Obituaries

NELDA HILDRETH

Saturday, September 12, 2009 9:57 PM CDT

Nelda Mae Smith Hildreth, 80, a resident of Pine Bluff, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, in Bentonville. Born July 24, 1929, to Clarence Britton and Claudia Crone Smith, she was a life long resident of Pine Bluff.

Mrs. Hildreth was a member and children’s teacher at Second Baptist Church. She also attended Bible Study Fellowship. She served as a volunteer for the Salvation Army Ladies Auxiliary, the Jefferson Regional Medical Center Gray Ladies, and was an active member of the Mizpah Lodge of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her favorite pastimes were traveling with her family, and playing golf with the Jaycee Golf Association.

Mrs. Hildreth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, William Wilson “Red” Hildreth Jr.; one son, William “Bill” Hildreth III; her parents; one sister, Kathryn Atkinson Vinyard; one brother, Britton Smith Jr., who was killed during the Battle of the Bulge.

Survivors include one sister, Vera S. Duke of Wynne; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer H. and Joe Thompson of Bentonville, and Claudia H. and Jack Kelty of Wynne; fine grandchildren, Leah Beth Jackson, H. Gordon Thompson, Joseph W. Thompson, Laura Kelty, and Thomas Kelty; five great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be from 11-12: noon Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Graceland Cemetery with Rev. Matthew Watson officiating and by Ralph Robinson & Son.

Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72672. Online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

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