Obituaries

Cecelia Ellen

McDermott

Cecelia Ellen McDermott, 61, died on Aug. 7, 2015, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark., with her family by her side after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2013.

She was born on May 22, 1954, in Yonkers, N.Y., to Edward and Margaret (Murtha) McDermott. She graduated from City College of New York with a bachelor of science in geology in 1976. She attended further training at Milchem where she earned certification as a mud engineer in 1977. She became one of few women to work as a mud engineer on the oil rigs in Louisiana.

It was at Milchem where she met her husband of 33 years, Ralph Cole. The two were married July 9, 1982, in Houston, Texas. She became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her third child, and the family moved to Bentonville, shortly after. To continue to be close to her children, she began to work for the Bentonville Public School District. At the time of her death, she was a worker's compensation adjuster and 10-year associate with Walmart.

She enjoyed reading, crocheting blankets for family/friends and watching real life crime dramas. She enjoyed Saturday morning flea markets and craft fairs of the northwest Arkansas area.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Mary Coffey and Patsy Wolfe.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Cole of Bentonville; three children, Laura Cole, Dennis Cole and Jeff Cole of Bentonville; four grandchildren, Davin Cole-Jackson, Fiona-Dayne Cole-Jackson, Grace Cole, and Cailyx Cole; her sister Eileen Hughes of New Jersey; and two brothers, Edward McDermott of Connecticut and Gregory McDermott of New York.

A Celebration of her life was held on Aug. 13, 2015, at the Compton Gardens of Bentonville.

In lieu of memorials, donations are suggested to the Hope Cancer Resources, hopecancerresources.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

Betty L. Timm Schaffer

MADISON, Wis. -- Betty L. Timm Schaffer, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at her home. She was born on Sept. 7, 1928, in Huron, S.D., the daughter of William and Ida (Selby) Timm.

She married Marvin Schaffer on July 3, 1948, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Huron, S.D. Betty attended grade schools in rural Arkansas and Rural Huron, S.D. Timm School which was built on land donated by her grandfather, Robert Timm.

She attended Huron High School and Henrietta, Texas, High School where she graduated third in her class. All of her life, Betty was active in school, church and community affairs. She was very active in the Fox River Chapter of the American Business Women's Association and was chosen their Woman of the Year in 1980-81.

Betty retired from John Hancock Financial Services in September of 1988 after 26 years of service. In 1962 she began her career as a secretary in a small John Hancock office in Huron, SD and began selling insurance products in 1965. In 1967 she became the first woman to hold the supervisor position in the John Hancock General Agency Dept. In 1969, Betty and her family moved to Geneva, Ill., where she worked in the Fox River District Agency. In 1975, she was promoted and was the first female staff manager for John Hancock.

In September of 1991, Betty and Marvin moved to Bella Vista Village, Ark. She was a member of the United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista and several social groups and clubs. Betty's greatest joy in life was to love and be loved by her family and friends. She always considered her children and love to be her greatest gifts from God. Betty believed that she had to answer to God for the way she raised her children. It gave her great joy to know that God must have been greatly pleased with the two daughters she and Marvin raised.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Schaffer (Mitch Wisdom); granddaughters, Rebecca Minor (William Crase) and Emily Minor; grandsons, Andrew Knight and Timothy Knight; 5 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, James Knight; and special niece and nephew, Sherri Lynn and Kent Guzmer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin; daughter, Connie Schaffer Knight; 1 brother; and 2 sisters.

A memorial service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

PAID OBITUARY

Douglas Robert Welty

Douglas Robert Welty, 50, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Aug. 3, 2015. He was born April 19, 1965, in Berwyn, Ill., to Robert and Marla (Hemp) Welty.

After graduating from Osceola High School in Osceola, Ark., he continued his studies at Arkansas State University and at the University of Arkansas. He was a car enthusiast and worked in sales and audit for Dillard's Department Stores and as a merchandise modular planner for Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Budweiser and Acosta.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lisa Welty, formerly of Stevens Point, Wis.

He is survived by his brother, Tim Welty, and many beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

Editorial on 08/19/2015