In Memory

Martha Barton, 2006

Dorothy Rae Bien, 2012

Judie Branson, 2020

Suzy Brooks, 2017

Linda Brown, 2001

Jean Collins, 2012

Betty Compton, 2019

Janie Eldridge, 2010

Sara Fixmer, 2020

Valerie Fletcher, 2012

John Cyrus Gilbreath III, 2014

Marty Gray, 2013

Kelly Hanthorn, 2006

Sunny Hinshaw, 2014

Pauline Keegan, 2018

Delia Korte, 2007

Jo McChristian, 2005

Beverly Melton, 2013

Gwen Millager, 2012

Carolyn Miller, 2018

Gloria Mills, 2018

Jane Parette, 2008

Kerri Russell, 2020

Ginny Stamps, 2018

Johnny Sutherland, 2020

Sandy Turner, 2008

NANCY BALLARD
January 25, 1953–October 1, 2024

Nancy was born January 25, 1953, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and died there on October 1, 2024.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from Arkansas State University and a graduate degree in education from the University or Arkansas, along with a reading specialist certificate. She taught school at Asbell Elementary School and Vandergriff Elementary School, both in Fayetteville, for a total of 28 years.

A member of the Master Gardener class of 2021, Nancy volunteered at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, the Washington County Fair, and the Garden Gate Tour.

Her full obituary may be found in the October 9, 2024, edition of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette or at the Berna Funeral Homes website.

RICKY CANDRILLI
September 29, 1948–March 1, 2023

Ricky was born on September 29, 1948, in Portsmouth, Virginia, and died March 1, 2023, at age 74. He lived on Felkins Creek near Kingston, Arkansas, for the last 48 years.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger, and five siblings. He moved to Arkansas after serving in the Vietnam War. Ricky and Ginger were lifetime members of Washington County Master Gardeners and also Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists, volunteering countless hours giving back to the community. They also worked tirelessly with the Beaver Watershed Alliance to prevent erosion on watershed lands by planting 350 trees.

His full obituary may be found in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, March 3, 2023.

Photo by Marty Powers

MARIAN CATRON
March 19, 1937–February 16, 2025

Marian was born in San Diego, California, and graduated from high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she met her husband. An Air Force wife, she traveled a lot and had many hobbies. She was always considered a leader in the groups she joined.

Eventually she came to Washington County and became one of the very first Master Gardeners in this county.

Marian’s full obituary is available here.

MARGARET HEROLD
January 9, 1940–June 9, 2024

Margaret grew up in a suburb 50 miles north of New York City with parents who were avid gardeners. She moved to Northwest Arkansas six years ago to be near family and bought a new home, giving her a chance to start landscaping from scratch.

Margaret joined Washington County Master Gardeners (WCMG) in 2019. She volunteered at the Washington County Extension Office, the VA Hospital Garden, and Headquarters House, and was grateful to project leaders Susan Gardner, Steve Brizzi, and Jan Lefler for their wonderful enthusiasm, leadership, and knowledge.

The December 2019 issue of WCMG’s Garden Thyme newsletter included an interview with Margaret as part of the newsletter’s “Meet the Trainees” series. Click here to read the interview.

BARBARA ANN GARVEY JACKSON
September 27, 1929–September 20, 2022

Barbara’s Master Gardener trainee year was 1993 and she became a lifetime member in 2008. She remained a member of Washington County Master Gardeners for 29 years.

Dr. Jackson was a highly regarded faculty member in the Music Department at the University of Arkansas, where she received the Master Teacher Award during her more than 30 years of service. Her research focused on women composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. She was very active in publishing her own research and that of fellow scholars.

Her full obituary may be found in the NWA Democrat-Gazette, September 26, 2022.

JOHN KING
March 31, 1938–September 24, 2024

John was born March 31, 1938, in Butler, Indiana, and died on September 24, 2024, in Auburn, Indiana.

He earned a bachelor of science in agriculture from Purdue University, a master’s degree in turfgrass from the University of Rhode Island, and a PhD in crop science from Michigan State University. From 1970 to 1998, he was an associate professor of agriculture at the University of Arkansas, specializing in turfgrass research.

John was an avid gardener and in 2006 became a Washington County Master Gardener. He enjoyed working at Headquarters House and kept their lawn looking great. He was also a dedicated member of Rotary.

