Anita Dell Buttram

Anita Dell Jones Buttram, 89 years old, passed from this life surrounded by her daughter and son in law, September 26, 2022 at the Magnolia Place in Rogers, Arkansas. She packed her bags for another adventure and changed her address.

Anita is a 5th generation resident of Northwest Arkansas; the descendant of pioneers that moved to the NWA region in the 1850’s. She was born, March 8,1933 at her grandparent’s home in Rogers. A daughter of the late J.W. “Bill” Jones and Audrey Carol Ford Jones. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Joe Don Jones and her husband of 57 years, W. Dan Buttram.

Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she was an ambassador for Rogers from a young age. Even as a child, she possessed a contagious smile, beautiful eyes and a glow that drew others to her. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and friendly demeanor that was infectious and won the trust and hearts of many, who even in her last chapter won many friends by her constant nurturing love and encouragement. Her signature gift of spreading love and joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter let her light shine to others.

Anita attended school in Rogers, starting from 2nd grade at Central Ward and graduated from Rogers High School in 1951. Her favorite activity was roller skating at Lake Atalanta. In 1950, she was chosen as Miss Lake Atalanta which granted her a free year of roller skating and swimming. She enjoyed singing and sang at her graduation “You will never walk alone”. When Anita was a senior, she began working in the Rogers Public School administration office, Birch Kirksey was superintendent and she also worked as a soda jerk at Rose Drug Store.

After graduating high school, she worked at the Woods Insurance Agency across the street from the Rogers Post Office. Dan Buttram worked at the Post Office and many trips to the Post Office became necessary. They married 02/17/1955 in the First Christian Church Minister’s Office and honeymooned in New Orleans.

When her daughter, Karen Walls was born, she stayed home but stayed active in the Rogers schools. She had a natural gift for being a mother and caregiver for her family. She may have had only one child but was a loving, fun lady for Karen’s friends. Anita was a home room mom, a scout leader and chaperone for the Marching Mountie High School Band.

When Karen turned 16, Anita started working full time for the Rogers Public Schools as the first Special Ed secretary and after 8 years, transferred to the Administration office as the receptionist under Superintendents Lingle, Tillery and Smith before retiring in 1994. She was the welcoming voice of the Rogers School system and offered a warm welcome to Rogers and the School system as the area would grow. She worked for Four superintendents during her tenure with the Rogers Schools.

Her greatest joy in life was being a daughter, wife and mother. Creating joyous times with family and friends. Her roast beef, ham and pumpkin pie were holiday staples but the technique was not handed down because there was “nothing” to it.

After retiring, Dan and Anita enjoyed traveling and as they grew older, Dan, Anita, Karen & Frank made many trips together.

After Dan passed away in 2012, Anita remained in their home. Frank and Karen had moved back to Rogers in 1993 to be close by her parents living about 2 blocks away. About 6 months after his passing, she rescued “Puddin” who became her partner in crime and devoted companion. Karen and Anita made many girl adventures and Frank was always available to assist Anita with anything she needed.

A few years ago, the doctors discovered that she had a brain aneurysm. It was too risky to operate and she lived a normal independent life until Feb. 27, 2021. Her balance and memory were being impacted by it so she and Puddin moved to the Magnolia Place where they were both well cared for and loved.

During her lifetime, Anita was involved in her Rogers community serving as a member of the Northside PTA, Girl Scouts, Chaperone, being an Elder’s wife, Church activities, American Legion Auxiliary, Turtle Creek POA board and worked the voting booths during local elections.

Wherever Anita was, she made friends by spreading joy, compassion and her beautiful smile her entire life. She was a Proverbs 31 woman and a Christian all of her life.

Anita is survived by her daughter, Karen A. Walls and Frank Walls of Rogers; Devoted Pet - Puddin' Buttram –now boss of Frank and Karen; her brother’s children, Eric P. Jones and Kevin F. Jones; cousins, David Cunningham and Pat Harris; numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family.

Memorial donations can be made to:

• NWA Food Bank, 1378 June Self Dr, Springdale, AR 72764 or www.NWAFoodBank.org

• Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd, Springdale, AR 72762 or www.NWACircleOfLife.com

• Humane Society for Animals Inc, 407 E Nursery Rd Rogers, AR 72758 or NWAHumaneSocietyForAnimals.org

Yet, beyond financial donations, Anita always loved and sincerely cared about other people. She would encourage you to do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say “I love you” in her memory.

Services will held Saturday, October 1 at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers with Jackie Chesnutt officiating. Visitation from Noon to 2:00 PM. Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow in Rogers Cemetery. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support which are too numerous but would like to highlight the extraordinary staff at the Magnolia Place, Dr. James Byrum and Mercy staff, Debbie’s Pharmacy and Circle of Life Hospice. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RollinsFuneral.com for the Buttram family.