00pm at Springtown Cemetery in Springtown, Arkansas on Highway 12.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Lynn Brannon Orchard or your favorite organization.

Lynn will be greatly missed by all his family and a great host of friends.

01/07/2026

Larry Robert Higgins of Bentonville, Arkansas, age 76, passed away on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 at Siloam Springs Health and Rehab. He was born on Tuesday, October 4th, 1949 in Cortland, New York to Charles Robert and Barbara Onalee Higgins (Barden).

Larry grew up in the Cortland area of New York, graduating from McGraw High School. He went on to receive two Associate Degrees and then he joined the United States Air Force, serving for almost 20 years before retiring. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, the Netherlands, and Turkey during the Persian Gulf War. He always went to church, having served in several positions in the churches, and loved God. He also retired from DHS.

Larry ran 5k’s and a half marathon in Alaska, having won many awards. He wrote three published novels, and loved reading his bible and was a prayer warrior. He traveled extensively around the world with his wife, Yvonne whom he married on June 14th, 1984.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Barbara; and his aunt, Leona.

Larry is survived by his wife of almost 42 years, Yvonne; son, Jacob Higgins; and daughter, Ruth Higgins; granddaughters, Haley and Allison; he also had other children and grandchildren.

The service held for him is pending.

01/06/2026

Joe Dan Polley, age 84, of Rogers, Arkansas was called home by the Lord Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Mercy Medical Center located in Rogers. He was born December 3, 1941 in Bell Gardens, California.

He was an avid reader, and enjoyed painting, raising chickens, and gardening. Joe loved sports and was a big St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most importantly he enjoyed spending quality time with his family especially time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a building contractor for many years earlier in his life. At age 84 he claimed to be the oldest Rogers School District Employee, and loved his job as a bus driver.

He moved to Rogers in 1968, after moving from Bell Gardens, California. He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and half brother.

Joe is survived by: his wife of 66 years; Wanda Polley, whom he married June 26, 1959, his son; Joey Polley and his wife Stacy, of Cave Springs, one daughter; Carla VanZandt and her husband Tom, of Camden, Tennessee, his half sister; Kerri Tinney, of Gulfport, Mississippi, his two brothers-in-law; Randy Jackson, of Farmington, Roger Konsmo, of Pea Ridge, two grandchildren; Stephanie Brown and her husband Andrew, of Cave Springs, Jason Polley and his wife Katie, of Denver, Colorado, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be Thursday at 10am at Benton County Memorial Chapel located in Rogers with Pastor Wes George officiating. Interment will follow at Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery located in Rogers. Full military honors will be provided by: The Northwest Arkansas Honor Guard of Rogers.

Memorials may be sent to: The Rogers Public Library.

12/31/2025

Billy L. Friederich, age 89, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed into eternal life on December 11, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers.

Born on February 13, 1936, in Chanute, Kansas, Billy was a proud graduate of Chanute High School, Class of 1954. Shortly after graduation, he honorably served his country with four years in the United States Air Force. Following his service, he continued his education, earning his Associate of Arts degree from Labette Junior College.

Billy had a diverse and interesting career path, starting with several years at the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1964, he met and married the love of his life, Leona Goetz Williams. During that time, he worked proudly as a Kansas Game Warden.

The couple relocated to Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 1969, where Billy began working for Cooper Communities, contributing to the growth of the local area for several years. Billy was a devoted husband, acting as Leona’s full-time caregiver until her passing in 2013. After her death, he immersed himself in his great passion: bass fishing. He was a loving father and grandfather who will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Family

Billy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leona; his parents, Otto and Vera Friederich; and his brothers, Donald and Gerald.

He is survived by:

His stepsons: Wayne Williams and his wife Janice of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Mark Williams and his wife Penny of Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Services

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held for family and close friends at a later date.

12/31/2025

Julia Kathleen Ryan Davis passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 65. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter and sister, and a respected professional whose whole life was defined by humility, class, grace, patience, intellect, generosity, and service to others.

Julia was married for 31 years to her beloved husband, Jeffery Davis, with whom she built a life grounded in love, partnership, trust, and family. She was a proud and devoted mother to her two sons, Grant and Clay Davis, who she cherished deeply.

She was loved by many including her mother, Susan Ryan Whitehouse; her late father, David Ryan MD (d. 1984), and her other father, David Whitehouse (d. 2025); her brothers and sisters, Leanne Marcum (Todd), Andrew Ryan (Toni), Cynthia Kelly (Todd), Jamie Ryan (Carol), and Elizabeth Kehoe (Anthony); her family-in-law, Gene Halladay, Virginia Davis Halladay (d. 2019), John Davis (d. 1984), Betsy Davis (d. 2004), Gretchen Davis Lamarche (David), Stu Halladay (Cara), Matthew Davis (Kara), Sarah Halladay; her many nieces and nephews; and her loyal four-legged walking companions, Sadie (d. 2014) and Wrigley.

