Over 400 attend first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Grown program, administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department), partnered with several Arkansas agricultural associations and organizations to host the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo in Little Rock.

Conference and Expo,” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This event served as an excellent opportunity for our farmers to connect with each other and with organizations that provide resources and opportunities that support our state’s largest industry.”

Arkansas Beef Council Board of Directors will also be meeting on Feb. 23 at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Waldrip Hall, 1371 W. Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville. For those unfamiliar, the facility is near the Pauline Whitaker Equine Area.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. with Beef Council business, research, and contractor updates. There will be a tour of beef checkoff-funded projects at the University of Arkansas Meat Science Department and the Animal Science Abattoir.

The conference was open to all parties interested in Arkansas’s agriculture industry and focused on farmers and producers who grow for the local food system. The four-day event consisted of general sessions with keynote speakers, workshops, off-site farm tours, networking opportunities, and a vendor trade show with representatives from over 70 businesses and organizations. Evening events at the Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyard and the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute showcased Arkansas Grown food, wine, and beer. Over 400 individuals attended the conference. Photos from the event are available at flic.kr/s/aHBqjAqf9R.

“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture was fortunate to partner with Arkansas organizations and associations to host the first Arkansas Grown

Partner organizations included the Arkansas State Horticulture Society, Arkansas Association of Grape Growers, Arkansas Farmers Market Association/Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention, Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, and Arkansas Agritourism Association.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while conserving natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture. arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Obituaries

Bettye Jane Curtis

Bettye Jane Curtis, age 86, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the Homewood Cottages in Mena. She was born on Sunday, May 3, 1936, to Sam and Eunice Putman Kirkland in Mena, Arkansas.

Bettye loved the Lord and was a member of the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for years. She was always direct and to the point and her honesty was admired by her family and friends. Bettye enjoyed reading, gardening, crocheting, and sewing. She was an extremely gifted cook. Everyone in the family loved her Fried Chicken especially. Bettye usually listened to Gospel music but also liked to hear live music with her family. She was head cook over the Acorn schools after she retired and was really proud of the work she did. Bettye loved her family very much and cherished every moment she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She passed away while listening to her loving children talk and laugh. Bettye was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Weldon Thomas Curtis.

Bettye is survived by two sons, and daughters-in-law, Tom and Mary Curtis of Mena, Lonnie and Sheila Curtis of LaBelle, Florida; two daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Leonard Russell of Waldron, and Barbara and Billy Don Williams of Mansfield; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Francis and Butch Hennings of Mena, Dovie and Joe Norcross of Little Rock, JoAnn Griffin of Mena; four grandchildren, Frank and Sarah Gibson of Mena, Rebekah Fox of Virginia, Rachel Curtis of Virginia, Elisabeth and Omri Alva of Virginia; four great-grandchildren, Joshua Gibson, Jarrett Gibson, Bea Alva, Vivi Alva; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Concord Cemetery in Ink, Arkansas, with Brother Frank Gibson officiat- ing under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. No visitation is planned.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Vicki Bosch

Vicki Bosch, age 65, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on Thursday, October 31, 1957, to Don Gillam and Geneva (Robinson) Gillam in Benton, Arkansas.

Vicki loved the Lord and attended Concord Baptist Church. She was married to her loving husband Al for 45 years. Vicki loved to travel with her family. Branson, Missouri, was among her favorite places to visit. She enjoyed going antiquing with Al and looking for good deals to take home with her. Vicki loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. She attended every sports game or program that her grandchildren were a part of. They could always count on her smiling face to be in the crowd cheering them on. Vicki especially loved her little rat terrier Rascal and her grand dogs. They brought her so much joy. Vicki loved to sing and play the piano as well as feed her little bird visitors. She worked for over 40 years as a paralegal at Maddox & Maddox law office where she was considered to be a jack of all trades. Vicki was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Don and Geneva Gillam; two brothers, Leon Gillam and Tommy Gillam; and one sister and brother-in-law, Doris Dobbs and JD Dobbs.

Vicki is survived by her loving husband, Al Bosch of Mena; two sons and daughter-in-laws, Chris Bosch and wife Melonie of Springdale, Arkansas and Justin Bosch and wife Andy of Mena, Arkansas; one daughter and son-in-law, Traci Hostetler and husband Seth of Mena, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Jakob Hostetler, Camden Hostetler, Victoria Bosch and JD Bosch all of Mena, Arkansas; one sister and brother-in-law, Donna Staggs and husband Jerry of Benton, Arkansas; a special cousin, Barbara Thompson and husband Larry of Mena, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Concord Baptist Church in Ink, Arkansas, with Brother Wade Mayberry officiating. Interment will follow in the Concord Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2023, from 2-4 P.M. in the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers are John Maddox, David Maddox, Bruce Busch, James Hale, Larry Thompson and Frank Gibson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Joey Fryar, Ray Cmunt and Eric Hostetler.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Polk County Public Library-Children’s Library, or the Ink RVFD (P.O. Box 84, Mena, AR 71953)

Billy Gene Waddell

Mr. Billy Gene Waddell, age 94, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born December 7, 1928, in Oak Hill Community (Board Camp), Arkansas, to the late Charles E. Waddell and Cleo Helen Parker Waddell.

