M. Coleen Davidson

M. Coleen Riggs Davidson, 81, of Gentry, died Oct. 4, 2011, at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, Siloam Springs.

She was born March 15, 1930, in Black Fork, to George Washington Davis and Elgie Thresher Davis. She was a lifelong resident of northwest Arkansas. She was involved with the Gentry Senior Citizen Center and was a member of First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Marvin Riggs; her second husband, Harry Davidson; her parents; one son, John Riggs; an infant daughter; and a grandson, Michael Riggs.

Survivors include two sons, Bruce Riggs and wife Robbie of La Marque, Texas, and Howard Riggs and wife Caroline of Gentry; one daughter, Debra Potter and husband Ronnie of Inola, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild; one brother, Bill Davis and wife Grace of Siloam Springs.

Funeral services were Oct. 7 at Wasson Memorial Chapel, Siloam Springs, with Jim Whisenant officiating. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs. Arrangements were by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs.

John Puryear

John H. Puryear, 69, of Rogers, died Oct. 5, 2011, at Circle of Life Hospice - Legacy in Bentonville.

He was born June 26, 1942, in Hiwasse, to John E. Puryear and Alice Reese Puryear. He was raised and educated in Hiwasse. He retired as a tool-maker for Kennametal after 43 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jack Puryear; and a sister, Maxine Puryear.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Frankie Puryear of Rogers; two sons, Richard Puryear and wife Markeeta of Hiwasse, and Scott Puryear and wife Janet of Colcord, Okla.; two daughters, Heather Roberts and husband Clayton of Bella Vista, and Debbie Rhodes and husband Jeff of Gravette; one brother, Billy Puryear and wife Barbara of Hiwasse; two sisters, Coleen Ramey and husband Myron of Gravette, and Barbara Kirkpatrick and husband Cliff of Valley Center, Kan.; and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were Oct. 8 at Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, Bella Vista. Burial was at Daniel Cemetery, Hiwasse. Arrangements were by Bella Vista Funeral Home.

Virginia Zismann

Virginia Evelyn Zismann, 82, of Jericho Springs, Mo., died Oct. 7, 2011, in Eldorado Springs, Mo.

She was born Aug. 18, 1929, in Halstead, Kan., to Rudolph Zismann and Fontaine Nightingale Zismann. She was a former resident of Gentry and worked for Gates Rubber Company in Siloam Springs.

Survivors include a brother, Dennis Zismann of Gentry; three sisters, including Lois Terry of Gentry and Edna Boyle of Gentry.

Funeral services were Oct. 11 at the Gentry Mennonite Church. Burial followed at the Gentry Cemetery. Arrangements were by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs.

News, Pages 4 on 10/12/2011