Ernestine Carpenter

Ernestine (Teena) E. Hooker Carpenter of Fayetteville, AR died May 2, 2011, at the age of 94. She was born in Seligman, Barry County, Missouri to Ernest and Ruth McClain Hooker. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; Fern Rubow of Seligman, Mo and Betty Walker of Springdale; and one brother, Paul Hooker of Rogers. Teena graduated from Seligman High School in Seligman, Mo and from Draughn's Business College in Springfield, Mo. She was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) at Green County Courthouse of Springfield. When the local office closed, she transferred to the State Office in Kansas City. She served her country during World War II as Secretary to the Contracting Officer for the Army Air Corps and Northern American Bomber Plant in Kansas City which made the B-25 Mitchell bombers. Teena married James W. Carpenter on December 23, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jim returned from World War II in October of 1945, and in 1948, Teena, Jim and their infant son, David, moved from Kansas City to Springdale. There they owned and operated Jim's Radio on Hwy 71 in Springdale which later became Jim's Radio, TV and Communications. Their second son, Ken, was born in Springdale. Teena attended First United Methodist Church of Springdale where she sang in the choir for 32 years. She and her husband were avid dancers enjoying ballroom and square dancing. They were members of the Springdale Shiloh Square Dance Club and Elks Club. Teena was active in the community in PTA; was a Charter Member of the Springdale Youth Center Board of Directors; a member of Beta Sigma Phi and past secretary of Arkansas Television and Electronics Service Association. While working in Springfield, she sang in the Gospel Quartet on KWTO. She was a well loved member of the community and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Jim, of 67 years; two sons, David J. Carpenter, his wife Vonita, and Kendal H. Carpenter, both of Springdale, AR; one granddaughter, Shannon Carpenter of Springdale; one grandson, Bradley Carpenter of Fayetteville; one brother-in-law, Bill Walker, of Springdale and one sister-in-law, Kathy Hooker Barnard of Kansas City, MO. The family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of Butterfield Trail Village who have lovingly cared for her since she moved there on September 11, 2001. A memorial service will be held at Butterfield Trail Village of Fayetteville in the Convocation Room on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Judy Van Hoose officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bayless Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 14, Gateway, Arkansas 72733 or First United Methodist Church, 206 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, Arkansas 72764.

Ernestine Carpenter

October 24, 1916 - May 2, 2011