His full obituary may be found in the September 21, 2024, edition of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette or at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home website.

PETER THOMAS LORIS
July 8, 1928–November 27, 2022

Pete Loris was a dedicated Master Gardener, starting with in the Sebastian County/River Valley Master Gardener group in 1994, and went on to serve as their president. While living in Fort Smith he held a variety of positions with the U.S. Postal Service, as he and Jeanette raised their two sons.

In 1996, Pete and Jeanette moved to Fayetteville where both joined the Washington County Master Gardeners. He was often seen working at Headquarters House, the Washington County Extension Office grounds, and Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. He also served on the City of Fayetteville’s Tree and Landscape Committee, and worked with Sue Madison to prepare a guide for the Tree Trail at the University of Arkansas campus.

His full obituary may be found in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, November 30, 2022.

JENNEPHER M. MARSHALL
January 15, 1940–June 27, 2023

Jennepher was a beloved family member to her five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired poultry inspector and instructor for the USDA. Jennepher became a Washington County Master Gardener in 1992, and served a term as president. She later moved to Madison County and was active in the Master Gardener program there, again serving as president. She loved being a Master Gardener and received her 30-year pin in 2022. Jennepher is remembered by her fellow Master Gardeners for her gardening skills and her great sense of humor.

Her full obituary may be found on the Madison County Funeral Home website.

JUDY MCDONALD
June 29, 1947–March 7, 2025

Judy was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and was adopted and raised by a couple from the southwest Kansas town of Liberal. She advanced in all her endeavors. She began her healthcare career at Fayetteville’s Park Hill Women’s Clinic in Fayetteville. She worked in state government for Senator David Pryor and Governor Bill Clinton. She was instrumental in her husband’s Fayetteville opthamology business, McDonald Eye Clinic.

Judy gave her time and talents in many volunteer efforts including the Fayetteville School Board, Peace at Home Shelter, the UA Fulbright College advisory board and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks board. She became a Master Gardener in 2023.

Judy’s full obituary is available here.

Photo courtesy Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

CATHERINE MCDUFFIE
December 31, 1939–July 5, 2024

Catherine was born in Tresco, Pennsylvania. She earned a BS in education from Mansfield State College and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University. She taught English at Springdale High School for 24 years. Catherine is survived by her husband, Harold, and daughter, Justine, both of Fayetteville, and brother, Philip DeMara, of Lumberton, New Jersey.

Catherine joined Washington County Master Gardens in 1996. She worked at Headquarters House from 1996 until 2018 when her health forced her to retire. She was a project leader at Headquarters House from 2001 through 2005. She loved flowers and gardening, and spent many happy hours digging, planting, and pruning in the happy company of fellow gardeners

Her full obituary may be found on the Beard’s Funeral Home website.

JOYCE MENDENHALL
August 27, 1947–February 25, 2023

Joyce graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a business degree in 1969. This led to a 35-year career in management with the F. W. Woolworth Company. After being transferred by Woolworth to Fayetteville, Arkansas, she changed careers and worked 18 years for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Berni Kurz, staff chair for the Washington County Extension Service when Joyce worked there, remembers Joyce as an effective manager, organizer, and supporter of the Master Gardener program.

Joyce completed Master Gardener training in 1999 and in 2000 was named Washington County and Arkansas Master Gardener of the Year. She was a founding member of a Master Gardener leadership group founded by Janet Carson, Extension’s horticulture specialist. Joyce later served with County 76, the statewide Master Gardener advisory group.

Joyce was especially active with the Garden Explorers 4-H group, spreading the joy of gardening to young people. She worked at Headquarters House and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (BGO) as a Master Gardener and a BGO board member. She was named BGO’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year. In 2022 BGO honored Joyce for 15 years of service, although she began her work with them much earlier. She was active in organizing the Northwest Arkansas Flower, Garden, and Nature Society’s annual garden tours, and wrote for Arkansas Gardener magazine for several years.

Her full obituary may be found in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, March 26, 2023.

JANICE ELAINE McGOWAN NEIGHBOR
September 9, 1943–December 11, 2024

Janice performed living history presentations at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park for more than three decades. Her passion in living history provided the research and authenticity for dress, textiles, recipes, cookware and firewood.

