Resident News Network

Obituary: James “Ray” McMahan (1954-2025)

Obituaries

-

4:07 pm

Obituary: James “Ray” McMahan (1954-2025)

James “Ray” McMahan, 70, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in a Fort Smith hospital. He was born October 12, 1954 in Benton, Arkansas to Oliver Morgan and Ethel Lucille (Owens) McMahan. He was a retired diesel mechanic and a member of the Northside Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth McMahan; two sons, James Gregory McMahan and Brennon McMahan and wife, Jill; one brother, Ronny McMahan and wife, Vicky; four grandchildren, Garret McMahan and wife, Kelsey, Payton McMahan, Jackson McMahan and Bentlee McMahan and two great grandchildren, Rhett McMahan and Riggs McMahan. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William McMahan and Danny McMahan and one sister, Martha Evans.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Friday, May 16 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood. The family will visit with family and friends after the service. Inurnment will be at Mayberry Cemetery at a later date.

Obituary: Ma Edita Ransom (1951-2025)

Obituaries

Resident News Network

-

1:23 pm

0

Ma Edita Ransom of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Friday May 9th, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ma Edita was born March 31, 1951 in Caloocan, Philippines to Francisco Tambungui and Corazon Jesusa (Dizon). Ma Edita was 74 years old. She attended Evening Shade Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas.

Ma Edita was married to the love of her life, Richard Ransom. She had a deep passion for being a wife, mother, and homemaker. Ma Edita was a wonderful cook. She loved preparing meals with love for her family and friends. Ma Edita enjoyed traveling a great deal. She loved seeing new places and finding adventure. When Ma Edita was not at home caring for the needs of her family, she enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. Ma Edita loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Ma Edita leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter Mercedita Manuzon of the Czech Republic, her son, Jeff Manuzon of the Philippines, her sister, Maria Slater of Waldron, Arkansas, her brother, Manolo Tambungui, her niece, Esther Slater and her dear friend, Robert (Bobby) Slaten. Edita will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ma Edita is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Ransom, and her parents Francisco Tambungui, and Corazon Jesusa.

Ma Edita’s memorial service date and time will be held at the Evening Shade Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. The memorial service arrangements are pending to allow for long distance travel for Ma Edita’s friends and relatives to be in attendance.

Obituary: Melba Pugh (1931-2025)

Obituaries

Resident News Network

-

6:29 pm

0

Melba June Pugh
January 3, 1931 to May 13, 2025

Melba lived from the Model T era to Space X! What a life!! She married George “Wayne” Pugh on April 9, 1949 after dating for four months. It only lasted 54 years.

Wayne and Melba had two children within one year in 1950. Jerry was born in January, and Brenda in December. They then moved to the big town of Peoria, IL, in 1951. Caterpillar lured them North with promises of work and steady wages. Melba looked so young, door-to-door salesmen would ask if her mother was home.

Their son, Randy came next in 1955. The only Yankee born in the family. Melba learned to drive a stick-shift, and went to night school to freshen up some secretarial skills, which landed her a 30 year career with the state of Illinois Highway Department. She worked as a basic clerk, then on up to Executive Secretary.

The years flew by. Arkansas called Melba and Wayne back home after retirement. First to Waldron, then to Fort Smith. Many family members have passed on over the years such as her parents Roscoe Gentry and Lima Gentry; siblings Doris Bottoms and I. Lee Gentry; nephews Michael Gentry, Gary Bottoms, and Larry Bottoms. Even her beloved Wayne and son Jerry.

Many joys were mixed into the years as well. Sweet granddaughter Lacey was born, and in time, Lacey married Georgi Hristov. Then came Julia, the precious great granddaughter in 2019. Better than Space X!!

Memories will sustain us. Sending our love to you, now and forever. Brenda and Tom Downs; daughter and son-in-law; Randy Pugh, son; Lacey and Georgi Hristov and Julia, granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and great granddaughter; Terry and Jenny Bottoms nephew and niece.

There will be a private service and burial, as Melba wished. If you choose to honor her memory, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. Thanks!

Special Thanks to the staff of Alma Health and Rehab for providing such loving care of Mother for many years, and to Arkansas Hospice as well.

Waldron School Board Holds Regular Monthly Meeting

Insider

Resident News Network

-

6:17 pm

0

Waldron School Board Holds Regular Monthly Meeting

This content is reserved for RESIDENT INSIDER members.

Please login or subscribe to view.

Tire Dumpers at White Bluff Cemetery

Insider

Resident News Network

-

6:12 pm

0

This content is reserved for RESIDENT INSIDER members.

Please login or subscribe to view.

“Rattler Scholars” Recognized at 4th Annual Banquet

Networks

Brandy Young

-

8:25 pm

0

On Tuesday, May 13, Magazine High School held its 4th Annual Scholars Banquet. To be recognized, students must earn a 3.5 or higher GPA each semester. Students are recognized as either a first, second, third, or fourth year scholar, depending on the cumulative number of semesters they are eligible. Students recieve a gift for each year: First Year Scholars recieve a t-shirt, Second Year Scholars recieve an insulated cup, Third Year Scholars recieve a plaque, and Fourth Year Scholars recieve a personalized “letter” blanket. As this was only the fourth year of the program, is was the school’s first opportunity to recognize the 4th Year Scholars.

Juniors Pheobe Hopper, Dessi Carolan, Ainslee Chappell, and Mattie Terry pose with their Third Year Scholar plaques

At each banquet, a former Rattler is asked to return to their Alma Mater to speak to the current scholars. This year’s guest speaker was Bryan Beck, valedictorian from the class of 1991.

Bryan Beck, Magazine Class of 1991

Bryan attended the University of Arkansas Fayetteville where he graduated Cum Laude in 1995 with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering He joined the U.S. Navy straight out of college, where he was a Qualified Submarine Chief Engineer. He left active duty in 2002 with the rank of Lieutenant. Bryan continued his education, earning his Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Florida in 2002. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Oklahoma. Bryan currently resides in Tulsa with his wife, Katy, son Lex, and daughter Reagen. Currently, Bryan travels all over the world as a Global Product Strategies manager for John Zink, a Tulsa-based provider of specialty combustion equipment.

Bryan Beck speaks to students and parents at the Rattler Scholar Banquet on May 13.

In addition to recognizing the students for their hard work, the Administration also recognized multiple staff members who continued their education this school year and earned Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees while continuing to work full time. These staff were praised for setting an example for their students by being life-long learners.

Students and their families and guests enjoyed a dinner of chicken spaghetti, green beans, garlic toast, and strawberry shortcake prepared and served by the Magazine cafeteria staff.