Mr. Waddell was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving more than 22 years, with 11 of those years at sea. He retired in 1971, after serving on 12 different aircraft carriers. He had combat tours in both Korea and Vietnam. As a member of an air crew, he had 226 combat missions over Korea, but spent most of his time serving in air squadrons loading ordnance. He was a Senior Chief Petty Officer at retirement. He had sailed around both the Horn of South America and the Horn of Africa in 1957 and 1965. Billy was known as an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and was always bird watching.

Mr. Waddell is preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Waddell and Cleo Helen Waddell; loving wife, Armel Bryan Waddell; sisters, Lucille Waddell Hallman, Anna Lee Waddell Riggs; brothers, Gerald T. Waddell and Jack M. Waddell. He is survived by many cousins, 2 nieces, 4 nephews, and other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mr. Billy Gene Waddell will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. Brother Steve Raines will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers will be David Parker, Den Youngblood, Dennis Rowe, Billy Carmack, Jeremy Gilcrest, and Robert Waddell.

Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Youngblood, Grady Broxton, Kevin Hodges, and Durad Bryan.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Tréci Jho Holt, 32, of Bearden died Monday, February 6, 2023, at her home. Born June 8, 1990, in Shreveport, LA, she was a daughter of Barney Noel Holt III of Shreveport, LA and the late Laurie Holt. She is preceded in death by her mother; paternal grandmother Betty Jho Holt and paternal grandfather Barney Noel Holt II. She is survived by her father; sister, Lela Smith and her husband Mike and their daughter Mila of Little Rock; sister, Hazel Holt of Conway; brother, Noel Holt and his wife Amanda and their children of New York; brother, Austin Holt of Shreveport; and bonus dad Jeff Hopkins of Bearden.

Tréci loved her family. She loved showering them with meaningful gifts that they will cherish for a lifetime. She loved sports and wore the number 13 throughout high school and college. Relationships were the most important thing to Tréci, making meaningful connections with people is what gave her the most joy. Her niece Mila was her whole world and she bragged on her every chance she got. She was artistic and unique and was loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce.

To sign the online register visit bentonfuneralhome.net

Wanda C. Tilley

Mrs. Wanda C. Tilley, age 79, of Potter, Arkansas, passed away at her home Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Wanda was born on April 27, 1943, in Vandervoort, Arkansas, to the late James “Obie” Cecil and the late Doyce Gibbons Cecil. Wanda was a homemaker and considered a mother to many. Her friends and family knew that her door was always open. She loved and will be remembered for her talent of quilting. She will be missed by all that knew her.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Ray Tilley; son, Dennis Cecil; numerous grand and great-grandchildren; a sister Letha Gonzales. Several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Charlotte Ludwig; and three siblings.

Cremation arrangements were under the care of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

George Trivette

Mr. George Trivette, age 86, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born June 25, 1936, to the late Ballard Trivette and Myrtle Bryant.

George was the proud owner of George’s Auto Body. Mr. Trivette married Kenlinn Bartholomew on June 7, 1958, and they remained married till her passing. He loved fishing, camping and riding his motorcycle in his earlier years with his loving wife and brother-in-law. Above all else, he loved his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Trivette is preceded in death by his wife, Kenlinn Bartholomew; children, Jerry Trivette, Theresa Watson; parents, Ballard Trivette and Myrtle; one granddaughter, two sisters, and one brother.

He is survived by his children, Terrie Atkins, George Trivette Jr.; eight grandchil- dren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation services for Mr. Trivette are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home; there are no services planned at this time.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Donald J. Bray

Mr. Donald J. Bray, age 88, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 10, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born December 8, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma, to the late Walter Bray and Bessie Simrell Bray.

Mr. Bray enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and playing domino games, especially Moon. Donald loved watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He was longtime member of the Northside Church of Christ in Mena. He will be remembered for his diligence in everything he did.

Mr. Bray is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Bray and Bessie Simrell Bray; wife, Ruth Bray; brothers, Raymond Bray, Glenn Bray; infant sister, Evellyn Bray; daughter, Reba Coyle; stepson, Russell Handy; and by his son-in-law, Bruce Meissner.

He is survived by his children, Debi Meissner, Cheryl Shogren and husband Michael, Sue Babel and husband Gary, Roy Handy and wife Kim, Cindy Murphy; grandchildren, Karen Lensch, Jennifer Brewer, Jaclyn Rose, Curtis Coyle, Jessica Ridge, Ronnie Handy, Blane Handy, Maci Parrish, Kaitlynne Murphy; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services for Mr. Bray will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the Northside Church of Christ in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Jeremy Jones will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers are Ronnie Handy, Blane Handy, Daniel Brewer, Daniel Parrish, Rennie Ohl, and Mike Hooper.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Stanley Eugene Lisle

Stanley Eugene Lisle, age 76, of Mena, died on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at his home. He was born on Friday, January 3, 1947, to Stanley Phillip and Anna Doris Howard Lisle in Pomona, California.