Janice’s garden expertise included growing and caring for heritage herbs used for culinary, medicinal and textile uses. Janice was always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with WCMGs, historical organizations and the community at large. Tens of thousands of people were educated by Janice, in her wish to keep historic ways of life alive in the future. She wrote two books.

She was a lifetime WCMG member from the Class of 1996. Janice was the second recipient of the WCMG Master Gardener of the Year Award in 1998.

Her full obituary may be found here .

SUSAN SHELTON
July 10, 1953–February 15, 2025

Susan was born in Little Rock and raised in Fayetteville. She earned a teaching degree in music at the University of Arkansas. She loved music and loved sharing it with her students, who fondly remember her enthusiasm.

Susan was a Master Gardener in the class of 2021. She was also a member of the Flower, Garden, and Nature Society, Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists, Newcomers Club, Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Arkansas Winds Concert Band.

Susan’s full obituary is available here.

Photo by Ranurte on Unsplash

LOIS SLUSAREK
September 19, 1933–January 12, 2021

Lois shared her passion for nature and teaching by volunteering with the Washington County Master Gardeners to educate local public-school students on various aspects of the natural environment. She also volunteered for many years at two WCMG projects: Headquarters House and the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks. She was a past president and was recognized as the 2013 Master Gardener of the Year. Lois was a lifelong educator with degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Arizona State University. She taught high school biology in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Springdale, Arkansas. She was named “Biology Teacher of the Year” for the state of Arkansas in 1977. She cofounded a fitness center and taught water aerobics for over 30 years. As a retired senior, she audited much of the science curriculum at the University of Arkansas, focusing especially on botany.

Her full obituary may be found in the NWA Democrat-Gazette, January 15, 2021.

BETTY JUNE SWOPE
September 25, 1930–February 8, 2021

Missouri native Betty Swope enjoyed a forty-two year career as secretary to the vice president of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Betty’s Master Gardener trainee year was 1998 and she continued serving as a lifetime member of the Washington County Master Gardeners. Her most active projects were Headquarters House, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Junior Master Gardeners, and the Washington County Fair. She was named Master Gardener of the Year in 2002.

Her full obituary may be found in the NWA Democrat-Gazette, February 19, 2021.

Martha Barton, 2006

Judie Branson, 2020

Suzy Brooks, 2017

Linda Brown, 2001

Jean Collins, 2012

Betty Compton, 2019

Janie Eldridge, 2010

Sara Fixmer, 2020

Valerie Fletcher, 2012

John Cyrus Gilbreath III, 2014

Marty Gray, 2013

Kelly Hanthorn, 2006

Sunny Hinshaw, 2014

Pauline Keegan, 2018

Delia Korte, 2007

Jo McChristian, 2005

Beverly Melton, 2013

Gwen Millager, 2012

Carolyn Miller, 2018

Gloria Mills, 2018

Jane Parette, 2008

Dorothy Rae Bien, 2012

Kerri Russell, 2020

Ginny Stamps, 2018

Johnny Sutherland, 2020

Sandy Turner, 2008

NANCY BALLARD
January 25, 1953–October 1, 2024

Nancy was born January 25, 1953, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and died there on October 1, 2024.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from Arkansas State University and a graduate degree in education from the University or Arkansas, along with a reading specialist certificate. She taught school at Asbell Elementary School and Vandergriff Elementary School, both in Fayetteville, for a total of 28 years.

A member of the Master Gardener class of 2021, Nancy volunteered at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, the Washington County Fair, and the Garden Gate Tour.

Her full obituary may be found in the October 9, 2024, edition of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette or at the Berna Funeral Homes website.

RICKY CANDRILLI
September 29, 1948–March 1, 2023

Ricky was born on September 29, 1948, in Portsmouth, Virginia, and died March 1, 2023, at age 74. He lived on Felkins Creek near Kingston, Arkansas, for the last 48 years.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger, and five siblings. He moved to Arkansas after serving in the Vietnam War. Ricky and Ginger were lifetime members of Washington County Master Gardeners and also Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists, volunteering countless hours giving back to the community. They also worked tirelessly with the Beaver Watershed Alliance to prevent erosion on watershed lands by planting 350 trees.

His full obituary may be found in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, March 3, 2023.

Photo by Marty Powers

MARION CATRON
March 19, 1937–February 16, 2025

Marian was born in San Diego, California, and graduated from high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she met her husband. An Air Force wife, she traveled a lot and had many hobbies. She was always considered a leader in the groups she joined.

