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Classmates Obituaries - Letter W

These obituaries correspond with the yearbooks that are listed on this website.  Whenever possible, the source of the obituary will be shown as well as the date.

Wacaster, Betty Patton Ertz - Betty Patton Wacaster, age 88, of Hot Springs, went to be with the Lord, Friday, April 22, 2011.
She was born on May 3, 1922, in Hot Springs, the daughter of Earl Patton and Iva Holland Patton. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bob Ertz; her second husband, Fred J. Wacaster; her son, John Michael Wacaster, Sr.; her daughter, Patsy Moore; her granddaughter, Cynthia Wacaster; two brothers, Earl Patton, Jr., and Clyde Patton; two sisters-in-law, Nettie Nixon and Maude Miller; and her brother-in-law, Frank Wacaster.
She was a member of the First Christian Church and retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone.
She is survived by her son, Bill Wacaster and his wife, Glenda, of Pearcy; two daughters, Linda Priddy and her husband, Noel Pennington, and Susan Fulton all of Hot Springs; her daughter-in-law, Gina Wacaster of Bossier City, Louisiana; her brother, Clint Patton and his wife, Lota, of Hot Springs; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her special friends, Helen Ellis and Bette Sutton; and her nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Hot Springs with Rev. Steve Ellis and Rev. Susan Miller officiating.
Interment will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Wacaster, Tim Patton, Brennan Catlett, Greg Cannon, Tim Holmes, Brandon Kopp and Craig Grisham.
Honorary pallbearers will be Blayne Catlett, Dr. John Bond and staff of Quapaw Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 1806 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. [from Davis-Smith Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1940]

Walker, Betty Lou Willis - Betty Lou Walker, age 75, of Hot Springs, died Monday, January 5, 2009.
She was born on April 14, 1933, in Hot Springs, the daughter of George Willis and Willie Bettis Willis. On July 3, 1951, she was married to C. H. "Bill" Walker. She was preceded in death by her husband on May 9, 2006.
She was a member of Oaklawn Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Rick Walker of Hot Springs and Eddie and Lisa Walker of Royal; one daughter and son-in-law, Sonya Walker McFarland and Mike McFarland of Hot Springs; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Faye Willis of Hot Springs; and one sister, Earline Short of Hot Springs.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 8, 2009, in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hot Springs, with Bro. Jeff Hill officiating, under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.
Pallbearers will be Holly and Rick Dewese, Derick and Ashley Walker, Katelyn Walker, Cody Walker, Tyler Walker, Zach Tilley, Blake Tilley and Lauren Tilley. Honorary pallbearers will be Ainsley Dewese and Ace Dewese.    [from Davis-Smith Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1951]

Wall, Patricia Anne Pollard - Patricia Anne Pollard Wall 78, of Hot Springs passed away Monday, August 6, 2012. She was born January 31, 1934. She is predeceased by her husband, Joel Delton Wall, son, Van Hampton Wall, sister, Edith Hope Smith, and brother, Ralph Houghton.
She was one of Jehovah's Witnesses and helped many to learn bible truths, and in doing so she gained many extended family members and adopted children and grandchildren.
She is survived by son, Joel Patrick Wall and wife Debra, daughter-in-law, Sharla Wall, six grandchildren, Crystal Scott and husband Larry, Josh Wall and wife Hannah, Andrew Wall and wife Summer, Amber Weida and husband Matthew, Nick Wall and wife Chelsy, Brittany Duncan and husband Brandon, three great-grandchildren, Jake Scott, Molly Scott, and Isabella Duncan, and may other nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many that called her "Memaw".
A memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2018 East Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.  [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1951]

