21 minute read

Second bout of breast cancer claims life of actress Suzanne Somers

By Ethan Nahté

As I was transcribing an interview for our National Breast Cancer Awareness issue, a text came across on Sunday evening about the death of Suzanne Somers. The actress best known for TV shows “Three’s Company” and “She’s the Sheriff” died a day before her 77th birthday from her second bout with breast cancer. It came across as a chilling coincidence.

Somers, who had first battled skin cancer before her first diagnosis of breast cancer in 2000, had eschewed the comments of naysayers, including the American Cancer Society, when she chose not to do chemotherapy. She chose instead a chemical-free and organic lifestyle.

In addition to being a spokesperson on infomercials for the ThighMaster exercise equipment, she would eventually promote a healthier lifestyle with a health and wellness website carrying her own brand of cosmetic, fitness and weight loss products. She also wrote several books on subjects such as cancer, aging, beauty, wellness, menopause and sex.

Somers’ longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, shared a statement on behalf of the actress’ family with the news Sunday. The actress, who “survived an aggressive form” of breast cancer for over 23 years, “passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours” on Sunday,” the statement read.

“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”

She had spoken to People magazine the Sunday prior, talking about how she planned to celebrate and seemed in good spirits.

In July, she had told “Entertainment Tonight” her breast cancer had returned, saying “I have been living with cancer since my 20s. And every time (it) pops up, I continue to bat it back. I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me.

“Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded ‘It’s back,’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war. This is familiar battleground for me, and I’m very tough.

Throughout her battles, she said the “big upside” was it had strengthened the bond with her husband over the years. “We have not spent one day apart in 42 years,” she said.

Before “Three’s Company,” my earliest memory of Somers was the “Blonde in the white Thunderbird” in the George Lucas film “American Graffiti.” She was the unattainable mystery girl.

For me, she was one of the three women who served as the inspiration for a character in one of my novellas, along with Natalie Wood and Olivia Newton-John.

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Congressman Gaetz, along with seven of his fellow Republicans voted Congressman McCarthy be removed as speaker of the house. Their reason was that Mr. McCarthy made a promise he did not keep. Their delicate feelings must have been deeply hurt. I mean, how could that happen? A politician failed to keep a promise? Bet they were never guilty of that!

Our current fiscal situation dictated compromise to keep the country open and running. Like petulant children, they could not wait for a more opportune moment to pass a budget that fit the needs of our country. None of this was about what was best for our country. This was a temper tantrum that is really embarrassing. We did not get $33.4 trillion in debt because of one continuing resolution.

Want to share your opinion?

“There are weapons of mass destruction.”

“I did not have sex with that woman.”

And most recently from Biden building a border wall he swore he would never build when campaigning against Trump.

The examples of broken promises and lies are too numerous to list. This is not a party thing; it is a politician thing. Say what needs saying to stay in power. Do what is best for you and your party, not necessarily the country. This will not change until we have the backbone to take back our government using our only weapon, our vote.

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A pertinent question should be what blame do these eight Republicans share in getting us in debt? How much pork are they responsible for? Their finger pointing and righteous indignation is a joke. Would it be fair to say that he who is without blame should cast the first stone?

In lock step the opposing party voted unanimously to remove the speaker. It is refreshing that a party can get together as one and move forward towards a common goal, though I do not always embrace that goal.

Democrats must be giddy watching the Republican party implode, fighting among themselves. Who needs a majority when divide and conquer works even better?

I have found there to be one constant with our politicians, and that is that they have lied and made promises they break.

“Read my lips, no new taxes.”

We should have a balanced budget, term and age limits, and rules that do not allow retiring politicians to come back as a lobbyist for at least 10 years after leaving office. Better yet, if a promise made by any politician is broken, remove them as was done to Mr. McCarthy.

Watch the news. Ask questions. Seek the truth. Do not be deceived by smoke and mirrors. Many of our forefathers sacrificed everything for our right to vote and self-govern. Sadly, we have lost sight of that important duty. We have been lied to so much, often we do not question those lying to us anymore.

