Obituaries

Oletta Hale, 88, of Harriet, Ark., passed from this life on Friday, March 21, 2025, at her home with family by her side. She was born in Landis, Ark., on July 20, 1936, to Odis Martin and Bessie Ann Kump Martin. Oletta was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed gardening, doing crafts and sewing. She especially liked working in her flowers and watching the birds. Oletta loved spending time with her family and loved ones. Survivors include her children, Jimmie Alan Mitchell, Alesha Ann Woods, Kindel Leander Hale, Ashley Jerome Hale and Gwendolyn Hogsed; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four greatgreat- grandchildren. Oletta is preceded in death by her parents, Odis and Bessie Martin; her husband, Jerome Hale who passed away in 2000; one daughter, Angela Christine Mitchell; and her siblings, Glen Martin and Wanda Beavers. Graveside service for Oletta was 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Rock Creek Cemetery in Harriet. Friends and family served as bearers. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014.

Orpha Turney (Sullins), 94, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, in Little Rock, Ark. Born to Vance and Delca Sullins on June 4, 1930, in Witts Springs, Ark. Orpha was a loving and devoted wife to JA Turney. Their union produced one son, Thomas Eddie Turney. A lifetime resident of the Witts Springs area she loved her community and its residents with a passion. Orpha’s joy came from her family, friends, farm, crochet but most of all her love of God. She will be remembered for her soft demeanor, kind heart and ability to embody the word of Christ. Orpha is preceded in death by her parents, siblings (Gertha Jones, Rita Maxwell, and Claude Sullins), her husband and son. She is survived by her sister Viva Huber, daughterin-law Sharon Turney, granddaughters April Turney-Brucks (Kenny) and JaNan Straznicky (Steve), greatgrandchildren Nicole Fritts (Jared), Kingston and Stella Straznicky, and great-great-grandsons Parker and Oliver Fritts in whom her legacy will continue. For our Memaw everyone was family whether you just met her or had known her your whole life, she loved you. Graveside services for Orpha were 2 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Snowball Cemetery in Snowball, Ark., with Bro. Steve Straznicky officiating. Luke 10:27 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”