Walters, Hubert N. - Hubert N. Walters, 76, of Hot Springs died Saturday, April 5, 2008, in a local hospital.
Born May 27, 1931, in Hot Springs to Samuel and Maggie McCoy Walters, he was a realtor, elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Agape Sunday School Class teacher, former Garland County Quorum Court Justice of the Peace, the First Downtown Business Association president, former Hot Springs City Plumbing Inspector, master plumber in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and former member of the Elks Lodge No. 380 and the Loyal Order of the Moose No. 1252.  He was predeceased by one sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Allen Smith.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Walters, of Hot Springs; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Belinda Walters, Benny and Annette Walters and Rick and Ellen Agre, all of Hot Springs; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Linda Gail Agre and Chris and Lee Murphy, all of Hot Springs, and Laura Tomine and Gary Enzor, of Fayetteville; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Norman and Phyllis Walters, of Houston, and Herman and Bette Ann Walters, of Hot Springs; three nephews; three nieces; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; great-nephews; and great-nieces.
The service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jeff Cranton officiating.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Joe H. Smith, Guy Sparkman, Bob White, Jason Walters, David Murphy, Scott Walters, and John Wright.
Honorary pallbearers are members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dr. C. D. Williams, Joe T. and Sondra Smith, St. Joseph's Medical Center Arkansas Hospice Inpatient staff and the Arkansas Heart Hospital staff.
Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery...
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Mt. Tabor Community Church, Hot Springs Baptist Church or Arkansas Hospice.
Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.  [Sentinel-Record; April 7, 2008; page 8A]  [Class of 1949]

Walton, Vivian Anita Bright - Anita Bright Walton, 79, of Hot Springs died Wednesday, November 29, 2006, in a local hospital. Born July 8, 1927, at Hot Springs she was predeceased by her parents, Floyd E. and Myrtle Brown Bright; her husband, Herman C. Walton; and her brother, Charles E. Bright. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Cherri and Jim Taylor of New Bern, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Oleta N. Bright of Hot Springs; two nephews, Randy Bright and Greg Bright, both of Hot Springs; and two step-grandchildren, Scott Taylor of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Stephen Taylor of Hickory, North Carolina. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2006, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Chaplain Kathy Reed officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to "Seasoned With Grace," c/o Hot Springs Baptist Church, 144 Weston Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 or to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are with Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.  [Caruth-Hale Funeral Home online obituary]   [Class of 1946]

Wells, Helen Rose Iacobacci - Helen Rose Wells, 87, of Hot Springs died June 29, 2012. She was born April 29, 1925, in Hot Springs to Joseph and Catherine Iacobacci.
Helen was a member of the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, the Lioness Club, and Southwestern Bell Pioneers. She was an employee of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 43 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; half-brother, Edward Ferari; half-sister, Marie Louise Ferari; brother, Nicholas Iacobacci; sister, Marie Goodlett.
Survivors include: husband, Forest Ray Wells; daughter, Rosemarie Wells Kennedy (Tom) of North Little Rock; son, John Joseph Wells (Marianne) of Franklin, Tennessee; grandchildren, Joseph Wells (Taryn) of Memphis, Tennessee, Thomas Kennedy, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Anna Wells of Franklin, Tennessee, Nicholas Kennedy of Dallas, Texas; nieces and nephews: Cathy Iacobacci Larsen, Phillip Iacobacci, George Iacobacci, Robert Iacobacci, Bart Larsen, Brian Larsen, Blake Larsen, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Sarah Iacobacci-Bankhead, Marco Iacobacci, Tucker Iacobacci, Colter Iacobacci.
Visitation will be Monday, July 2, from 5-6 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home Chapel with Rosary beginning at 6. Services will be Tuesday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Johns. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be staff and doctors at Arkansas Nephrology Services and caregiver Breanna Campos.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, Hot Springs or Kidney Dialysis Foundation, kdf.org.sg.    [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1943]

