Beatrice Frances Pershall

Beatrice Frances (Bagby) (Ruble) Pershall, 85, of West Fork, Arkansas passed away on November 22, 2017 in Fayetteville. Bea was born on March 20th, 1932 around Chewey, Okla. to Sadie Belle and Pete Bagby, who preceded her in death, as did all six brothers and her Navy veteran husband James Pershall. Bea's brothers nicknamed her "John" so she could be one of the boys. Bea considered herself to be a "tough old bird", especially being a Depression baby, that is until a major stroke showed up in January 2014, which left her wheelchair bound, without the use of her left side. Everyone always expressed that she didn't lose her sense of humor and quick wit, even when she sadly stated she wasn't as tough as she used to be. She had fun getting reactions when saying "Life's short, dessert first!" Her favorite jobs included her first one at Bear Brand Hosiery in Siloam Springs and her last one as a companion at Butterfield Trail Village. Bea was very fond of colorful flowers, country music classics, Elvis, mystery books/movies, her unique collection of earrings and pins, traveling, shopping, catfish and an occasional Dr. Pepper. Bea loved breakfast and could enjoy it for every meal! She was a caring friend and a loving mother, who has now escaped her broken body in favor of a light-filled one with wings. After her stroke, Bea was proud to introduce her daughter as her Guardian Angel. Now, after the second recent stroke, she has Bea-come our Guardian Angel! Bea urges everyone to act on their priorities before it's too late. Everyone 18 and older should get their POA(s), will/trust, and living will documents in place ASAP, keeping them updated as necessary. Everyone will likely be happier for it, with much less drama, in the long run. A special thanks goes out to the Mobility Program at the WR Center for Exercise, especially Tabitha Davis and her wonderful interns, who allowed Miss Bea to feel normal again, as she received her physical therapy while floating in the warm water. Beatrice is survived by daughter, Linda (Ruble) Ralston and husband Phil of Fayetteville, sons, Gary Ruble and wife Wendy, and Terry Ruble in Benton County. "Bea'ma" absolutely loved her three grandchildren, Jace, Wesley, and Kami; also beautiful great-grandbabies, Bella, ("little Bea"), Grady, and Clayton. Also several nieces, nephews, sister and brothers-in-law, former husband Phil Ruble of Rogers, and her sweet Okie cousins. A memorial service will be held at 11-11:30 a.m. this Friday, Dec. 1st at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville. Wear blue in honor of Bea, her most favorite color. Assisting those with critical needs in lieu of flowers encouraged. Visit Beatrice's memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.