Fern Hope West

Fern Hope West, age 81, was born at her home in Enon, Arkansas on July 9, 1940. One of seven children of Ray and Elma (Blevins) Badley. Fern passed from this life Sunday, February 27, 2022.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Elma Badley, two brothers Ray Jr. Badley and John Houston Badley, daughter Debra Fern Ellis, step-daughter Joni (Davis) Ross, and one great grandson Ethan Ray Ellis.
Fern is survived by her daughters Carolyn (Atchison) Sutton and husband Michael of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and JoNette (Atchison) FauntLeRoy and husband John of Tulsa, Oklahoma, son-in-law Curtis Ellis of Oklahoma. Her beloved grandchildren Sarah Brooke FauntLeRoy of Seattle, Washington and Sean FauntLeRoy of California.
She is also survived by one sister Maxine Hall of Berryville and three brothers Gary Badley and wife Burse of Berryville, Arkansas, Larry Badley and wife Mary and Dan Badley and wife Anita both of Oak Grove, Arkansas. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved dearly.
Fern spent her early years growing up on the Yocum Creek. At the age of 8 she helped her dad deliver the mail on horseback. She often told stories of summer watermelon and strawberry patches, walking a mile to school, and milking six cows before and after school. One of the highlights of her teen years was playing volleyball at Blue Eye.
Living most of her life in Berryville, she was a devoted mother to her daughters and most of their friends who found a safe place to stay after school. From 1975 through the 1980's Fern owned and operated Smith Tire, taking many awards for her Bandag Recaps. She has a great crew of guys that were long time employs and were her extended family. She would sell you a tire and before you got out the door you got invited to church. Her pleasures were family gatherings, gardening, travel and devotion to her church.
A Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022 at the First Freewill Baptist Church, 908 Hwy 62 Spur, Berryville, AR. Donations may be made to The Learning Center of North Arkansas, 301 W Trimble, Berryville, AR 72616. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2022.