Obituaries
Susan Jane Kirchner Pryor, El Dorado

Born on March 30, 1955 in Mount Carmel, IL. to Frank and Ethel Jane Kirchner on March 30, 1955, Susan moved to Baton Rouge, LA as a teenager. It was there, after college, she met her husband, Gary, and they raised their family. They later moved for a brief time to Youngsville, LA and then El Dorado.
Susan earned a BS in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston and both her MS and DNS from the LSU Health Science Center. Her distinguished career began as an ICU nurse, and she went on to become an instructor at the Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing in Baton Rouge. For over 25 years, Susan shared her experience and passion for nursing and pediatrics as a faculty member and Certified Nurse Educator at Southeastern Louisiana University. Susan retired as a full Professor, a recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and an active member of the Nursing Honor Society Sigma Theta Tau.
Susan was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church where she shared her beautiful voice in the choir. She enjoyed sewing, traveling, and playing cards with friends; most of all, though, she loved spending time with family. Her positive outlook and infectious laugh will be forever missed by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gary A. Pryor of El Dorado; her son, Adam W. Pryor and his wife Rachael of Ventura, CA; her daughter, Laura Jane Johnson and her husband Colin of El Dorado; her four grandchildren, Henry, Greta, Linus and Melody Jane Pryor of Ventura, CA; her brothers, Frank H. Kirchner and his husband David Nicholson of Norfolk, VA, and Paul Kirchner and his wife Karen of Weesatche, TX; her sister, Karen Kirchner and her husband John Roschke of Plano, TX; and her nieces, Christine Kirchner and Angela Kirchner.
A private memorial service will be held at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, El Dorado.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the dedicated staff at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home and Arkansas Hospice for their compassionate care of Susan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in memory of Susan Pryor be made either to the Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026 (www.brainsupportnetwork.org), or to Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, 700 North College, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Obituaries
Joshua Fife, Strong

Joshua Thad Fife, age 34, of Strong, AR passed from this life Tuesday May 20, 2025. Josh was born January 13, 1991 in Camden, AR to parents Jeff and Cheryl Fife.
Josh Fife, a beloved father, friend, and all-around outdoors-man, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hands-on craftsmanship. Known for his huge heart and generous spirit, Josh touched the lives of all who knew him with his warmth and authenticity.
Josh found his greatest joy in spending time with his two children, who were the center of his world. Whether casting a line on a quiet fishing trip, trekking through the woods on a hunting excursion, or cheering on the Razorbacks with full-hearted enthusiasm, Josh lived every moment with passion and presence.
A man of many talents and endless curiosity, Josh was a skilled metalworker who found solace and satisfaction at his forge, shaping metal with fire and focus. He had recently discovered a love for golf, approaching the sport with the same enthusiasm he brought to all his hobbies. Josh was equally at home tending to his garden, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or catching air on a dirt bike—always in motion, always embracing life.
His adventurous spirit, creative hands, and kind heart made him someone you couldn’t help but admire. He lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly.
Josh will be missed beyond words but remembered in every wild trail, every home-cooked meal, every swing of a golf club, and in the laughter of his children.
He was precede in death by his mother Cheryl Ann Roberts Fife; uncle Thomas Fife; maternal grandfather Ted Roberts; paternal grandparents Virginia and Sam Fife; and cousin Daniel “Spanky” Fife.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his loving wife of eleven years Brooke Lee Frederick Fife; one daughter Presley Ann Fife; one son Grady Lee Fife; brother Jeffery Chase Fife of Little Rock, AR; father Jeffery Thad Fife of Baker, MT; maternal grandmother Andrea Johnson and her husband Earl of Smackover, AR; maternal step-grandmother Sharon Roberts of Camden, AR; uncle Michael Fife and his wife Heather of Strong, AR; aunt Charity Hunter and her husband Jeff of El Dorado, AR; aunt Yvonne Roberts of El Dorado, AR; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
A memorial service in his honor will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Perry’s Funeral Chapel in El Dorado, AR.
Obituaries
James William Humphries, Jr., Huttig

James William Humphries, Jr., 78, of Huttig, AR passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home.
James was born on March 24, 1947, in El Dorado, AR to the union of James William Humphries, Sr. and Laurentia Roberson Humphries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine Humphries, sister, Mary Humphries.
James retired from Great Lakes and was a veteran of the U. S. Navy having been stationed in San Diego. He was an avid duck hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include his sisters-in-law, Sharon Gibbons and Vicki Flournoy, brother-in-law, Wayne Fife, numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Park with Bro. Scotty Fife officiating. Interment to follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.
Pallbearers will be Hubert Jolley, Clay Jolley, Peyton Jolley, Gary McGoogan, Larry Cook, Tommy Garrett.
Obituaries
Carol Ellen, El Dorado

