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Thornton Funeral Home, 211 Luzerne Street, Mount Ida, AR (2026)

02/16/2026

Loretha Faye (Summitt) Ray

Loretha Ray, 81, of Mount Ida, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 15, after living with dementia for many years.

Born on April 20, 1944, in Sims, Arkansas to Joseph and Mattie Summitt, Loretha grew up in Mt. Ida and graduated from Mt. Ida High School in 1962. On August 31, 1962, she married Richard Ray, and they drove across the country and began their married life in California. During their life together, they also lived in Glenwood, Arkansas; Nocona, Texas; Poteau, Oklahoma and Harrison, Arkansas.

Before retiring, Loretha worked as a Coordinator with the Head Start Program, and some of her favorite memories were of times spent traveling with co-workers. She loved being outdoors, and spent her free time bird watching, rock gathering and enjoying God’s creation even into her years with dementia.

In each community she was blessed to be a part of, Loretha had a special gift for diving in and becoming involved. She could be found leading the youth group, teaching Sunday School, serving on church councils and much more. We have been touched by the number of people from the different communities who have reached out and shared the difference “Mimi” made in their lives.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Richard Ray; her children, Michelle (Zane) Meekins of Fort Worth, Texas and Gina Ray Ritchie of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Madeline, Caroline, Paxton (Retha) and Parker, brother and sister in law Bill and Sue Ray, as well as her special “sister-cousins” Cathy (Bill) High and Sharon Sims, both of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and a host of family and friends who she loved dearly. Her sweet cat “Kitty” misses her already and provided much comfort during her final days.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice Home Care staff, especially nurse Jenny, for their compassionate care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Ida First Methodist Church, with a reception following in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Mt. Ida First Methodist Church at P.O. Box 607, Mt. Ida, Arkansas, 71957.

Though dementia gradually changed her memory, it never diminished the love she gave or the impact she made. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.

View Loretha Faye (Summitt) Ray's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Diane Lee Whisenhunt

Diane Lee Whisenhunt, 84, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away, Monday, February 2nd, 2026, in Hot Springs. She was born June 17th, 1941, in Hot Springs to the late Argus and Sybil (Doyle) O’Neal. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, husband Gip Whisenhunt, granddaughter Christina Whisenhunt, brother-in-law David Short, and Aunt Christine Whittington who was like a mother to Diane.

Diane is survived by her sons Bryan (Donna) Whisenhunt and Mark Whisenhunt, daughter Tamara McKee, grandchildren Allison (Stephen) Englert, Michael (Erin) McKee, Grant McKee and Patricia (Turner) Southall, great grandchildren Matthew McKee, Rory McKee, Emmett Englert, and due on Diane’s birthday, baby Eleanor Diane Englert, Piper Southall, brother Doyle (Janice) O’Neal and sister Pamela Short along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Diane grew up as daddy’s little “Tomboy and Helper” from the start following in her dad’s every footstep. She built her career as a home economics and classroom teacher of 28 years, but her main career was her husband of 63 years, her children, her animals, her home and her yard. Diane co-owned the AG Supermarket, later called the Piggly Wiggly and the Sears Store.

Diane was a lifelong cattle farmer of 57 years alongside her husband and boys. Daily she could be found in the cowpens and chicken houses gathering up feed. She could also be found daily in the farm truck, side by side or lawn mower, and occasionally on a tractor, always managing the farm and her children. Diane’s lawn was like a petting zoo with swans, peacocks, miniature horses, fowl of every kind, deer, goats, and dogs. Her love of animals was second only to her love of family and love of God. Diane and Gip not only farmed, but in their retirement they enjoyed spending lots of time traveling the world together. They never forgot to bring stories and pieces of their trips back to their children and grandchildren.