Westermann, Frances Lee Turner - Frances Lee Turner Westermann, 80, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2009. Born April 17, 1928, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she spent most of her life in Arkansas. Frances was raised in Hot Springs and attended Hot Springs High School. After attending what is now North Texas State University, she returned to Hot Springs to marry. Her husband’s job took them to Little Rock, Texarkana, back to Hot Springs, and finally, to Ft. Smith, where they lived for the next 33 years. It was there that she raised their children, volunteered in the schools and at Sparks Hospital, and gave her time to many charities. She gave wonderful parties, was an avid gardener, excellent seamstress, fabulous cook, and loved to play bridge. In 1995, Frances moved to Little Rock to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She became involved in Calvary Baptist Church, The Bridge House, and several other bridge groups. Her joys in life came from singing in the choir at Calvary, time with her grandchildren, cheering the Hogs, playing bridge, playing bridge, and playing more bridge. Frances received the last few points needed to achieve Life Master in 2005 with the help of very good friends. She even taught bridge for several years, inspiring many young women to take up the game that provided her so much enjoyment. Frances’ other lifelong passion was cheering on the Razorbacks alongside her family and friends.
Frances is predeceased by her sisters, Margie Johnson and Betty Sue Evans. She is survived by her children: Eric Westermann of Canyon, Texas, and Kathi Frieberg (Brad) of Little Rock; her four grandchildren: Evan and Erin Westermann of Canyon, Texas, and Diana and Meredith Frieberg of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her sister, Nan Merchant of Hot Springs, one niece and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10th at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock. Visitation will be immediately after the service. Private burial will be at Memorial Gardens, Hot Springs. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, The Bridge House, or Arkansas Hospice. [Griffin-Leggett online obituary] [Class of 1946]

Whidden, Louise Mattar - Louise Mattar Whidden of Hot Springs, Arkansas, died on Sunday, January 12, 2014, in Arkansas Hospice at Mercy Hospital, after a long battle with Parkinson and heart disease.
Louise was 87 years old, she was born, May 26, 1926, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the daughter of Selim and Emily Mattar.
She grew up in Hot Springs and spent summers in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. She attended Lindenwood College, Oklahoma A&M, and the University of Arkansas, where she studied Social Work. She worked for the Garland County Social Services for thirty years as a licensed social worker. After retirement Louise was employed at Lakewood Home for ten years.
Louise is predeceased in death by her parents, Selim and Emily Mattar, her brother's Elie and George Mattar, and one sister, Helen Alaimo. She is also predeceased in death by her beloved husband of thirty years, Glyn R. Whidden.
Survivors include one son, Steven Krueger, two grandchildren, Hilary and Steven, their spouses Ray and Lisa. She also leaves two great grandchildren, Emily and Sean. Survivors also include numerous nieces and nephews.
Louise was a member of the Oaklawn Missionary Baptist Church and the Gleaners Sunday school class. She belonged to the Busy Bees Home Extension Club and the Emblem Club. She was also a member of the Friends of Garland County Library. Louise was an avid reader and she loved to travel.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 14, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at Crestview Cemetery, Wednesday, January 15 at 11 a.m., with Brother Jeff Hill officiating.
Honorary pallbearers include the employees of Brookfield Assisted Living, Larry Loe, Bill and Faye Willis, Marie Pamplin, Alice Simcox, Barbara Morgan, Jim and Anita Gottlieb and her caregiver, Mary Lane.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Arkansas Hospice.    [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1945]

White, Melba Louise Heinemann - Melba Louise White, 72, died Tuesday, February 16, in a local hospital.
She was a lifelong resident of Hot Springs and a member of the Second Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, Fred Kay White of Hot Springs, Sam C. White of Greenville and Mike White of Blytheville; two daughters, Nadine White of San Francisco, California, and Mary Ann York of Boulder, Colorado; one brother, Dr. Victor F. Heinemann of Hot Springs and nine grandchildren.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Nick Garland officiating.
Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Gross Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Fred Kay White, Sam C. White, Mike White, Fred White Jr., Tim D. White and Jon York.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Fred Heinemann, Phillip Heinemann, Carl Heinemann Jr., Kelly Ross White, Tommy Dodson, Elmer White, Paul D. Pender and the deacons and members of Second Baptist Church.
The family requests that any planned memorials be made to the Second Baptist Church. [from the Sentinel-Record, February 18, 1982]    [Class of 1929]

