of Austin, AR
July 15, 1933 - September 20, 2023
Nora Isabell Hegi, known to her loved ones as Nora or Izzy, peacefully passed away on September 20, 2023 at the age of 90 in Austin, Arkansas. Born on July 15, 1933 in Swedeborg, Missouri, Nora was the daughter of Wilbert James Sloan and Opal Fay (Maness) Sloan. She was preceded in death by her parents. Her husband, George Louie (G.L.) Hegi temporarily left her side to be with the Lord in October, 2020. Nora was also preceded in death by her brothers, Bill Sloan, Kenneth Sloan, Paul Sloan and sisters, Doris Stinson and Betty Mitchell. She is survived by her sister, Polly Kirk and brother, Jerry Sloan. She also has two more brothers, Harry Sloan and Jim Sloan, whose status and location is uncertain at this time.
Nora's memory will be cherished by her loving family. She is survived by her son, Larry Hegi and her daughters, Melinda Green (Hegi) and Janet Ray (Hegi). Nora was a proud grandmother to Johnny Hill, Joey Branscum (Kandi), Jamie Branscum and special friend Jeff, Michael Starkey, Kenneth Green, Terry Ray (Tammy), Paul Ray and Jeff Ray. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Nora's educational journey led her to Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri where she met the love of her life, George (G.L.) Hegi. Throughout her life, she held various jobs. Nora started her career as an IBM Key Punch Operator for Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis, Missouri. She then ventured into secretarial work, house cleaning and church janitorial duties. However, her most important and cherished role was that of a devoted wife and mother.
Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Nora attended Baptist Churches for most of her life. She played a pivotal role in founding Sunny Gap Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas, alongside her friends and fellow church members. After her husband's passing, she found solace in attending Oak Bowery Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas with her daughter and son-in-law, Jerry and Janet Ray.
Outside of her professional and religious life, Nora found joy in various hobbies. She had a green thumb and loved spending time in her garden, as well as canning fruits and vegetables. Nora also had a talent for crocheting and enjoyed immersing herself in Amish/Christian romance and historical fiction novels. Her Bible was a constant companion and she found great fulfillment in studying and reading it.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas, on Monday, September 25, 2023 from 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 10 am at Oak Bowery Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas.
The compassionate staff at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas is assisting the family during this difficult time.
Larry, Melinda, Janet, and the rest of the family - I can only imagine the great loss you feel in the passing of Nora. I remember her always being in a good mood, and making everyone feel welcome and loved as soon as she could reach them. Sweet, precious and kind... and the love she and your dad shared was very special. Sad she is no longer here, but thankful that she is healthy and whole in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. May God grant you peace, comfort and rest, as only He can (John 14:27).
My deepest condolences and prayers to your family. I remember meeting her many years ago in Bolivar where the college was. It was a long time ago but I remember a very sweet lady. I’m very sorry to hear of her passing and Melinda, I’m here for you I’m just a phone call away.
She was such a Blessing to me. We were prayer partners in our Sunday school class. She was a true vessel of our lord. I will truly miss this very special lady!!!
As I was reading this beautiful memory showing love and devotion to a wonderful wife and mother and loving grandma, I have never had the privilege to meet her, but getting to know her two daughters it shows just how much of a true Godly woman she was. God bless her family the Godly legacy Nora has left behind.
She was such a Blessing to me. We were prayer partners in our Sunday school class. She was a true vessel of our lord. I will truly miss this very special lady!!!