As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience. TO

‘Acquire the Fire’ rally coming to Christ’s Church-Mountain Fork

An “Acquire the Fire” rally with Cecil Todd is scheduled at Christ’s Church in Mountain Fork, for Sunday morning, Oct. 22, at 9:45 a.m. (Sunday School) and 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship & Communion, according to Mark Berrier, senior minister.

Todd is the founder and president of the world-wide ministry of Revival Fires. He has traveled over 3 million miles to win 3 million souls in his 74 years of evangelism.

Todd has conducted “Revival Fires Crusades” in all 50 states and in 23 different countries abroad. He was 92 years young on Oct. 7. Todd has beat stage IV cancer four times.

He is a graduate of Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, with a BSL degree. Todd also has three Doctor of Divinity degrees from three dif ferent Christian colleges. Todd is a product of the Kiamichi Mountain Christian Mission.He is also the “first one” of over 100 young people who have gone into ministry from this Mission.

Todd is also the only preacher and the only American to preach for “Russia’s Annual May-Day Celebration” on Moscow’s Red Square. Over 1 million were in attendance, including 150,000 communist.

Todd’s TV program “Revival Fires” was seen weekly on nationwide TV for 20 years. President Ronald Reagan was his special guest on the program twice. Cecil and Linda Todd were invited to join Reagan on Air Force One. When Reagan became president, he asked Todd to come weekly to the White House to pray and counsel with him!

Todd has been asked to provide 5,000 more military Bibles for the “new recruits” joining our armed forces. A “love offering” at the close of this rally will be used to provide more military Bibles for our “new recruits” without one.

“This ‘Acquire the Fire’ rally is open to the public,” Berrier said.

Todd’s message theme at the 9:45 a.m. service will be “What Happens When God is With Us!”

The theme for the 10:45 a.m. worship service will be “God Bless America Again... and Please Hurry!”

Paving the way for a brighter future through education is a goal shared by many families. For parents in Arkansas, the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Program is a valuable tool designed to help them save and invest in their children’s education. This week, we want to remind you about the valuable resource and all the advantages it has to offer.

The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan (formerly the GIFT Plan), sponsored by the Treasurer of State’s office, is an education-savings plan that allows your savings to grow tax-deferred through a wide variety of investment options. Later, the money can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualified higher education costs like tuition, room and board, and supplies at nearly any two- or four-year college, university, vocational, or trade school.

In 2018, the federal government expanded the use of 529 funds to include private, parochial, and public K-12 tuition. In 2021, the gov- ernment broadened the plan even more to allow 529s to cover the cost of apprenticeship programs and pay down student loan debt.

Arkansas taxpayers are eligible to deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) from their adjusted gross income calculation for contributions to an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan account. The savings have the potential to grow at a faster rate than if you had invested in a comparable taxable account.

You can also invite friends and family to be a part of your savings journey. With a Ugift® code that links directly to your account, they can give the gift of education for a birthday, holiday, special occasion, or even “just because.” Anyone who contributes may be eligible for an Arkansas state tax deduction, too.

More than 27,000 Arkansas Families are served by the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan. You can begin saving by visiting www.brighterfuturedirect529.com.

Since last year enrollment has gone up at most of the publicly supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas.

The academic year began about a month ago and headcounts for this year are based on enrollment as of the 11th day of class.

The largest campus in the state is the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, which last year had more than 30,000 students enrolled for the first time ever. This year the university has more than 32,000 students.

The chancellor said that the university could have admitted 8,000 freshman but chose not to because of a lack of capacity. No deserving in-state students were denied, only those from out of state, he said. Commenting on the rapid growth at the Fayetteville campus, he said that he remembers in the 1990s when enrollment was about 15,000 students.

Arkansas State University at Jonesboro has a record number of students this semester, with 14,903. That is six percent more than last year.

The ASU system has increased enrollment throughout its system, with a total of 26,197 students. Henderson State University at Arkadelphia was the only one campus in the ASU system with a decline. It was a 15 percent drop, to 2,139 students.

The five two-year institutions in the ASU system at Beebe, Mid-South in West Memphis, Mountain Home, Newport and Three Rivers in Malvern, all had increases. Three Rivers had the greatest increase with 15.1 percent.

