One of the most beautiful stories ever written closed its final chapter June 23, 2016. Louise Hale was born May 15, 1925 in McCrory, Arkansas to her parents S.V. and Martha (Johnson) Dawson. Her beginning was humble, but growing up on a farm instilled in her a work ethic that would be applied to every aspect of her life. The baby of a family with three boys gave her a toughness that would endure.
At a young age, Louise developed a love for the Word of God. She became a student of the scriptures and passed her knowledge on to untold multitudes, teaching Sunday School for over 70 years. In 1969, she and her husband, M.T. Hale, Jr., would move to Hot Springs and purchase Caruth Funeral Home that would later be known as Caruth-Hale. Little did she know, she would establish a legacy of compassion, care, and service that her community recognizes even to this day. She worked hard at the funeral home keeping the books, styling hair, and instilling meticulous attention to detail in all who were employed there. She was a member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church for 42 years.
As her duties at the funeral home began to decrease, her duties elsewhere increased. She was a faithful volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital for over 20 years. She was quite a hostess, throwing parties in her home, ranging from bridal parties to baby showers to birthday parties; and for a period of time, seven different Christmas parties each year.
Louise was a picture of meekness; power under control. She never used her status or position to boost herself, but instead used her resources to elevate others. She was a giver in every sense of the term. She gave of her finances, her possessions, but most importantly, she gave of her time.
She was preceded in death by her husband, M.T. Hale, Jr.
Survivors include her children, Phil Hale and Marsha Arledge (Robert); grandchildren, Bryan Hale (Lauren) & his children Ethan & Lindsey; Jeremy Arledge (Melissa), Kimberly Starr (Brandon) & her children Brodie & Emily; and faithful friend and caregiver Annette Timbs (Robert).
Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
Louise’s “Last Party”, a celebration of her life, will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel conducted by her friends and family. Graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Bryan Hale, Jeremy Arledge, Robert Timbs, Mark Scrivner, Joe Peters, Joe Woosley, Boyd Heath, and Jim Morrissey.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Annette & Robert Timbs, Carol & Mark Scrivner, and Carol & Joe Peters.
Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.