Marla Lou Hendrix

Marla Lou Hendrix, 78, of Bald Knob went to be with the Lord Friday, April 24th. She was at her home when she passed peacefully from this world into the next. Marla was born to the late Linnie Kendall and Veo Bennett Kendall of Bald Knob on April 14, 1942. She is survived by her daughter, Tammela Butler Reichel and son-in- law Jim Reichel of Redmond, WA. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lindy Franklin Kendall of Niles Michigan (1992) as well as her first husband, Christopher Davol Butler of Bald Knob (1973) and her second husband, Robert Nile (Bobby) Hendrix of Bald Knob (2018). About a year after her graduation from Bald Knob High School in 1960, Marla married Davol Butler. Together, they had one daughter, Tammela. Davol succumbed to his injuries from an auto accident in September of 1973. Then, after a lengthy 3 month courtship, she married Robert in May of 1975. They were married for almost 43 years before his death in January 2018. Marla was a member of Central Baptist Church in Bald Knob. She was a dedicated Sunday school teacher for over 40 years, initially for the children of First Baptist and finally for her beloved Ruth Class of ladies at Central Baptist. Her first love was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whom her faith was grounded, then her family, and then her church. She had such a heart for the elderly and those who were hurting, being quick with a pot of soup or a card filled with scripture and encouraging words. She was a natural born caregiver caring for her mother-in-law, then mother, and finally for Robert as they each neared the end of their lives. She also tended to "adopt" widow ladies in her neighborhood and church, checking in, taking food, running errands and most importantly being their friend. Her love knew no limits. Marla was a skilled homemaker and dedicated mother. She designed her kitchen and even some of her furniture which she then had built. She took great pleasure in beautifully decorating her home. Some might be surprised to know that through the years Marla wrote songs, poetry, and even plays and skits for church. She was quite creative but never considered herself to be so. Marla loved with all of her heart and her departure will leave a hole in the hearts of the many who loved her. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church of Bald Knob or Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. *Graveside services will be live streamed on the Powell Funeral Home Facebook page* Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob. COVID-19 restrictions are in place during these hours. Graveside services will be Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shady Grove Cemetery Pavilion and social distancing guidelines will be observed. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Marla Lou Hendrix

April 14, 1942 - April 24, 2020