Stanley was a Christian and was of the Baptist faith. Stanley was a man that had the willpower that was uncanny. He had many obstacles that he overcame all his life and never met a challenge he could not overcome. Stanley loved his grandchildren and his precious wife, Vina. They were married for 54 years and was a picture of love and happiness. Stanley loved playing pool, listening to oldies music and playing video games with his grandchildren. Stanley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Stanley is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Anna Hanks.

Stanley is survived by his loving wife, Vina Lisle of Mena, Arkansas; one son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Shelah Lisle of Bauxite, Arkansas; two daughters and son-in-law, Regina and Kevin Taylor of Springdale, Arkansas and Alice Gilley of Mena, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Emmah Been of Bauxite, Arkansas, Nicholas Taylor, Chloe Taylor, Liam Taylor and Karson Taylor all of Springdale, Arkansas, and Timothy Lisle of Mena, Arkansas, and Harlan Gilley of Mena, Arkansas; several nephews and nieces and a host of other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the Murphy Baptist Church in Norman, Arkansas, with Brother Cub Black officiating. Interment will follow in the Murphy Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023, 2 hours prior to the service from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Murphy Baptist Church in Norman, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Taylor, Timothy Lisle, Peter Creppel, Ray Maples, Frank Ginn and Steve Hanks.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Mary Head

Mary Head, age 83, of Board Camp, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at her home. She was born on Friday, June 9, 1939, to Noah and Lucille Medford in Mena, Arkansas.

Mary attended the Yocana Baptist Church. She was a supervisor at Renova/Alf’s for many years and made many friends over the years. She was a very talented basketball player in school and was a great barrel racer. She loved rooting for the Razorbacks and was very skilled at many different crafts and could do anything she put her mind to. Mary loved life on the ranch and riding horses. She was a member of the Polk County Riding Club and was passionate about horses her entire life. Mary was a very talented cook, and everyone loved her homemade chicken and dumplings. Mary was a loving wife for 63, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Melvin Medford, and Junior Medford.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Dewey Head of Board Camp; one daughter, Tina McMellon of Board Camp; one sister, Fairy Dilbeck of Board Camp; one grandson, Cole McMellon of Board Camp; her best friend, Madge Peugh; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Brother Lynn Chiles officiating. Interment will follow at the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. Visitation will be general at the Bowser Family Funeral Home from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during office hours on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Pallbearers will be Pat Nelson, Danny Medford, Mike Logan, Jason Head, David Head, and James Looney.

Honorary Pallbearer is Larry Walker. Funeral service will be live streamed at https://bowserffh.com/obituaries/maryhead

William Kenneth Finney

William Kenneth Finney, age 76, of Mena, Arkansas, died on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, Texas. He was born on Thursday, July 29, 1946, to Johnny Warren and Etha Finney Doyel in Washington, D.C.

Kenny as he was known, was a man of the faith and served his Lord with all his heart. Kenny loved his family dearly and Jesus, his children and grandchildren brought him great joy. Kenny served his country in the United States Navy for 4 years and was an Airman on the USS Constitution. He served as Commander at the VFW in Waldron and drove the DAV van to Fayetteville, Arkansas for many years.

Kenny was a carpenter for many years and loved reading and going on walks and volunteering at local nursing homes. He was also a truck driver for Tyson for years and drove the van for the Area Agency on Aging. Kenny was a preacher all his life. He loved serving God and doing his work as a preacher. He attended Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church in Texarkana. He loved being a dad and grandpa or to great grands, paw paw. Kenny was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Wayne Doyel Bob Doyel and L.D. Doyel; and two sisters, Enola Gay Shifflet and Kathy Hope.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Finney of Texarkana, Arkansas; three sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny and Teresa Finney of Huntington, Arkansas, Robby and Christine Scroggins of Mena, Arkansas, and Corey Scroggins of Hot Springs, Arkansas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Heather and James Baker of Hartford, Arkansas, and Tonya and David Oney of Marshall, Texas; one sister, Trish Doyel of Fort Smith, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren, Brandon Seagraves of Waldron, Arkansas, Kaitlin Finney of Huntington, Arkansas, Nevaeh Finney of Huntington, Arkansas, Riley Seagraves, Josh Leach, Carmen Bauman, Kendra Griffey, Kirstie Stewart, Matt Stewart, Tyler Lofton, Victoria Baker, Ray Scroggins and Kase Scroggins; eight great grandchildren; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel with

Brother Tim Rose officiating. Interment will follow at the Foster Cemetery in Cedar Creek, Arkansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, February 17, 2023, from 8-10 A.M. at the funeral home.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com