Vadie Louise Koller

Vadie Louise Bates Koller

July 12, 1944-August 16, 2025

Vadie Louise "Lou" Weeze, Grandma" Koller (née Bates), age 81, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed from this life on August 16, 2025, in Hot Springs. Born on July 12, 1944, in Perry, Arkansas, Lou lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering devotion to family, and joyful service to others.

Lou graduated from Cutter Morning Star High School in Hot Springs as part of the Class of 1963. From an early age, she was reared in a close-knit family that placed their trust in the Lord. Her lifelong commitment to her faith was evident in every aspect of her life. A devoted member of First Pentecostal Church in Hot Springs since childhood, Lou could be found at every service and church activity-her presence a constant source of encouragement and joy to those around her.

She was a dedicated Christian who lived out her beliefs through action. Whether cheering from the stands at countless sporting events, solving crossword puzzles or crafting handmade crochet outfits for her great nieces and nephews, Lou gave generously of her time and talents. Her love for sports was legendary among those who knew her-baseball, softball, basketball, football, volleyball-if someone she loved was playing, Lou was there with a smile and a cheer.

Lou's love extended deeply into her family. She is survived by her beloved husband Ronald D. Koller; daughter Penny R. Barnett (Jay); son Jeremy D. Koller; grandsons JD Barnett, Evan (Lauren) and Ethan Burke; granddaughter Emiley Burke; brother Wilbert (Jackie) Bates; sisters Wanda Clift and Evelena Koller (Doyle); and sisters-in-law Judy Hamilton (Danny) and Grace Koller.

She now joins in eternal rest her parents Leona and Homer Bates; parents in law (Robert and Holland Koller; brothers Eldeen (Mary Jane), Herman (Olline) and Vernon Bates; brothers-in-law Bobby Clift, Robert Koller (Mary Jo), Bill Koller (Ann), Clifton Koller, and Donald (Deana Echols) Koller; sisters-in-law Janis Bates, Shirley Hamilton (Lee) and Dorthy Ward (Alvin); nephews Robert Bates, Billy Bates, Alfred Bates, Dale Clift, Larry Koller, Randy Summerville and Terry Ward; niece Theresa Teague; great nephews Brent Bates and Jessie Teague; beloved fur baby Pepper.

Lou's final pastor was also her last surviving brother, Wilbert Bates-a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy within the Bates family. Her life was one of steadfast faithfulness: as a wife who stood beside her husband with strength and grace; as a mother whose love shaped generations; as a grandmother whose joy lit up every room; as an aunt whose hands created warmth through yarn and heart alike.

A funeral service celebrating Lou's life will be Wednesday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. with visitation at 9:00 a.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Rd Hot Springs, AR 71913.

Pallbearers are JD Barnett, Jay Barnett, Joel Bryant, Evan Burke, Ethan Burke, Richie Clift, Ronny Fincher, Chip Koller, and Randy Rostan.

Special Honorary Pallbearer, lifelong friend Leo Echols, and her "people" Wilbert and Jackie Bates, Doyle and Evelena Koller, and Wanda Clift.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to Tamara Abernathy and the rest of the caregivers at Belvedere Nursing Home for their care and compassion.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we rejoice knowing that Lou is now with her Savior Jesus Christ-the One she served so faithfully all her days. May the memory of Vada Louise "Lou" Koller bring comfort to all who knew and loved her until we meet again.