MaryAnne Cruthirds

1945 - 2023

WYNNE - The world lost an angel, and heaven gained one with the passing of MaryAnne Bartlett Cruthirds, 78, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

If Wynne, "The City with a Smile," had an ambassador, it would have been MaryAnne. She was proud of her Southern roots and her hometown and was known for her generosity and kindness. Always the 'Southern lady' she was equally at home having dinner with the hunters at Bartlett Hunting Club, or working to save and restore downtown Wynne with the Downtown Revitalization group.

MaryAnne was born April 8, 1945, in Cross County. She attended Wynne High School, followed by Arkansas State University where she earned a Master of Science in Education and was a member of Phi Mu sorority.

On June 11, 1966, she married her soulmate, Norris Patten Cruthirds, at Wynne First United Methodist Church. She worked in special education at Cross County School and afterward, shared her high school twirling talents when she opened "MaryAnne's Majorettes."

She was a lifelong lover of animals whether it was her beloved show horse Trigger, working with dog rescues, or just painting the hummingbirds outside her window. Other organizations she devoted her time to through the years were the City Arts Council, Garden Club, Progressive Club, Rotary, Gay Kittrell's Art Class, the Eastern Star, the Wynne Animal Shelter, and as a Spare Leader at Wynne Intermediate School.

She was an avid golfer and worked on the FedEx Golf Tournament every year. More recently, MaryAnne helped to deliver lunches to school children during COVID and volunteered at the Tornado Distribution Center. She was a member of Central Methodist where she played the piano and was church secretary.

MaryAnne is survived by her husband of 57 years, Norris Cruthirds, and a cousin, Rusty Hathcock and wife Jackie. She was godparent to their children, Brock Hathcock and Blake Hathcock Baker; she is survived by other family members, a multitude of friends, and her walking companion, rescue dog Dots, who walked with her every day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Marie Owen Bartlett, and a half brother, Jack Bartlett Jr.

MaryAnne was a rare jewel who was born to make others feel special and she was an inspiration to many. She will be remembered for this special quality, always lifting others up, or just putting a smile on someone's face with her 'quirky' sense of humor. And she will be greatly missed.

Visitation was at 10 a.m. Friday at Kernodle Funeral Home, followed by a service at 11 a.m. Burial was in Crosslawn Cemetery. Kernodle Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Central United Methodist Church in care of Glenda Futrell, 208 CR 237, Cherry Valley 72324, and the Wynne Animal Shelter.

Online registry: www. kernodlefh.com