Lavetta Beshears

…Author, actress, singer, poet, quilter, seamstress, painter, avid dog lover, bird watcher, devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, phenomenal chili and posole chef - she was a true jack of all trades with a heart full of good intentions. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her curiosity carried her into every corner of life. She had a bold, unmistakable online presence, one that was as opinionated as it was entertaining, and she began nearly every social media post with … and if she were to be called out on something she would simply reply with “Bite Me”. She had a loud laugh, a wonderful smile and a great head of hair.

…Lavetta was born in Ashland, Kansas February 28, 1950 and went onto her celestial departure at home in Fort Smith, Arkansas on March 27, 2026 surrounded by friends and family.

…Her life was filled with a remarkable variety of experiences, each one reflecting her determination, creativity, and love for the people around her. Over the years, she trained racehorses, helped manage a cattle farm and even owned a fox farm. She served as a Boy Scout den mother, was an active member of the Sebastian County ESA chapter, and contributed her artistic talents to the local follies in the 1980s, providing both entertainment through song, dance, and acting skills as well as backdrop design with her artwork.

…She embraced many roles throughout her life - actress in school plays, high school cheerleader, basketball player, Miss Stinnett High, stay at home mom, homeroom mother, volunteer for Grayce Dewitt Dance Studio for many years, and later a skilled photo lab technician who learned to process film and took school and prom pictures. Her professional path also included work in international sales, insurance and benefits, and the film and video department at Baldor. In her later years, she continued to bring her strong work ethic to Pruitt Tool and FedEx. Yet, her greatest accomplishments were never tied to a job title. They were her husband, children, bonus children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She could always be found in the stands or the audience, alongside her husband, cheering on those she loved most - whether it was band, choir, gymnastics, football, or cheer. Her presence was constant, her support unwavering, and her pride immeasurable.

…She is survived by children, Tommy and Angela Thompson, Kaylee and Jeremy Mosley, Rick and Paula Beshears, Larin and Jennie Beshears, Angela Neas, Stacy and Jay Garner, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her damned dogs, Ozzie and Sawyer. She is also survived by a sister, Janet (Troy) Loehr; a brother, Terry Sawyer; nephew, Ivan Wayne (Cathy) Thompson; her uncle, Jimmy Sawyer and cousins, Becky Merkle, Teresa Arnold, Sheryl Golden, Denise Ziegler, as well as numerous friends both near and far.

…She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger Beshears; her mother, Juanita Marie Immel; her father, Lester Sawyer and bonus father, Vernie Immel; two brothers, Nick and Dave Immel and too many dogs to name.

…A private viewing was held March 30, 2026 at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Arkansas.

…In lieu of monetary or floral gifts, donations can be made to Pawsi 4023 Wheeler Ave Fort Smith, AR 72901.