Willett, Ira Eugene - July 13, 1940 - April 15, 2012
Ira Eugene Willett, 71, of Roland, Oklahoma, died April 15, 2012, in Fort Smith. He was a master plumber.
He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Lynn Willett of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Ammon Marie Arnold of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two sons, Ira Michael Willett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Ronald Eugene Willett of Hot Springs, Arkansas; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Memorial service will be Monday, April 23, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial of cremains to follow in Steep Hill Cemetery all under the of Edwards Funeral Home.    [from Edwards Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1960]

Willett, Sally Lynn Baird - Sally Lynn Willett, of Maumelle, born May 5, 1942, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, in Little Rock, as a result of end stage multiple myeloma. She is survived by her spouse, Ira Eugene Willett; her daughters, Michael McCarty Harrison of Maumelle and Kelly McCarty Ransom of Little Rock; her grandson, Cole Everett Harrison of Maumelle; her mother, Mary Alice Baird, of Moun Ida; and her brother, Clayton Baird of Mount Ida. She was a loving wife, mother, Gaga, daughter and sister and will be sorely missed by all.
There will be a Celebration of Sally’s life at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2012, at ... Maumelle, Arkansas.
Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300.
In lieu of flowers, Sally requested donations be made to Maumelle Friends of the Animals, P. O. Box 13061, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113.    [from Roller-Chenal Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1960]

Wilson, Mary Ella Ermey - Mary Ella Wilson, 76, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2013, at her home.
She was born July 15, 1937, in Hot Springs to the late John and Sue Ermey.
Mary was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Family always came first in her world. She was an avid historian and loved to travel the globe. Mary was a Baroness and enjoyed shopping. Her dog Baron brought her much joy.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Wilson in 1995, and her granddaughter, Amy Hughes.
Cherishing her memory are her daughters, Grace Ann Hughes (Mike), and Angela Schueller (Pat); her grandchildren, John Hughes (Linda), Ben Milholen (Felicia), and Amanda Shirron (Lance); five great-grandchildren; a host of friends, and other relatives.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. John McCallum officiating.
The family will receive friends Monday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wright Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas (501)624-1244.    [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1955]

Winstead, Bazel Benjamin - Bazel Benjamin "B" Winstead, 72, of Hot Springs, was called home to Heaven on September 16, 2013. He was born February 27, 1941, to the late Denzel and Elizabeth Winstead.
He is predeceased by his wife and high school sweetheart, Betti Lu Winstead, and his sister, Nancy MacFarland.
B was president of the Hot Springs High School class of 1959, and a graduate of Arkansas Tech, 1963. He was an officer and 20 year veteran of the US Army, serving his country in the Vietnam War where he earned a Purple Heart, numerous awards, medals and special recognition. He retired from the Army in 1983 at the rank of major, then worked as a civil servant in military intelligence at Ft. Monroe, Virginia and Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
In 1996, B returned to Hot Springs to work as a reserve deputy and dispatcher for the Garland County Sheriff's Dept. B was a past president of the Hot Springs Lion's Club and the Old Dominion chapter of the Sports Car Club of America.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks Club, Poet's Roundtable, Garland County Historical Society, the NRA, and was honored to be part of the class of '59 "POSSE". He was a member of Center Fork Baptist Church.
B was a devoted husband, loving father, and a proud American.
He is survived by his children, John Wing of Van Alstyne, Texas; Steve (Leslie) Wing of Church Hill, Maryland; Lanie (Corky) Martin of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Suzie (Josh) Baxter of Bentonville, Arkansas; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Don Golden, Tom Conly, Tom O'Neal, Ben O'Neal, Charlie Evans, Tom Gerald Leaton, and Richard Ennis. Honorary pallbearers will be His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Hot Springs High School Class of 1959, and Garland County Sheriff's Office.
Visitation is Friday, September 20th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are Saturday, September 21st, 11 a.m. at Gross Funeral Home with Bro. Lynn Baxter officiating, interment at Crestview Cemetery. [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary] [Class of 1959]