Eventually she came to Washington County and became one of the very first Master Gardeners in this county.

Marian’s full obituary is available here.

MARGARET HEROLD
January 9, 1940–June 9, 2024

Margaret grew up in a suburb 50 miles north of New York City with parents who were avid gardeners. She moved to Northwest Arkansas six years ago to be near family and bought a new home, giving her a chance to start landscaping from scratch.

Margaret joined Washington County Master Gardeners (WCMG) in 2019. She volunteered at the Washington County Extension Office, the VA Hospital Garden, and Headquarters House, and was grateful to project leaders Susan Gardner, Steve Brizzi, and Jan Lefler for their wonderful enthusiasm, leadership, and knowledge.

The December 2019 issue of WCMG’s Garden Thyme newsletter included an interview with Margaret as part of the newsletter’s “Meet the Trainees” series. Click here to read the interview.

BARBARA ANN GARVEY JACKSON
September 27, 1929–September 20, 2022

Barbara’s Master Gardener trainee year was 1993 and she became a lifetime member in 2008. She remained a member of Washington County Master Gardeners for 29 years.

Dr. Jackson was a highly regarded faculty member in the Music Department at the University of Arkansas, where she received the Master Teacher Award during her more than 30 years of service. Her research focused on women composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. She was very active in publishing her own research and that of fellow scholars.

Her full obituary may be found in the NWA Democrat-Gazette, September 26, 2022.

JOHN KING
March 31, 1938–September 24, 2024

John was born March 31, 1938, in Butler, Indiana, and died on September 24, 2024, in Auburn, Indiana.

He earned a bachelor of science in agriculture from Purdue University, a master’s degree in turfgrass from the University of Rhode Island, and a PhD in crop science from Michigan State University. From 1970 to 1998, he was an associate professor of agriculture at the University of Arkansas, specializing in turfgrass research.

John was an avid gardener and in 2006 became a Washington County Master Gardener. He enjoyed working at Headquarters House and kept their lawn looking great. He was also a dedicated member of Rotary.

His full obituary may be found in the September 21, 2024, edition of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette or at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home website.

PETER THOMAS LORIS
July 8, 1928–November 27, 2022

Pete Loris was a dedicated Master Gardener, starting with in the Sebastian County/River Valley Master Gardener group in 1994, and went on to serve as their president. While living in Fort Smith he held a variety of positions with the U.S. Postal Service, as he and Jeanette raised their two sons.

In 1996, Pete and Jeanette moved to Fayetteville, where both joined the Washington County Master Gardeners. He was often seen working at Headquarters House, the Washington County Extension Office grounds, and Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. He also served on the City of Fayetteville’s Tree and Landscape Committee, and worked with Sue Madison to prepare a guide for the Tree Trail at the University of Arkansas campus.

His full obituary may be found in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, November 30, 2022.

JENNEPHER M. MARSHALL
January 15, 1940–June 27, 2023

Jennepher was a beloved family member to her five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired poultry inspector and instructor for the USDA. Jennepher became a Washington County Master Gardener in 1992. She later moved to Madison County and was active in the Master Gardener program there, serving for a time as president. She loved being a Master Gardener and received her 30-year pin in 2022. Jennepher is remembered by her fellow Master Gardeners for her gardening skills and her great sense of humor.

Her full obituary may be found on the Madison County Funeral Home website.

JUDY MCDONALD
June 29, 1947–March 7, 2025

Judy was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and was adopted and raised by a couple from the southwest Kansas town of Liberal. She advanced in all her endeavors. She began her healthcare career at Fayetteville’s Park Hill Women’s Clinic in Fayetteville. She worked in state government for Senator David Pryor and Governor Bill Clinton. She was instrumental in her husband’s Fayetteville opthamology business, McDonald Eye Clinic.

Judy gave her time and talents in many volunteer efforts including the Fayetteville School Board, Peace at Home Shelter, the UA Fulbright College advisory board and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks board. She became a Master Gardener in 2023.

Judy’s full obituary is available here.