Diane was almost always busy working on the farm or in her home, but occasionally she went out and about to town. She always carried an air of elegance about herself. With her beautifully curled red hair accompanied by her glitz and glamorous jewelry and clothes, you would never know she had been working in the garden or wrestling swans just hours prior. As her granddaughter said, "she was a true testament to how a lady and woman should act." Diane also believed in an immaculate house, meals, deck, and yard with thinking of details as small as vacuum tracks, palm trees, ferns, hanging and potted flowers and mowing lines.

Diane instilled values into her children and grandchildren that will last a lifetime: Love of God and family, hard work, honesty, and love of animals. Diane will forever be on our minds and in our hearts.

Visitation will be Friday, February 6th, 2026, 5-7pm, at Thornton Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be held Saturday, February 7th, 2026, 1pm at Rocky Valley Cemetery in Mount Ida with Bro. Greg Bland and Bro. Josh Harper officiating. Pallbearers are Michael McKee, Grant McKee, Stephen Englert, Turner Southall, Jacob Hill, Cody Roberts and Brandon Jackson.

Arrangements were made and directed under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

View Diane Lee Whisenhunt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Gary James Duke

Gary James Duke, 78, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away Friday, January 30th, 2026. He was born, August 3rd, 1947, in Norman, Arkansas to the late Arley Matthew and Ethia Evelyn (Cogburn) Duke. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister Janie (Charles) White.

Gary is survived by his wife of 59 years Evonne (Pearson) Duke, and their children: Arlon (Ginger) Duke, Anton (Kristin) Duke and Angela Duke Martin; grandchildren: Mackenzie (Chris) Bland, Ashton Martin, Blaklee Martin, Emily (Daniel) Sepulvado, Ashley Duke, Katie Duke, Caroline Duke and Joshua Duke, great-granddaughter: Zadie; nieces and nephews; Susan (John) McGee, Paul (Angela) White and Mark (Julie) White; and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Norman, Arkansas; the service will be at 12 p.m. with Bro. Jeremy Graves officiating. Burial will be at Mount Gilead Cemetery. A Visitation service will be held at Grace Valley Church, 10576 Collierville Road, Collierville, Tennessee, on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm.

Arrangements were made and directed under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home.

We celebrate the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God. His life was rooted in Jesus, family, and faith, and he lived each day with purpose, gratitude, and love. Family was his greatest joy.

He was a hardworking provider who encouraged others, spoke truth with kindness, and reminded us daily to “make it a good day.” He had a special way of making people feel seen and valued, reflecting Christ in every interaction.

Proud to serve his country, he often offered a salute as a sign of respect and honor. Today, as he goes home to Heaven, we return that salute with love and gratitude.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

His favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31:

“Those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”

View Gary James Duke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

Robert "Bob" David Bochik

Robert (Bob) David Bochik, 65, of Mount Ida, died at UAMS on 29 January 2026. His wife, Tera Bochik and daughter, MaryAnn Scurlock were by his side.

Bob is survived by his wife, Tera; daughter, MaryAnn (Tyler) Scurlock of Mount Ida; son, Robert Bochik, Jr. of Topeka, KS and daughter, Toteonia DeJoode, Knoxville, IA; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, and son.

Bob was born 26 January 1961 in Chesterton, IN. He grew up in the Ogden Dunes, IN area and graduated from Portage, IN High School in 1979. He then entered the United States Marine Corps. He would occasionally share stories of serving on embassy duty in Russia and guard detail at the White House. He was a combat veteran from Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada where he was injured and received four purple hearts.

Bob was an accomplished chef and a chiropractic massage therapist. He retired in 2013 after working as a security guard at Mountain Harbor. He was a proud member of the Joplin Volunteer Fire Department. Many in the community will remember him as the dragon master and caretaker at The Dead End Cemetery every Halloween.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of life at a later date.

