Biography: Rochelle Smith McFadden, of North Little Rock, passed away at home on Thursday, May 31, 2007, after a courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents Ersell Doss Smith and Grover Smith; and by her beloved Yorkie dog, Sasha. She attended East Side Junior High and Central High School, Little Rock Junior College, L.R.U and University of Arkansas. She taught 1st grade at Wakefield Elementary & Garland Elementary in Little Rock. She was a substitute teacher for private schools in Little Rock and North Little Rock area. She was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, Bob Millett Bible Class and Circle No. 1. She and Jim taught Sunday School for many years and were always active in church activities. She also did volunteer work in the church office. She held many offices in the Bob Millet Class including Secretary, Treasurer, Team Leader and Sunshine Chairman. She had been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for 45 years where she belonged to the Mu Masters Chapter. She was a member of North Little Rock and Little Rock Women’s City Clubs, North Little Rock Extension Club, Pulaski County Retired Teachers group and Professional Engineer Wives Club. She also enjoyed her two social groups, Six Sorority Sisters L.R.U. group and North Little Rock Lunch Bunch that got together at least monthly for lunch. She loved people and made numerous friends. She always planned a Christmas Open House for her friends, family and neighbors – it was the highlight of her year. Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Jimmy; daughter, Michelle McFadden Gentry and the love of her life, her only grandson, Mason Michael Gentry, all of North Little Rock; her beloved Yorkie dog, Ariel; and numerous other close friends and family. Visitation will be 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Ruebel Funeral Home with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Monday in the Chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Marcia Dodd. Entombment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn and the staff of LR Hematology/Oncology Associates, Dr. Lawrence Bandy and staff and the staff of Arkansas Hospice. Memorials may be made to Lakewood Methodist Church (Bob Millett Bible Class or Mothers Day Out Program); Humane Society of Pulaski County; or Arkansas Hospice. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing Rochelle is a great loss to so many. You all have been there for her every step of they way. She never gave up which is why she was with us as long as she was. Her will to live was incredible and she hung on as long as she did because of you. I have such fond memories of Rochelle. She meant so much to our family. Mom will never be the same without her. She truly was a best friend. We will keep you in our prayers as you try to pick up the pieces. She is in a place where there is no suffering and you will see her again one day. My heart breaks for precious Mason because he is the one who misses out on knowing just how amazing his grandmother was. I know you will keep her memory alive. We love you! Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Glenn, Suzie, Jeremy, Parker, and Dawson Thames