Julia graduated magna cm laude from Duke University, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She was also a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She went on to earn her MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Julia spent most of her professional career in healthcare consulting. She stepped away from her professional career to focus on building a life centered on family.

She gave her time and energy generously to philanthropic organizations, including Junior Auxiliary, Young Men’s Service League, Bentonville Bands, and numerous local community initiatives. She believed in the quiet power of compassion and service to strengthen relationships and communities.

Julia Kathleen Ryan Davis will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, dedication to family, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

If you wish to make a contribution on the behalf of Julia Davis, her family and friends support donations to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank or Women’s Shelter located in Rogers, Arkansas.

12/26/2025

Christopher Allen Connelly, age 64, of Centerton, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at his residence. He was born May 13, 1961 in Marshalltown, Iowa the son of Linda Gates Connelly and Jerry Miller.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and hanging with his cats. Most importantly he loved spending quality time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

Chris married Pam Brock in 1984 and they later divorced.

Chris worked for Walmart since 1997, working with their many distribution centers.

He was preceded in death by: his mother, and his step father.

Chris is survived by: his step-daughter; Melissa Phinney and her husband Josh, of Little Flock, Arkansas, his step-son; Tim Harvey and his wife Kelli, of Norwalk, Iowa, his former wife, Pam Brock, of Bentonville, Arkansas, his father; Jerry Miller, of Falmouth, Kentucky, three brothers, three sisters, and his grandchildren; Leah and Elijah Phinney, of Little Flock, Arkansas, and many other loving relatives and friends.

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

12/22/2025

Blake Ryan Dover, 32, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Blake was born on April 1, 1993, in Gravette, Arkansas, to James Robert and Monica Wake Dover. He graduated from Bentonville High School in 2012 and worked for many years at United Industries in Bentonville. On July 4, 2022, Blake married the love of his life, Kali Reynolds Dover.

Blake enjoyed swimming, fishing, and hiking, and he especially loved spending time with his dog, Bella. Above all, Blake cherished being in the presence of God. He loved worshiping Jesus while hiking in nature, at home, and at church. Through the love and power of Jesus, Blake overcame many addictions and challenges throughout his life, and God worked miraculously in his life on many occasions.

One especially notable moment occurred during the tornado that passed through Bentonville in May 2024. A tree fell through his home, causing massive destruction, yet landed just feet away from Blake, an experience his family remembers as a powerful testament to God’s protection over his life.

Blake is survived by his devoted wife, Kali Dover; his parents, James Dover of Rogers, Arkansas, and Monica Dover of Gentry, Arkansas; two brothers, Dustin Dover and wife Tera of Republic, Missouri, and Cory Ricketts and wife Katy of Bentonville, Arkansas; and three sisters, Ashley Weston of Pryor, Oklahoma, Toni “Nikki” See and husband Nathan of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and Satera Mounce and husband Jeremy of Bentonville, Arkansas. He is also lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, his church family, and a wide circle of friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Legacy Barn in Bentonville, Arkansas, with his cousin, Pastor Ronnie Swadley Jr., officiating.

12/19/2025

Johnny Lee Tucker, age 73, Of Gravette died Monday, December 15, 2025 at his residence. He was born December 11, 1952 in Maysville, Arkansas the son of Billie Lou Marsh and Roy Lee Tucker.

He served in the U.S. Air Force where he earned an Honorable Discharge. He was an auto mechanic, and was a multi-generational farmer and loved working his farm. He enjoyed fishing and spending quality time with his family.

Johnny was preceded in death by: his parents, his two brothers; Courtney Tucker, his three year old brother Ronald Tucker, and his wife Mary Tucker.

He is survived by: three sons; Andy Tucker and his wife Shannon, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Mike Tucker and his wife Kristi, of Fayetteville, Levi Tucker and his wife Jennifer, of Sherwood, Arkansas, two brothers; Donnie Tucker, of Maysville, Arkansas, Eric Tucker and his wife Shanna, of Maysville, Arkansas, 8 grandchildren, one great-son, and two more great-grandchildren that are twins coming soon.

A graveside service was at National Cemetery located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Full military honors were provided by Northwest Arkansas Honor Guard of Rogers and the United States Air Force.

A celebration of Johnny’s life will be, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10am at the Maysville Community Center located in Maysville, Arkansas.

Memorials may be sent to: the Maysville Community Center.
Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.com

Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville

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