Katherine June Kidd Fikes “June” passed away peacefully on May 3, 2019 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 81. June was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Dovie Kidd; her first husband Loarn Forbess; a son Robbie Fikes; a brother Tommy Kidd; and a sister Helen Mosley (Terry). She is survived by her husband Robert L. Fikes, Sr.; her children Nick Forbess (Gynger); Mark Forbess (Michele); Jeff Forbess (Trina); Lori Granger (Bob); Kathy Fikes; David Fikes (Nicole); LeeAnn Dedmon (Mark); her sisters Sue Patton (Wheatie); Frances Briggs (James); Betty Maxwell (Tom); brothers John Kidd (Susan) and Jimmie Kidd; and 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
June was an active member of the Hot Springs Village Golf Association and played competitive golf for many years. She also played competitive tennis having won the USTA Senior Championship in addition to multiple tournaments spanning fifty years. Her artistic talents came through in the many paintings and drawings she created using acrylics, water colors, oils, and charcoal mediums. Known for the artwork that she created for many friends and family members, June found joy in giving back to others the happiness she carried inside her humble heart.
June graduated from the Arkansas Baptist Hospital School of Nursing on a scholarship she received from Park Avenue Baptist Church, Hot Springs, AR. Her career began as a registered nurse eventually specializing in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery across the state of Arkansas. She primarily worked as the head operating room nurse and various other management roles related to surgical procedures. The hospitals she worked for included: Little Rock Children’s Hospital, St. Vincent’s, Springdale Memorial Hospital, and St Edwards.
She was a member of Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
June was capable of balancing her family, religion, sports, and career activities well before others began to recognize the importance of true balance in life. She captured our hearts with humble actions inspired through grace and dignity.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 7th at Christ of the Hills United Methodist church, 700 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to: Arkansas Children’s Foundation, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591 (https://giving.archildrens.org).
