Dale Hunter Lane Kidwell

Dale Hunter Lane Kidwell, 73, of McCrory, Arkansas departed this life on Monday, December 29, 2025 in Searcy, Arkansas. She was born May 3, 1952 in Newport, Arkansas to the late Dorr and Kathleen Hunter. Dale married the love of her life, Rodney Kidwell, on February 25, and they shared 25 wonderful years together. Dale graduated from Newport High School in 1970. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Harding University, followed by a Master of Science degree in Special Education. Dale dedicated 36 years to teaching special education in the McCrory School District, where she made a lasting impact on countless students and families. Dale was kindhearted and accepting of everyone, regardless of background. She was deeply caring and expressed her love in thoughtful ways, such as handwriting notes and mailing them the old fashioned way. Just another way she succeeded in making people feel truly special. Dale lived life on her own terms not always worrying about what the world thought. She loved in a way that cannot be taught. She was the light in every room, bringing joy and warmth to all those around her. Dale wanted everyone to feel welcomed, seen, and loved. She delighted in good music, good food, and good company, and she especially cherished outside gatherings where she could spend time face to face. A well-known and respected member of her community, Dale quietly helped many people in need without ever seeking recognition. She was a generous supporter of many charities and felt called in her heart to give back. Above all, Dale was blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family and dear friends. Dale was an avid traveler who visited every U.S. state except Hawaii and the New England states. She had a strong love for exploring new places and experiencing new adventures alongside her husband, Rodney. Together, they zip-lined through Horseshoe Canyon in Newton County and kayaked the Cumberland River near Nashville. Dale especially cherished the trips she took with her mom, Kathleen, and her fun loving aunts. They enjoyed destinations such as Alaska, Niagara Falls, and Washington, D.C. In 2021, Dale and Rodney traveled to the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, where they fished and snorkeled in the Sea of Cortez—described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.” Dale had an appreciation for family history and genealogical research, finding great joy in tracing her family’s roots. She and her mother were active members of the Middlebrook Family Association, where they worked diligently to uncover and document the extensive ancestry of the Middlebrook family. Dale was deeply loved by so many, and her absence leaves an ache in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, Rodney Kidwell, her children, Hunter Lane (Christy), Hannah Garner, Savannah Smith (Seneca), and Patrick Kidwell, her grandchildren, Gabbie, Ryan, Landon, Alanna, Jordyn, Christian, Jack, Lily, Joanie, Brittney, Hallie, and Joseph, her great grandchildren, Geovanni, Celeste, Layton, Lynnen, and Laura-Leigh, her nieces, Lisa and Kasey. She is also survived by a host of extended family members and countless friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Doyle Hunter. Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at McCrory United Methodist Church. A reception will be held after services at the McCrory Civic Center from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.. A gathering fit for Mother Dale with snacks and socializing. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dale’s memory with a donation to a charity close to your heart. Among her favorites were Heifer International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as many local programs such as Angel Tree and Backpack programs. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Woodruff County.

Dale Hunter Lane Kidwell

May 3, 1952 - December 29, 2025