Carol Rose Ogden Ellen, 69, of El Dorado, ascended into Heaven Saturday, May 17th, 2025, while battling cancer at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, AR. Carol Rose Ogden was born November 09, 1955, at Warner Brown Hospital to JW and Amelia Darlene Molsbee Ogden.
Carol graduated from El Dorado High School in 1974 and finished an associate degree at South Arkansas Community College in 1984. She briefly attended LA Tech in 1985, pursuing a biology degree. She was a Master Gardener and a member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
Carol married Scott Newell Ellen on July 6, 1984, and they joined Our Savior Lutheran Church. Carol was an active member of her church.
Carol is preceded in death by her father, JW Ogden, mother-in law, Marilyn Newell Ellen, and her brother-in-law Chris Ellen.
Carol will be missed and cherished by her husband of 40 years, Scott Newell Ellen of El Dorado; a daughter, Lillian Ellen (her particular friend J.P. Ferdin); a son Nathaniel Ellen and wife Katy Ellen; and their three precious grandchildren, Alexandria Quinn Ellen, Kaysen Ray Ellen and Johnathan Robert Ellen; her mother, Darlene Ogden of El Dorado; siblings, Gary Ogden of Little Rock, and Nancy Ogden of Springdale, and Nancy’s sons: Sam Deason (Brynja McGough) and Whit Deason (Josie Herra); Father-in-law Ray J. Ellen and wife Ann Ellen; Sister-in-law Nancy Cathey and husband Dr. Joe Cathey, and their children, Natalie Cathey and Andrew Cathey.
Carol enjoyed her grandchildren, her cats, the beach, and her garden. She loved celebrating, decorating, and cooking for Christmas and Halloween with her three grandchildren. Carol loved being a part of her book club, her garden club, and her Supper Club.
Carol worked in several professions, but loved most, her years working for the South Arkansas Arts Center 2007 to 2017. After retirement, Carol remained an active member of SAAC. Carol also received repeated gubernatorial appointments to serve on The Committee of 100 at the Ozark Folk Center in Mt. View, AR, which assisted with gardens and landscaping for Arkansas State Parks.
Carol was loved by family and friends for her kindness, helpfulness, hard work, and her big heart. Carol will be missed by her church family, her Supper Club family, and her many friends and extended family.
A reception will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the South Arkansas Arts Center: 110 E 5th, El Dorado, AR. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Rev. Sig Kunz officiating: 900 W. Faulkner, El Dorado, AR.
Memorials may be made in honor of Carol Rose Ogden Ellen by donating to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 900 W. Faulkner, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Ellen family.
Obituaries
Ronald Woods, El Dorado

Ronald H. Woods, 82, was welcomed home to Heaven on May 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was reunited with his parents, Herbert and Bernice Woods; his son, Shane Reaves; and his baby daughter, Ashley Woods.
Born in El Dorado, Arkansas in 1942, Ronnie graduated from El Dorado High School in 1961, where he was voted Most Handsome and Mr. EHS. A standout athlete, he was a proud member of the 1958 state champion Wildcat Football team. His achievements earned him lifelong friendships, many of which he maintained throughout his life.
Ronnie went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Ouachita Baptist University before returning to El Dorado to join his father in the family real estate development business. He found his true calling in the outdoors, raising Santa Gertrudis cattle on the family farm in El Dorado and dairy cattle on a farm in Missouri. He was honored to be named Young Farmer of the Year.
One of Ronnie’s proudest accomplishments was fatherhood. His love for his children and grandchildren knew no bounds, and he was always eager to create lasting memories. His sense of humor was infectious, and he imparted wisdom and life lessons to those he loved. His legacy will live on for generations to come.
Ronnie was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher and participated in numerous mission trips. He is a member of Gideons International.
With a passion for adventure and travel, Ronnie became a private pilot, which allowed him to explore the world from a different perspective. He and his family enjoyed summers in a cabin he built in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and at the family lake house on Lake Hamilton, where they shared many cherished moments together.
Ronnie is survived by the love of his life and bride of 45 years, Beth, and their children: Brooke Woods Bagwell (Barry), Don Johnson (Kari), and Ross Woods (Cristen). He is also survived by his siblings, Sammye Lee Woods, John Allen Woods and Elisabeth Woods Grant. His grandchildren—Katy Mangrum, Rebecca Mangrum, Aidan Johnson, Avery Johnson, Garrett Johnson, Barrett Woods, and Bristol Woods—will miss his adventurous spirit and his willingness to embrace life’s journey at a moment’s notice. Additionally, Ronnie leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will carry on his legacy.
The family would also like to extend sincere love and appreciation for his dedicated care-givers: Brenda, Marquita, Dee-Dee and Ravonda.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Young’s Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Clark Whitney and Rev. Tommy Kimball officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences can be expressed online at ww.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Woods family.
Obituaries
Homer “Moonpie” Cottrell, El Dorado

Homer Russell “Moonpie” Cottrell, 81, of El Dorado, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at his residence. He was born on August 3, 1943 to Homer LaRoy and Marjorie Maxine Griffith Cottrell in El Dorado, AR.
He was retired from Lion Oil, where he worked as a lab technician and was of the Baptist faith.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife, Lajuana Dale Davis Cottrell; sister, Nancy Wilson; and life long friends, Lenny Luker and Bill Givens.
Survivors include his two sons, Todd Cottrell (Myra), Chris Cottrell (Shannan); sister, Debbie Cook (Larry); grandchildren, Jake (Kaitlyn), Brooke, Matthew (Linda), Clint, Madelyn, Jordyn, Chase, Alex (Amora); great grandchildren, Quinn, Kye, Emma Jane, Beau, Carter, Stella; and a host of loved ones, including Linda Caldwell and family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm in Young’s Chapel with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Cottrell family.
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