Nova Laverne Hale

Nova was a lifelong resident of Huttig, Arkansas, was a graduate of Huttig High School and a member of Harper Springs, Missionary Baptist Church where she served in several positions over the years including Sunday School teacher, church clerk, and song leader.

Born on September 6, 1930, to La Dell and Ora Sehon Russell, Nova spent her early years assisting her family raise and care for her numerous younger siblings which was characteristic of that time. She later met and married Raymond E. Hale of Huttig, Arkansas, a marriage that lasted forty-two years. Nova lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Nova is remembered by her family for her striking beauty, her unrivaled cooking skills, her resourcefulness and ingenuity, and her beautiful vocal talent.

Nova is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons: Larry Hale, Sr. of Huttig, AR, and Tommy W. Hale of Phoenix, AZ, one grandchild: Larry Hale, Jr. of Huttig, AR, son-in-law Tommy Hendricks, Jr. of Huttig, AR, and four brothers: Derell Russell, LD Russell, and Bobby Ray Russell, all of Huttig, AR, and Harry L. Russell of Gurdon, AR, and nieces and nephews Shawna Russell, Barbara (Bobby) Russell Alphin, Kirk Bolton, Ronnie Russell, and Mike Russell.

Those left to cherish her memory are: a son, Raymond (Randy) Hale and wife Gail of El Dorado, AR, a daughter, Nova Diane Hendricks of El Dorado, AR and seven grandchildren: Cody Hale and wife Wendy of Hamburg, AR, Michele Hines and husband WL of Calhoun, LA, Tamisha Hendricks of El Dorado, AR, Tiffany Wooten and husband Jeff of El Dorado, AR, Tom Hale, Jr. (Kelle) of Laguna Beach, CA, Nikki Hale-Menke and husband Tony of Phoenix, AZ, and Nathan Hale and wife Deborah of Phoenix, AZ, eleven great-grandchildren: Gatlin and Jace Hale of Hamburg, AR, Allie Hines Andrews (Mason) of Monroe, LA, Sam and Jill Wooten of El Dorado, AR, Faith and Chloe Hale of Laguna Beach, CA, Jude and Justice Hale of Phoenix, AZ, Bailey Menke of Phoenix, AZ, and McKenley Hale of El Dorado, AR, three great great grandchildren: Everly, Ensley, and James, a sister, Melda Bolton of El Dorado, AR, and two brothers: Huey Dale Russell and wife Lerlene of El Dorado, AR, and Wayne Russell and wife Anita of Mountain View, AR.

The family wishes to express special gratitude to the staff of Hudson Independent Living Center, especially to Nicole Foster who was ever present and demonstrated great care and kindness to Nova. Nova thought so much of her resident friends Audrey, Sarah, Mary, Carolyn, and Nelda. We would also like to express gratitude to the staff of Timberlane Nursing Home who were very attentive and caring during Nova’s brief hospice stay.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Harper Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Huttig, Arkansas, beginning with visitation at 1pm and service to follow at 2 pm.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Harper Springs Cemetery Fund in Nova’s memory.

We invite friends and family to share their memories and condolences.