Winstead, Betti Robbins Wing - Betti Wing Winstead, 69, of Hot Springs passed away Sunday, January 2, 2011. Born November 19, 1941, in Hot Springs to Johnny H. and Lillian Reader Robbins, she was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Hot Springs High School, a member of the Hot Springs Debutante Coterie, founder of Betti Wing Winstead Ballet-DanceArts Studio, and taught dance for over 30 years in the Hot Springs area.
She grew up in dance classes leading to college instruction at Texas Christian University. She was a member of Dance Masters of America. In addition to offering formal dance training for over 30 years, she also choreographed and performed in shows on many army posts, taught "white glove" modeling and etiquette classes, and has judged many talent and beauty contests. Many of her students have gone on to dance professionally, either performing and/or teaching.
She was a loving mother, a beloved wife and a wonderful teacher who gave endlessly to those who knew her. Her generous and loving spirit touched the lives of many.
She was predeceased by a brother, Lanny S. Robbins.
Survivors include her husband, Bazel Winstead of Hot Springs; two sons and one daughter-in-law, John F. Wing of Van Alstyne, Texas, and Stephen B. and Leslie Wing of Church Hill, Maryland; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lanie D. and Corky Martin of Hot Springs and Susannah and Josh Baxter of Pearcy; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her first husband and father of her children, Franklin F. "Fuddy" Wing.
Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Friday at Gross Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Bill Carter, Reverend Lynn Baxter and Pastor Milton George officiating.
Pallbearers will be Ben O'Neal, Charles Evans, Gearld Leaton, Tommy Conley, Richard Ennis, Donnie Golden and Eric Weidman.
Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons. Burial will be at Crestview Cemetery.
Appreciation to Advance Care Hospital at St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center with special thanks to Mary and Jeanne and appreciation to the Med Surgery Ward at National Park Medical Center with special thanks to Kelly and Ruby.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at Gross Funeral Home. [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary] [Class of 1959]

Wisely, Marian Ruth Lewallyn - Marian R. Wisely, of Hot Springs, died November 25, 2009. She was born on March 31, 1928, to W. J. and Dixie Lewallyn, in Hot Springs. Marian attended Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University. She was retired from AT&T. She was a member of Oaklawn United Methodist Church, the Telephone Pioneers and was a lifelong student of the scriptures. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Jack; her sisters, Billie and Juanita; and her nephew, Richard Lewis.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, H. Ross Wisely; one son, William R. Wisely; daughter-in-law, Christi Wisely; her nephew, Dr. Bryan Lewis; and the light of her life, granddaughter, Ryan Elizabeth Wisely.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2009, at Gross Funeral Home with the Rev. Fred Hunter, officiating. Pallbearers will be Ken Freeman, Stanley Dodd, Aulborn Fraley, Bill Spencer, Dr. Jefferey Herrold and Dr. Glenn Reynolds.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. William Wright, who was always there for her and Ross, staff of Lakewood Convalescent Home, Bob Maus, Roy Kinnaird, Dr. Ross Bandy, Dr. Bilemdra Sharma, Norman "Buddy" Dean, Wade and Cleburne Wisely, Jo Ann Petty, Mary Wheeler, Marjorie Schrivner, J. Sky Tapp, Dr. William Mashburn, Pam Keck, Virginia Stringer, Pauline Whitby, Stephen Ridgway, Sen. Bud Canada, Harry Tucker, Rex McMahan, Millard and Purity Childs, Bill Spencer, Bill Corbett, Tracy and Ken Freeman, Billy Joe and Faye Willis, Dr. Guinn Daniel, Joe Randel, Jackie Pettigrew, The Builder's Sunday School Class of Oaklawn Methodist Church, James and Twyla Brown, Jerry and Carol Sue Thompson, and the Bar and Bench of Garland County.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Oaklawn United Methodist Church. [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1946]