View Robert "Bob" David Bochik's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/28/2026

Morris Washington Ragle

Morris Washington Ragle, 94, of Mount Ida, AR passed away January 27, 2026 at home in Mount Ida, AR, with family by his side. Morris was born July 18, 1931 in Weatherford, TX to Tom and Ida Jackson Ragle. He is preceded in death by his wife JoAnn Ragle, son Randy Ragle, daughter Becky Hejduk and her husband Larry, infant daughter Drama Suzanne Ragle.

Morris was a member of First Baptist Church of Mount Ida, AR, he had also attended Faith Tabernacle Church of Mount Ida, AR before that, also making some great friends. He loved gospel music and going to church. He attended the Mount Ida Senior Citizen Center where he had many wonderful friends and enjoyed playing bean bag baseball, dominoes, and often competed with other senior centers. Morris grew up to be a cotton farmer in Texas, where he also raised Dairy Cattle which he milked. He was a man of many trades over the years.

Morris is survived by his daughter Nancy McLelland of Mount Ida, AR, son Henry Ragle of Hot Springs, AR, brother Gerald Ragle of Springtown, TX, sister Dorothy Shields of Owasso, OK, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

At his wishes he was sent for cremation. There will be a Memorial Service at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Morris Washington Ragle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/28/2026

Patricia A Morphew

Patricia A. Summitt Morphew, 82, passed away sleeping peacefully next to her loving husband on January 24, 2026 to go be with her loved ones that had passed on before her. Born on October 11, 1943 in Sims, Arkansas to Hezzie and Lillie Plyler Summitt in Sims, Arkansas. Patricia married the love of her life, Terry Morphew of Norman, Arkansas, in Mount Ida, Arkansas on August 17, 1962. Together the couple lived throughout the South and Midwest following Terry’s pipeline occupation until settling in Channahon, Illinois in the late 1960s. After settling into a home, Patricia drove the Channahon school bus for many years. Terry and Pat then built a successful business, Channahon Tractor and Crane Service, where Pat managed the business office for over 30 years.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Terry, and her children, Paula Morphew Newsom of Mount Ida, Arkansas and Christopher Morphew (Nicole) of Sims, Arkansas, her adored grandchildren, Taylor Fredericks (Colton) of Minooka, Illinois, Eva Newsom of Chicago, Illinois, Mackenzie Morphew of Minooka, Illinois, Avery Newsom of Chicago, Illinois, and Dakota Morphew of Minooka, Illinois, and three great grandchildren, Adelyn, Emery and Phillip Fredericks. She is also survived by her brothers, Terry Summitt (Kathy) of Mount Ida, Arkansas and Jerry Summitt (Marcia) of Sims, Arkansas along with a host of brother and sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Rebecca and her parents. Patricia’s memory will live on forever and she will be missed deeply by many.

A visitation service will be held Saturday, January 31st at the Mount Ida Church of God from 12 pm until 2 pm followed by a graveside service at Langley Hall Cemetery in Langley, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Chad Summitt, Derek Summitt, Michael Summitt, Jeff Morphew, Tony Morphew and John Morphew. Honorary pall bearers are Taylor Fredericks, Eva Newsom, Mackenzie Morphew, Avery Newsom, Dakota Morphew and Max Nisle. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Patricia A Morphew's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/22/2026

Gary "Whity" White

Gary “Whity” White, 62, of Oden, Arkansas, passed away, Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. He was born February 8th, 1963, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Donald and Carolyn (Ganzer) White. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald White, grandparents Bruno and Mary Ganzer and paternal grandparents Roy and Ann White.

Whity is survived by his mother Carolyn White, sister Cindy Hamilton (Shane), nephew Michael White (Jeanna), niece Shelby McAfee (Mark), great nephew Cooper White, great niece Harper White along with a host of other friends from around the state from the Historian work he did.

Whity was a 1981 graduate of Oden High School. He had an associate degree and also had many different certificates, making him a jack of all trades.

Graveside service will be held Monday, February 2nd, 2026, 2:00pm at Oden Cemetery with Bro. Andy Burks and Bro. Mark Lyle officiating. Arrangements were made and directed under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home.

