Leota Mae Guist

Leota Mae Guist, 93 of Fayetteville passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. We gather to celebrate and remember the beautiful life of Leota Mae Guist—a woman whose love of music, dancing, and family lit up every room she entered and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Leota was born on April 30, 1932, the youngest child of William Andrew “Jack” Miner and Bertha Pearl “Peggy” Miner (Guthrie). She grew up in a lively, loving home filled with music, laughter, and the distinct sounds of her talented brothers. Her siblings—Hiram Lee “Smoky,” Grandvel “Babe,” Zeke, Scott, Mack, Jack “Dub,” and Marie (Zimmerman)—created a home where music wasn’t just background noise—it was the language of joy, comfort, and connection. It was in that joyful chaos that Leota found her rhythm, a rhythm that stayed with her all her life. In April of 1956, Leota married Clyde Junior Guist in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Together they built their life on Berry Street, where they raised a family and shared nearly 50 years of love and partnership until Junior’s passing in 2006. Their bond was strong and enduring, rooted in mutual respect, laughter, and shared memories. Leota was a loving mother to Gerald, Marlin, and Kim, who sadly passed in August of 2024. Her children were her pride, and her love extended even more deeply to her grandchildren: Gerad Guist, Chris Murray, Autumn White, Payton White, and Hayden Guist. And she especially cherished her great-granddaughter, Macy Guist, whose presence brought new light into her later years as well as Charles Caswell, Henry Caswell and Stephen Caswell. To know Leota was to know joy. She loved to dance—and not just a little. She could dance all day long, wearing out partners half her age with her boundless energy and graceful steps. Whether it was a slow tune or an upbeat rockabilly rhythm, Leota found life in every beat. Her home was always filled with music—Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash—the soundtrack of her days and the echo of her soul. Music festivals were her happy place, and her favorite getaways were Branson and Eureka Springs, where the songs were loud, the people were warm, and the memories were always sweet. Leota Mae Guist was the kind of woman who made life feel lighter, more joyful, and more meaningful. She was strong, spirited, and deeply loving. Her legacy lives on through the family she built, the music she danced to, and the joy she gave so freely. Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life full of movement, melody, and love. As we remember her today, may we carry her rhythm in our hearts and find comfort in the song she left behind. Rest in peace, Leota. The music of your life plays on. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 1pm at First Assembly of God in Springdale with Pastor Keith Underhill officiating. Private burial will follow later in Tharp Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12-1pm at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Leota Mae Guist

April 30, 1932 - May 11, 2025