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Calvin Mace Mitchell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on February 17, 1939, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He grew up from age 6 in Green Forest, Arkansas, where his family moved in 1945.

Genes Lee “Gene” Bland, 78, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family.

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For General Excellence Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Editorial Contest

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Betty Rae Crandall was born in Buhl, Idaho, to Raymond Morell “Ray” Crandall (1906-2000) and Nellie Katherine Woodward Crandall (1911-2021). The oldest of six, Betty grew up with her five brothers, Floyd, Bert, Larry, Steve and Donald (Doc), in Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Gunnison, Colorado. Betty’s life was a testament to compassion, perseverance, and a deep love for the world of nursing. Her journey into nursing began at the age of six when she visited her father recovering from an appendectomy in a hospital built from native logs in Jackson Hole. The pristine white walls, the scent of ether, and the nurses in crisp white uniforms left an indelible impression on her young heart. By age 10, Betty was captivated by the white uniforms she saw in the Montgomery Ward catalog. In high school, she researched and wrote extensively about military corps for women, narrowly missing the opportunity to join the Cadet Nurse Corps, which was discontinued at the end of World War II.

Missy Keya Howard, passed away at the age of 53 on September 5, 2025, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Born on November 29, 1971, in Berryville, Arkansas, Missy’s life was characterized by her love for nature, animals, and her endearing circle of friends and family.

Hershal Coy Dotson, age 85, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 85 years and 6 months. He was born in Berryville, Arkansas, to Lloyd and Evelyn Dotson on March 3, 1940.