Wright, Cecil Greye - Cecil Greye Wright, 80, of Royal, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2014. He was born September 16, 1934, in Hot Springs to Clifton Greye and Nellie (Stevens) Wright.
Cecil was an avid fisherman and guide and enjoyed time spent with his longtime friend, Greg Willingham. He enjoyed his farm, watching the wildlife, hummingbirds, the PBR, football and horseracing. Cecil retired from the Sentinel-Record in 1997, where his lifelong career began when delivering papers as a young child.
He is predeceased by his parents, brother, Bobby Wright, sister, Nellie Ruth Wright and brother-in-law, Bob Tarvin.
Loving survivors include his wife of 51 ½ years, Sandra Wright, of Royal; son, Greye Wright Rynders and his wife, Alicia, of Seminole, Alabama; daughter, Cheryl Smith and her husband, David, Stephenville, Texas; twin sisters: Marilyn Tarvin and Carilyn (DeBert) Graves, of Hot Springs; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Wright, of Hot Springs; grandchildren: Jordan Wright Rynders, Nathan Aldridge and Taylor Smith; great-grandchildren: Kasia, Karington, Mason, Haylan and Ryker; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.
A memorial service in Cecil’s honor will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2014, at Royal Baptist Church with Pastor George Lynch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Cecil’s honor to your favorite charity.    [from Caruth-Hale Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1953]

Wright, Lelia Florence "Lee" Craigo - Lee Wright was born Lelia Florence Craigo in Hot Springs to Richard “Dick” Craigo and Lelia Craigo. She died April 8, 2013, from complications of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease. Since she was the middle child (younger sister to Ann, and older sister to Richard), she was known ever afterward to her hometown friends as “Cissie” or “Cis.” Lee made and kept lifelong friends in her hometown, and went back frequently to Hot Springs to visit friends and family there.
After beginning her education at the University of Arkansas, where she pledged the Pi Beta Phi sorority, Lee transferred to Northwestern University and graduated from there with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy in 1952. While at Northwestern, she met and married Rogers H. Wright, also from Arkansas, who was pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. After she worked a brief stint as a speech therapist for the Chicago area schools, Lee and Rogers moved to Southern California and Lee began teaching in the Los Angeles schools as a speech therapist. The young couple settled in Long Beach, Calif., in the late 1950s. In 1960, their daughter, Stacy was born, and in 1964, a son, Craig, followed.
While the children attended Naples Elementary School, Lee was the backbone of the Naples PTA. The family lived together in the Naples area of Long Beach and enjoyed the many typical Southern California activities afforded by living on the water, including boating, snorkeling and scuba diving. Lee and Rogers traveled extensively in Central and South America, and the family enjoyed numerous camping trips in their camper. Lee subsequently obtained her master’s degree in speech and language therapy from California State University at Long Beach.
After divorcing in 1974, Lee moved to the College Park Estates area of Long Beach and resumed working as a speech therapist and retired from the Long Beach Unified School District in 1988. She has stayed close to all her former speech and language colleagues from the school district, referring to them as the “Over the Hill Gang.”
In the late 1970s, Lee joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach and over the years, held numerous leadership positions within the church and for the Pacific Southwest District of Unitarian Universalist as well as supporting the Long Beach Mozart Festival. She was also very active philanthropically, supporting numerous charities in Long Beach and abroad. Lee loved to travel and explore new cultures and was very involved supporting the Museum of Latin American Art as a docent for several years.
She spent a great deal of time with her daughter, Stacy, and Stacy’s family, as well as Lee’s own wide circle of friends. Lee was greatly loved and will be missed by the countless people she touched in her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Stacy; beloved son-in-law, Jim; treasured grandchildren, Ryan and Meredith; cherished brother, Richard; and niece, Brittany. Lee’s memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on June 14, 2013, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach, located at 5450 Atherton Avenue, Long Beach, California 90815.
Please remember Lee not with flowers, but by donating of your time or money to the following causes important to her: Habitat for Humanity-Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Clean Water for Haiti, Chapman House, Doctors without Borders, Museum of Latin American Art (Long Beach) or Central Asia Institute.    [From the Sentinel-Record, May 19, 2013]    [Class of 1947]