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Submitted: 9/8/16 • Approved: 9/11/16 • Last Updated: 9/14/16 • R1154316-G1154315-S3
September 11, 1846 - September 27, 1928
Wife of Riley Collins Ward
*Obituary
Gentry Journal-Advance
Thursday, October 4, 1928
Trapped in a room by a blaze which completely destroyed her home two and one-fourth miles east of Gentry last Thursday, Mrs. Riley Ward, age 82 years, was burned to death, the body being completely charred and crushed by the falling, burning timbers of the dwelling. The blaze was discovered at about 12:30 in the afternoon by neighbors who immediately went to the scene but the fire had gained such headway that efforts to staunch the flame were of no avail. As soon as the blaze had subsided to an extent that an examination of the debris was possible the charred and burned remains of the aged woman were discovered. From appearances it would seem that the woman had discovered the house was afire and had attempted to save a portion of the household goods when she was either overcome by the smoke or had fallen while endeavoring to carry articles from the room. Immediately after discovery of the body authorities were notified and the Carpenter ambulance was summoned, the remains being brought to Gentry for preparation for burial. The victim of the blaze had been a resident of this section of Benton county for more than sixty-five years and was well-known to most of the citizens, being a cheerful and friendly personage at all times. The deceased is survived by one son, Will Ward, of near Siloam Springs; two daughters, Mrs. Kent and Mrs. Goodwin, also of near Siloam Springs. Funeral services were held at the Fairmount church Friday afternoon, followed by interment in Fairmount cemetery.
*Obituary
Benton County Record & Democrat & Sun
Thursday, October 11, 1928
Mrs. Riley Ward, aged 82 years, was burned to death last Thursday when fire destroyed her farm home two miles east of Gentry. As Mrs. Ward was alone at the time the origin of the fire is undetermined. Neighbors seeing the cloud of smoke rushed to her home but the building was half destroyed when they reached there. After the fire her charred remains were found and an ambulance from Gentry phoned for. Funeral services and burial were at Fairmount Friday afternoon. Surviving her is a son, Will Ward, and two daughters, Mrs. Goodwin and Mrs. Kent, all living east of Siloam Springs. She had been a resident of Benton county for more than 60 years.
Contributed on 9/8/16 by mdfreels
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Record #: 1154316