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia set a record for enrollment last year, but this year’s increase was more modest. SAU has 5,128 students.

The University of Central Arkansas at Conway saw its attendance drop slightly. The campus has 9,790 students, which is 1.3 percent fewer than last year.

Arkansas Tech University at Russellville has a total enrollment of 9,397, which is about 1 percent less than last year. Enrollment was down at Russellville and up at the Ozark campus.

Enrollment at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is up 2.5 percent since last year. The total number of students is 5,514.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello has 2,578 students this fall, an increase of 2 percent over last year.

Attendance went down again at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, dropping 11 percent to 2,117 students.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock saw its number of students drop by about 1 percent, to 7,147 students. Due to an increase in full-time students combined with a decrease in part-time students, UALR has an increase of one percent in semester credit hours being taught.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has 3,275 students, up from 3,240 last year. Of its total, 356 students are at the UAMS campus in northwest Arkansas.

The University of Arkansas system’s online institution, UA Grantham, has 4,651 students. That is an increase of more than 200 students since last year.

Attendance at the UA Community College at Hope-Texarkana is up 9 percent. At Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, enrollment is up 13 percent. At the UA Community College in Morrilton enrollment is up 18 percent. At UA Rich Mountain in Mena it is up 6 percent. At Cossatot Community College enrollment is up 5 percent and at the UA Community College at Batesville it’s up 13 percent. UA Pulaski Technical College dropped by 1 percent.

Edward Lee Peikert Sr.

Edward Lee Peikert Sr. Born in Galveston, Texas on December 1, 1943, and passed October 12, 2023. Preceding him were parents Irita Gertrude Caraway and Walter H. Peikert, sisters Barbera Jean Revels, Helen Houston and brothers Walter Peikert and Robert Peikert. Surviving siblings Lucy Houston, Verna Inman, and Bertha Edwards.

Edward’s dad was killed in a shipyard accident in St Louis, MO, when he was 6 years old. His sisters helped raise him and later his mom remarried Wesly Cox. No matter where Edward lived, he loved going out to the countryside and often brought back snakes or turtles as pets.

Edward joined the Army Airborne Division in and served 3 years. While on a leave he visited home when his sister Bertha and Ruby were visiting. They started corresponding with letters and when he had completed his term with the army and she graduated high school they were married on May 22, 1966, in Hatton, AR. They had five children: Sharon Conaster and husband David Conaster, Edward Peikert Jr. and wife Carrie Peikert, Christine Lovell and husband Rodney Lovell, Daniel Peikert and wife Tammy Boyd Peikert, and Darlena Cochran and husband James Cochran. Many grandkids including Melissa, Denise, Sarah, Aurianna, Serenity, Hunter, Latosha, Elizabeth, Katie, Bonni, Sunni, Christian, Justin, Molly, Michael, Matthew, Robert, Kenley, Tamerah and many great-grandchildren.

Edward had many jobs including service station attendant and Warehouser. He also owned his own service station, several wholesale candy and tobac- co stores, and his favorite was the Pet Shop. He loved the animals and taking care of his yard including planting many different flowers and fruit trees. You could find him outside almost every day.

Edward was a strong man with strong beliefs. He always did what he thought was right and raised his children, teaching them how to work and be a good person. He loved his family very much and dedicated his life to provide and care for them. He was very honest and straightforward but also caring.

Edward moved to Mena in 1984 and has been a part of the community for several years thru his businesses. He will have a lasting memory with his family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday October 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas, with Brother Donnie Jewel officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home for services.

Freddy DeWayne Wilkinson

Freddy DeWayne Wilkinson, age 41, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, Oklahoma. He was born on Sunday, August 8, 1982, to Ford Leon and Peggy Sue Broach Wilkinson in Mena, Arkansas.

Freddy personified a zest for life, and his vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A member of the Grannis Trail Riders, Freddy embodied the spirit of the cowboy lifestyle. His passions included horseback riding, car racing, deer and coon hunting, and roping. He had an unparalleled love for anything fast, a trait that reflected his dynamic character. Freddy’s love for country music was wellknown among his friends and family, serving as a soundtrack to his life and complimenting his persona.

