Eualdene Knapp Files (Dene)

Eualdene Knapp Files (Dene), age 90, of Springdale, passed away after an extended illness on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at her home at The Gardens At Arkanshire Retirement Community in Springdale, Arkansas. She was born in Poteau, Okla., November 4, 1926, the daughter of the late Ual Knapp and Myrtle (Smith) Knapp Mock. The family, at the time of the birth of their daughter, together owned a cattle ranch near Albion, Okla. Dene graduated from Albion High School in 1944 and was employed at Tinker Air Force Base when she married Dale Files on November 14, 1945. Dale had recently returned from World War II, serving as a nose gunner, flying 51 missions on a B-24 bomber. Over the next several years, the young couple lived in Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas, but eventually returned to Oklahoma and ranching when Dale's dad retired. A small cattle ranch, sitting below the Kiamichi mountains, would become their home where they would spend a major portion of their lives, working hard to make a living and raise their family. They would remain there, in the home built by Dale's grandparents, until a serious illness on his part eventually led to a move to be closer to children and medical resources. One of Dene's greatest family and life accomplishments was the care that she provided Dale after he became ill. Dene's children will never forget their mom's faithfulness and love given to their dad, knowing that the road was a long and challenging one. Dene is survived by: three children and their families: Ramona Williams of Porter, Texas; Dennis and Lynda Files of Bloomington, Ill.; Ondie and Joe Beavers of Winslow, Ark.; eight grandchildren, David (Kandie) Williams of Spring, Texas, Melissa Williams (Tim Michael) of League City, Texas, Daniel Williams of Tucson, Ariz., Michael Williams (Magdiel Delgado) of Houston, Texas; Megan (Nathan) Baumann of Bloomington, Ill., Allie (Byron) Hartsock of Champaign, Ill.; Jarod (Christine) Beavers of Winslow, Ark., Zack (Cheyenne) Beavers of Winslow, Ark. and 14 great-grandchildren, Sara and Eric Michael of League City, Texas; Shannon, Jeffery and McKayla Williams of Spring, Texas; Kayleen Williams of Tucson, Ariz.; Cody, Abby and Nora Baumann of Bloomington, Ill.; Nona, Georgia and Lilly Hartsock of Champaign, Ill.; Hannah Young of Winslow, Ark.; Ryann Beavers of Winslow, Ark.; one half-sister: Kay McBride of Stillwater, Okla. and four half-brothers: Eual Knapp of Muldrow, Okla. and Gerald Knapp, Bill Knapp and Wesley Knapp, all of Talihina, Okla; three step-sisters: Dorothea Mock Middleton of Cedar Hill, Texas, and Louise Culley and Linda Baugh both of Talihina, Okla. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Beard's Chapel. Private interment will be at West Fork Cemetery under the direction of Beard's Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAPS, LLC or the nursing team at The Gardens of Arkanshire Retirement Community, 5000 Arkanshire Circle, Springdale, Ark. 72764. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.