Obituaries news

Donald Ralph Putman, 77, of Van Buren passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, in a local hospital. He was born Sept. 2, 1938, in Fort Smith to the late Ralph and Odeen Putman. He was a member of Shibley Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and assistant treasurer. He practiced the J.O.Y. of living: Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last. He was retired from Rainbow Bakery and Bekaert Steel. He was drafted into the Army in 1962, was stationed in Regensburg, Germany, and received an honora

Ruth Ellen Bluemlein, 78, of Lamar passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, in Lamar. Ms. Bluemlein was born Sept. 14, 1937, in Hartman to Mr. Ernest C. and Tillie (Rauser) Drittler. Ruth was a member of the American Legion, NRA and Farm Bureau. She was a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she was the organist for 61 years. She enjoyed deer hunting and being outdoors, bowling and quilting. She made many quilts for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Ms. Bluemlein was preceded in death