More than just a cowboy, Freddy was a loving husband to his wife, Jessica, and a devoted father to his children. His commitment to his family was his most cherished cause, and his love and dedication were an inspiration to all who knew him. Above everything else, he was “Gramps” to his grandchildren. His unparalleled love and guidance will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in their hearts.

Besides his family and cowboy lifestyle, Freddy had another love - his trucking company. As the founder of Wilkinson Trucking, he combined his business acumen with his love for all things fast, making his mark in the industry and creating a successful company that mirrored his own tenacity and determination.

Freddy is survived by his parents, Ford and Peggy Wilkinson of Cove; his wife, Jessica Wilkinson of Cove; three sons, Dakota Turnbough of Hatton, Austin Price of Cove, and Luke Dinkins of Cove; three daughters, Ariel Wilkinson of Watson, Oklahoma, Shania Wilkinson of Watson, Oklahoma, and Lindy Price of Cove; two brothers and sister in law, Henry and Amanda Wilkinson of Cove, and Jeral Wilkinson of Cove; four grandchildren, Stetson Turnbough of Hatton, Atticus Price of Cove, Creek Chappell of Cove, and Cash Chappell of Cove; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the Watson Cemetery in Watson, Oklahoma with Brother Don Youngblood officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Aubrey Daniel Sterner

Aubrey Daniel Sterner, age 71, of Mena, Arkansas, died Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Wednesday, December 5, 1951, to Charles Russell and Wanda Eddlene Red Sterner in Mena, Arkansas.

Aubrey was a man of unwavering determination and a firm believer in the power of preparation, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, dedication, and a life well-lived.

Aubrey’s faith was an integral part of his life. He was a dedicated member of the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, where his spiritual journey was nurtured and his sense of community flourished. His commitment to his faith was a guiding light that influenced his interactions and relationships with those around him.

A proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, Aubrey dedicated himself to the growth and development of young minds. Serving as the Scout Master for Troop 43 in Oakdale, California, and achieving the esteemed rank of “4 Beader” Scout Master, Aubrey played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless scouts. His involvement in the Virgil of the Order of the Arrow further attested to his passion for nurturing the next generation.

Aubrey was a family man through and through. He cherished every moment spent with his beloved wife, daughter, and grandson, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever. His love and devotion were the foundation upon which his family found strength and support.

Over the course of his career, Aubrey dedicated over 20 years of hard work to Kent Lathing and Aderholt Specialties in California. His expertise in construction, particularly on government and large commercial projects, reflected his diligence and commitment to excellence. His contributions to the industry stand as a testament to his work ethic and skill.

Aubrey found solace and joy in nature. He had a deep love for hiking and camping in the California Mountains, where he felt at one with the world around him. His farm was a source of contentment, especially when tending to his cattle, reflecting his connection to the earth and the satisfaction found in nurturing life.

As we bid farewell to Aubrey, we remember the indomitable spirit and the unwavering determination that defined his life. His legacy of resilience, love, and devotion will continue to inspire us to live our lives with purpose and preparedness. Aubrey may no longer be with us, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched and inspired. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he graced.

Aubrey is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Brian Sterner.

Aubrey is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ginger Sterner of Mena, Arkansas; his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Phil Ramsey of Mena; two brothers, David and Vicki Sterner of Van, Texas and Peter Sterner of Benton, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Kellie Sterner of Mena, Arkansas; one grandson, Aubrey James Sterner of Mena, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Reverend Bryan Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be Thursday, October 19, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be A.J. Sterner, Billy Sterner, Ben Sterner, Corey Sterner, Tyler Thresher and Lance Thresher. Honorary Pallbearers will be David Sterner and Peter Sterner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountain View Methodist Church or to the Cherry Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Teresa Dawn Ramsey

Teresa Dawn

Ramsey, age 54, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Mena Regional Health System. She was born on Thursday, December 10, 1968, to Amos Leonard and Sharon Kay Nix in Lubbock, Texas.

A woman of vivacious spirit and boundless joy, Teresa’s life was a symphony of her love for those around her and her passions. She served proudly in the United States Navy and raised three wonderful sons who she cherished with all her heart.