View Gary "Whity" White's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

Matthew Douglas Harper

Matthew Douglas Harper, 40, of Mount Ida, AR,won the race of life and went home to be with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ on January 11, 2026, at home with family by his side. He was born on December 16, 1985, in North Little Rock, AR to Leslie Harper and Vicki (West) Barrett. Matthew attended church at Community Outreach Ministries in Mt. Ida, AR. Anyone who knew him, knew he put God first, his family second, and the Rams third. Matthew is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Jerry West, paternal grandparents Kenneth and Mary Harper.

Matthew is survived by the light of his life, his daughter, Alora Grace Harper, mother Vicki Barrett, father Leslie Harper and wife Patricia, brothers Zach Barrett and wife Serenity, Tate Harper, sisters Melissa Morris and Courtney Smith and husband Cody, maternal grandmother Clara West, the mother of his daughter Casandra Golden, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Matthew will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Graveside service will be Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2pm at Black Springs Cemetery in Norman, AR. Bro. Josh Harper will officiate the service. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Matthew Douglas Harper's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Patricia Ann Brashear

Patricia Ann Brashear, age 70 of Glenwood, joined Jesus for his birthday celebration on Dec 25, 2025. Pat, affectionally known as Mawmaw or Momma Pat by most, was born July 29, 1955, in Arkadelphia AR to Edith Marie McClure and Lonzo Marion Sr. She was predeceased by her Parents, her sister Helen Marion, her brothers Larry Marion and Danny Marion, her son-n-law Allen Vaughn and her husband, Robert Brashear. She was a Baptist by faith and attended Community Bible Baptist Church before her health declined.

Pat had a heart of gold, loved people and was well known everywhere she went. She was quick to make you laugh and could whip up the best peanut butter fudge around. She worked many years as a waitress at Fish Nest and the OK Café where she made many lifelong friends. In her younger years she loved attending Nascar races and traveled all over the US and Canada as a Hot Shot Driver.

Pat is survived by her kids: Angela Vaughn, Brad (Dawn) Caldwell and Jason (Tori) Caldwell all of Glenwood. Her brothers, Lonzo Marion Jr. (Joyce) of Camden, David Marion of Gurdon, Lester Joe McClure (Susan) and John McClure of Arkadelphia and Bobby Marion Kahle (Brett) of Rogers. 11 Grands and 7 Great Grands, along with numerous bonus Grands and a multitude of friends who turned into family.

A special thanks to Sue Davis, Sandy House, Kathy Brobisky, Felisha Thompson (Nightingale), “Her boys” with Pafford… Michael & Wayne and Dr Trehan & Brittany Daniels and The Davita Team.

A celebration of life will be held, Saturday, January 31st, 2026, 11:00am at First Baptist Church 904 Highway 70 Glenwood, Arkansas 71943, Bro. Erby Burgess will be officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com

View Patricia Ann Brashear's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/22/2025

Lynden Barry Spivey

Lynden “Barry” Spivey of Mount Ida, AR, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born August 21, 1946, in Havana, Arkansas, to Ray and Jaunita Spivey.

Barry was a 1964 graduate of Havana High School and continued his education at Arkansas Tech University, graduating in 1969 with a degree in English. Following graduation, he taught English in the Ola School District. He later dedicated his life to public service where he served 24 years as a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police, including assignment to security detail for Governors Bill Clinton and Frank White. After retiring from the State Police, Barry served six years as Sheriff of Montgomery County and three years as a Justice of the Peace. Throughout his service, he remained committed to protecting others and serving his community. Of all his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his daughters and would share about them at any opportunity to do so.

