Biography: Gwyneth Erxleben passed away peacefully the morning of 28 July 2023, surrounded by her daughters and devoted caregiver, Shelly. She was born in Ontario, Canada in 1936. She found Edward Erxleben when she was 17 years old in California, and after a brief courtship, they married in 1954. Their marriage was punctuated by 27 moves all over the United States and across the pond as well, during Edward’s military career. Gwyneth was active in Officers’ Wives Clubs across the country, as well as other volunteer organizations such as the Red Cross and Beta Sigma Phi, during her career as a military wife. Once Edward retired, they happily settled in Little Rock. She became immersed in the Quapaw Quarter Association, which led to lifelong friendships and to the opportunity to serve as the curator of the Villa Marre for many years. She combined her skills as a master seamstress with her love of history and theater in Custom Costumes, the business she began with her beloved friend, David Garner, and continued on her own for many years. This adventure led to very busy Halloweens, many theater productions at local churches, schools and Murray’s Dinner Theater, the creation of mascots, and even television and movie costuming, not to mention gorilla and Darth Vader costumes in the kitchen. Custom Costumes was the springboard to her involvement in Altrusa, in which she invested so much time and effort. She also enjoyed her experiences at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and treasured the relationships founded there. Gwyneth loved to host parties and was in her element holding court with her guests.
Edward and Gwyneth had two daughters, Laurie and Jennifer, and six grandchildren, to whom they were doting grandparents. Gwyneth had a never-ending supply of tissue-wrapped packages, milk and cookies, and Christmas dinners for the grandchildren, while Edward had a never-ending supply of Jack and the Beanstalk stories. She was overjoyed to spend time with her two great-grandchildren, Cassandra and Ace, who just so happen to be the two most amazing children on the planet, if not the galaxy.
Gwyneth is survived by her daughter, Laurie Hartweg, without whom she would have been lost for the past seven years, and grandson, Edward John Rogers, upon whom she depended for support, security and companionship for several years. Laurie’s husband Karsten’s contribution cannot be understated. Gwyneth is also survived by younger daughter, Jennifer Pomerleau and her husband Steeve. Gwyneth is survived by Laurie’s children, Jonathan Cain and his partner Julie Curtis, Kelly Cain and her partner Steele Scott, and Reagan Rojas and her husband Daniel and their son Ace, and Jennifer’s children, Paul Rogers and his wife Rebecca Trubitt and daughter Cassandra, Edward John Rogers, and Henry Rogers. She also leaves behind a myriad of friends whom she valued dearly.
Laurie and Jennifer wish to thank the herculean efforts of Shelly, Gayla, and Diane to give Gwyneth comfort, dignity, and love in the last days of her life.
Jennifer, who one might have assumed correctly was the author of this obituary, is so happy to acknowledge the privilege of being sister to Laurie and how fortunate Gwyneth was for Laurie’s true devotion to Gwyneth no matter the challenge.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 am till Noon on Saturday, 5 August 2023 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com