Mary Murdock Arensmeier Whisenhunt

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Mary Murdock Arensmeier Whisenhunt, 90, of Little Rock died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, under the care and kindness provided by a host of loving caregivers at Baptist over a period of many months who, more than once, provided for her care. The family is especially grateful for the nurses and staff who comforted her in her last hours. She will be remembered as a strong, loving mother to her boys and a quiet personal role model to her grandchildren, admired and respected by everyone who knew her.

She was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Cumberland, Iowa to Bob and Carrie Arensmeier, and was married to Kemp Whisenhunt, Sr.(1921-1993).

Mary is survived by her three sons and their families: Kemp Whisenhunt, Jr,(Donna Myers) of Little Rock; Stacia Trice (Davis and Andrew);

Ashley Harris (David Harris, Mason and Sam), all of Fayetteville; Brock Whisenhunt, Sr., (Carter Afflick Whisenhunt) of Little Rock; Jennifer White (Spencer White, Campbell and Mary Carter) Phoenix, Ariz; Blair Kaiser (LTC Blair I. Kaiser, Evan, Alex, Carter Elizabeth), Cheyenne, WY;

Brock Whisenhunt, Jr., Little Rock; Trent Whisenhunt (Kathleen McAuley Whisenhunt), Johanna (Gracie), Lauren(Will Caywood, Ellie), Andrew (Joy), Graham, Gregory(Angnieszka), and Zack, all of Augusta, Ga.

She is also survived by her devoted companion and close friend, John Williams, Little Rock, and her cousin and best friend Joyce Arensmeier Strumph (Clarence), DeSoto, Mo; her sisters-in-law, Vernell Baldino (1922-2003), I.V. Thomas, Bee Branch, Ark.; Faye Buononato, Las Vegas, NV; Mary Alice Whisenhunt, Bee Branch, Ark.; Bobbie Sue Clark (Simpson Clark), Louisville, Ky; Bonnie Lou Higden(Jerry Higden), Santa Ana, Ca;

Glenna Mae Biviano, Searcy, Ark.; brother-in-law, Joe Whisenhunt, Sr., Story, WY; and dozens of nieces and nephews scattered across the country.

She was the matriarch of this extended family, and all considered her as a sister for over 70 years.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in Elmwood Cemetery, Dr. Tommy Carney officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Blytheville, or the American Cancer Society, 901 North University Avenue Little Rock , AR 72207-6355.

Cobb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.