Beyond his career, Barry was a passionate outdoorsman who loved to spend time in nature. Whether it was picking blackberries, fishing, hunting, or gardening, he enjoyed the calm and quiet of the outdoors and especially enjoyed sharing those hobbies with the ones he loved. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his enthusiasm for sports, particularly the Arkansas Razorbacks and the UCA Bears baseball team. He was always the first to share his knowledge and love for the game with those around him.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers: Sammy Spivey and Rickey Spivey and sisters: Velda McDowell and Anita Markle.

Barry is survived by his daughters, Sarah (Brian) Odle of Little Rock and Lindsay (Nick) Harlan of Conway, his brother, Charles (Sue) Spivey of Morrilton, his grandchildren, Madelyn Odle, Amelia Odle, Hazel Harlan and Walker Harlan, and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

In keeping with his private nature, no services will be held. Your continued love and support are appreciated during this time. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Lynden Barry Spivey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Derek Don Brown

Derek Don Brown, 53, of Norman, AR, passed away December 10, 2025, at home with family by his side. He was born July 28, 1972, in Hot Springs, AR, to Donald Brown and Patricia Morris-Lynn. Derek is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Fred and Betty Brown, maternal grandparents Shug and Rosalee Morris.

Derek is survived by his wife Rochelle Brown, mother Patricia Morris-Lynn and husband Tom, father Donald Brown and wife Vicki, children Kaley Cogburn and husband Ben, Shayla Jester and husband Devin, grandchildren Hadley Cogburn, Kemper Cogburn, Holden Cogburn, Jayde Jester, Karsyn Jester, Bryson Jester and Wyatt Jester, sisters Stephanie Crews and husband Rick, Jennifer Goessman, step sisters Brandi Alexander, Ashley Stroope, Rachel McFarland, step brother Daniel Lynn, nephews Chase, Ethan, Chance, Luke, Landon and Rowdy, nieces Cloey and Audrey and a host of other family and friends.

Derek enjoyed spending time with Rochelle and their dog Bella walking in the woods, riding dirt roads and rockhounding.

Spending time with his family and friends is what he enjoyed most out of life.

Derek was known for his big heart and always had a smile on his face.

He was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.

Visitation Saturday, December 20, 2025 1:00pm to 2:00pm Memorial Service will follow at 2:00pm at Black Springs Baptist Church, 144 Gaston Rd, Norman, AR 71960.Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Derek Don Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/10/2025

Noah Eugene Lambert

Noah Eugene Lambert, 49, of Benton, AR, passed away December 9, 2025, in Little Rock, AR, with family by his side. Noah was born August 15, 1976, in Benton, AR, to Ricky and Sharon (Tedford) Lambert, He is preceded in death by his mother Sharon Lambert, maternal grandparents Buster and Wilma Tedford, paternal grandfather Clyde Lambert, paternal great grandparents Noah and Lottie Lambert.

Noah is survived by his wife of 28 years Shannon (Rhoden) Lambert, daughters Paige Lambert, Kassidy Lambert, Trinity Lambert, Sheridan Lambert, father Ricky Lambert, sister Teena Stipe and husband Brent, brother Richard Lambert and wife Ashley, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Noah was never happier than when he was out on Lake Ouachita with a fishing pole in his hand and his family close by. Whether casting a line, sharing quiet moments on the boat, or laughing together between bites. He also cherished hunting season, finding peace and purpose in the woods he knew so well. Noah felt the most at home on the lake and in the woods. Family was the heart of Noah's life, he enjoyed getting to spend time with his girls whenever he got the chance! Noah was an avid football lover, whether he was cheering on his favorite team or talking players with his girls. Football brought him excitement and connection with the people he loved. Noah leaves behind a family who will forever feel his absence yet, forever carry his love.

Graveside service Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11am at Rocky Cemetery in Sims, AR. Bro. Barry Benefield officiating. Pallbearers Jesse Lowery, Colton Stipe, Blake Stipe, Michael Weston, Justus Beggs, Richard Lambert. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Noah Eugene Lambert's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Thornton Funeral Home

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