Teresa’s zest for life was as electrifying as the Hair Bands of the 80’s, her favorite music genre. This love for high energy and excitement was also reflected in her choice of television shows. Teresa had a penchant for the thrilling and mysterious, drawn to ghost and horror shows and mystery series that kept her on the edge of her seat.

This thrill-seeking spirit also influenced her favorite pastimes. A voracious reader, Teresa loved to lose herself in stories that made her heart race, an adventure in every page. Her outgoing, bubbly, and quick-witted personality was prominent in everything she did, including her hobbies. A skilled crocheter, she brought warmth and comfort to others through her creations, and at one point even used to play the drums, adding her beat to the rhythm of life.

However, it was her career as a nurse that truly exemplified who Teresa was. Not just a hard worker, she was a caregiver in every sense of the word. Revered by her colleagues and cherished by her patients, Teresa was a testament to the power of empathy and dedication in healthcare. Her care was her proudest accomplishment, and she poured her heart into every interaction.

Teresa’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and life lived to the fullest. Her philosophy of taking great care in her work has touched many lives and will continue to resonate even in her absence. Her spirit will forever be remembered, cherished in the hearts of everyone she touched, and her influence will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her father, Amos Leonard Nix Jr.

Teresa is survived by her mother, Sharon Nix of Mena; three sons, Cody Ramsey of Mena, Brandon Ramsey of Hatfield, and Scott Ramsey of Mena; one brother and sister-in-law, William and Michelle Nix of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren, Declan Ramsey, Nolan Ramsey, Finn Ramsey, and Jamie Ramsey; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Brian Richardson officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Obituaries Robert “Bob” William Lawry

Robert “Bob”

William Lawry, age 87, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at his home. He was born on Saturday, July 18, 1936, to Bennie Eugene and Hazel Myrle Reeve Lawry in Buffville, Kansas.

Bob was an entrepreneur, a devout believer, a loving grandfather, and a man of many passions. Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own enterprise, Lawry’s Used Cars, in 1980. His dedication to his business was unwavering, operating it successfully in Mena for over four decades. He was admired for his hard work and determination, serving as an inspirational figure for many within the community.

Bob fixed up cars in his shop, new and old, but his passion was for old. His car lot was packed with everything from Model A Fords to custom cars of his own creation. But don’t think these cars were high dollar creations built from a glossy catalog. These were cars with character. Bob did not spend money on fancy tools or paint jobs. He just did it himself, even in his older age, in the heat and humidity. Showing people his cars made him happy, and he especially loved to show them to children. One of his proudest accomplishments was driving his Model A above the Arctic Circle and to the Florida Keys.

Bob was also a faithful lifelong member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where he showed compassion and love for others. His favorite lessons to share were simple yet profound; to always do the best job one can, and to care for other people.

He had a passion for missions, his favorite being Maranatha One-Day Churches. Maranatha developed kits that included a steel framework and roof that could be delivered and built in remote parts of the world. Bob financed over fifty of these church building projects. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Maranatha One-Day Churches. https://tinyurl. com/5n8ae6ty

His passions extended beyond his work and faith. Bob had a sweet tooth, with desserts being his absolute favorites. Furthermore, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He liked to boast that he had seven great-grandchildren and all of them were boys except six. He also enjoyed reminiscing about old cars and traveling. His favorite vacations included going on cruises with his late wife and exploring new places all over the world.

Bob’s memory will linger in the hearts of those he left behind. His tenacity, faith and wisdom serve as pillars of his legacy, inspiring those who knew him to face life with a positive and determined attitude. He was indeed a hard worker who believed in doing his best at everything he undertook.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Lawry; one daughter, Penny Lee Lawry; two brothers, Lloyd Lawry and Delbert Lawry; and one sister, Opal Vega.

Bob is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Regina Lawry of Mena; two daughters and son-in-law, Jeannie and Dewey Amos of Ashland, Missouri, and Carolyn Burnside of Walla Walla, Washington; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Soon we’ll reach the shining river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God.

(Fourth verse and chorus of “Shall We Gather at the River?” by Robert Lowry)

Revelation 22:1-2 (ESV)