Obituaries

Toby Snyder of Harrison

A people magnet, Toby Snyder, 79, passed away Monday, January 2, 2023, in Harrison, Arkansas. Toby finally succumbed after a monthslong battle with incurable cancer, in her home in the care of four of her best friends. Toby was born August 1, 1943, to Al and Lil Blumsack in Boston, Massachusetts. Toby took great joy in getting to know the people around her. With both humor and straight talk, she improved the lives of anyone she touched as she went about her work in real estate, sales and travel, or just in her daily outings. When Toby relocated from Miami to Harrison, she immediately made her mark. Many knew her from her years’ operating Main Street Trader on the square. Others knew her from her dedication in helping to establish a Hospice House in Harrison. Who but Toby would have the nerve to cold - call antique appraisers from The Antiques Roadshow and get them to Harrison for multiple hospice fundraisers. People across the country knew Toby as their travel agent of choice for the perfect river cruise or trip around the world. Toby was a fabulous cook and foodie and will be remembered for always showing up with treats, sweets, cakes, cookies or big bowls of chili and soups to share with the community. Toby had a deep love for animals and over the years adopted and fostered numerous cats. She held a warm spot for Labrador Retrievers and took her dogs IV and then Marley with her everywhere. She is survived by brother, Larry Blumsack, his wife Carol, Toby’s nephews, Joel Blumsack, Paul Blumsack and Michael Blumsack, and great nieces and a great nephew. Memorial gifts may be made to Ozark Humane Society, P. O. Box 542, Harrison, Arkansas 72602 , ozarkhumanesociety.org Care entrusted to Diamond State Funerals

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Mary Casson of Yellville

Mary Catherine Casson, age 75, of Yellville, Arkansas passed away on December 30, 2022, at her home. Mary was born on April 13, 1947, in Sturgis, South Dakota to the James and Lorene Horton Kelley. She married her husband Raymond Casson in 1964 when she was only 17 years old, and they shared 58 wonderful years together. Mary graduated from Northern Illinois University with her LPN and worked in the nursing field for over 20 years; nursing was her entire life. She enjoyed knitting and playing games on her phone. Mary is survived by husband, Raymond Casson of the home; and son, Norman Casson of Sycamore, Illinois.

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Linda Hale of Bull Shoals

Linda Jo Grear Hale passed away January 1, 2023, at her home in Bull Shoals, Arkansas after a few months of illness. She was 79-years old and had lived in Bull Shoals for 3 years after moving from Bartlett, Tennessee. Linda was born in Memphis, TN where she attended Kingsbury and Overton High schools.

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Rebecca Houk of Flippin

Rebecca Houk, age 65, of Flippin, Arkansas passed away Saturday December 31, 2022, at her home. Rebecca was born in Harrison, Arkansas September 17, 1957, to Woodrow and Coyeta Hensley McLean. A lifelong resident of the area Rebecca was a member of First Baptist Church in Flippin. She really enjoyed her years working for Flippin school cafeteria because she enjoyed interacting with the students. She loved to garden, go to yard sales, and especially enjoyed fishing as a pastime. She was a loving w i f e , mother, and grandmother. Rebecca is survived by husband, Tim Houk of the home; son, Andrew Houk of Mesa, Arizona; daughter, Stacey Foor of Bull Shoals; brother, Ronald McLean of Pyatt; grandchildren: Sebastian Houk, Hannah Houk; nieces: Carla Shipman, Holly Hudson; nephews: David Wallace, Brad McLean; and her Chihuahua fur babies, Marilyn, L.B., and Holly. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sue Wallace; and niece, Anna Wallace.

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