Photo courtesy Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

CATHERINE MCDUFFIE
December 31, 1939–July 5, 2024

Catherine was born in Tresco, Pennsylvania. She earned a BS in education from Mansfield State College and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University. She taught English at Springdale High School for 24 years. Catherine is survived by her husband, Harold, and daughter, Justine, both of Fayetteville, and brother, Philip DeMara, of Lumberton, New Jersey.

Catherine joined Washington County Master Gardens in 1996. She worked at Headquarters House from 1996 until 2018 when her health forced her to retire. She was a project leader at Headquarters House from 2001 through 2005. She loved flowers and gardening, and spent many happy hours digging, planting, and pruning in the happy company of fellow gardeners

Her full obituary may be found on the Beard’s Funeral Home website.

JOYCE MENDENHALL
August 27, 1947–February 25, 2023

As a Missouri native Joyce graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a business degree in 1969. This led to a 35-year career in management with the F. W. Woolworth Company. After being transferred by Woolworth to Fayetteville, Arkansas, she changed careers and worked 18 years for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Berni Kurz, staff chair for the Washington County Extension Service when Joyce worked there, recalls that Joyce was very a effective manager, organizer, and supporter of the Master Gardeners at local and state levels.

Joyce completed Master Gardener training in 1999 and in 2000 was named Washington County and Arkansas Master Gardener of the Year. She was a founding member of a Master Gardener leadership group founded by Janet Carson, Extension’s horticulture specialist. Joyce later served with County 76, the statewide Master Gardener advisory group.

Locally, Joyce was especially active with the Garden Explorers 4-H group, spreading the joy of gardening to young people. She worked at Headquarters House and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (BGO) as a Master Gardener and a BGO board member. She was named BGO’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year. In 2022 BGO honored Joyce for 15 years of service, although she began her work with them much earlier. She was active in organizing the Northwest Arkansas Flower, Garden, and Nature Society’s annual garden tours, and wrote for Arkansas Gardener magazine for several years.

Her full obituary may be found in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, March 26, 2023.

JANICE ELAINE McGOWAN NEIGHBOR
September 9, 1943–December 11, 2024

Janice performed living history presentations at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park for more than three decades. Her passion in living history provided the research and authenticity for dress, textiles, recipes, cookware and firewood.

Janice’s garden expertise included growing and caring for heritage herbs used for culinary, medicinal and textile uses. Janice was always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with WCMGs, historical organizations and the community at large. Tens of thousands of people were educated by Janice, in her wish to keep historic ways of life alive in the future. She wrote two books.

She was a lifetime WCMG member from the Class of 1996. Janice was the second recipient of the WCMG Master Gardener of the Year Award in 1998.

Her full obituary may be found here .

SUSAN SHELTON
July 10, 1953–February 15, 2025

Susan was born in Little Rock and raised in Fayetteville. She earned a teaching degree in music at the University of Arkansas. She loved music and loved sharing it with her students, who fondly remember her enthusiasm.

Susan was a Master Gardener in the class of 2021. She was also a member of the Flower, Garden, and Nature Society, Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists, Newcomers Club, Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Arkansas Winds Concert Band.

Susan’s full obituary is available here.

Photo by Ranurte on Unsplash

LOIS SLUSAREK
September 19, 1933–January 12, 2021

Lois shared her passion for nature and teaching by volunteering with the Washington County Master Gardeners to educate local public-school students on various aspects of the natural environment. She also volunteered for many years at two WCMG projects: Headquarters House and the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks. She was a past president and was recognized as the 2013 Master Gardener of the Year. Lois was a lifelong educator with degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Arizona State University. She taught high school biology in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Springdale, Arkansas. She was named “Biology Teacher of the Year” for the state of Arkansas in 1977. She cofounded a fitness center and taught water aerobics for over 30 years. As a retired senior, she audited much of the science curriculum at the University of Arkansas, focusing especially on botany.

Her full obituary may be found in the NWA Democrat-Gazette, January 15, 2021.

BETTY JUNE SWOPE
September 25, 1930–February 8, 2021

Missouri native Betty Swope enjoyed a forty-two year career as secretary to the vice president of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Betty’s Master Gardener trainee year was 1998 and she continued serving as a lifetime member of the Washington County Master Gardeners. Her most active projects were Headquarters House, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Junior Master Gardeners, and the Washington County Fair. She was named Master Gardener of the Year in 2002.

Her full obituary may be found in the NWA Democrat-Gazette, February 19, 2021.