Rubye Mae Tillinghast

Rubye Mae Burke Tillinghast, 104, of Van Buren, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2016. She was born May 25, 1911 in Buckner, AR to the late John and Dedora Burke. She lived most of her adult life in Fort Smith. She was a bookkeeper by trade; a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church, where she enjoyed The Jolly Travelers; had been a Sunday School teacher and brought bouquets of live flowers to those who were sick. She served as a volunteer for the City of Fort Smith and received a weekly greeting from the late Mayor Ray Baker.

She is survived by her nephews, Thomas Watson, and Billy Breashear both of Alma; a great-niece, Deborah Pearson and family of Van Buren, the late Mary Blythe and family of Alma, Susan Cunningham and family of Alma, Bobbie Marley and family of Alma, Patti Brausell and family of Fayetteville, Elizebeth Breashear and children, and Kelly Hannah and family of Alma; and many nieces and nephews scattered from coast-to-coast.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Bolton Cemetery in the Dean Springs Community, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.

With special recognition to the aids and staff of The Highlands in Van Buren that took such good care of Ms. Rubye over the past nine years, and the special folks at Peachtree Hospice.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.