of Mountain Home, AR
August 19, 1916 - February 11, 2008
Former Arkansas State Senator Vada Webb Sheid, age 91, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, died Monday, February 11, 2008, at her residence. She was born August 19, 1916, in Wideman, Arkansas, to J. W. ''Bill'' and Gertrude Reynolds Webb. On December 31, 1941, she married Carl R. Sheid of Norfork, Arkansas.
Mrs. Sheid was a founder and owner of Sheid's Furniture Company in Mountain Home and a prominent figure in Arkansas politics. She began her career in public service in 1935 at the age of 19 as the Izard County Welfare Director then later served as Baxter County Treasurer, and was the first woman elected to both the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate which she served for over 20 years. Considered among her greatest accomplishments were the sponsoring of legislation to create Arkansas State University-Mountain Home and North Arkansas Community College in Harrison, the construction of the twin bridges over Lake Norfork and many highway projects across north Arkansas.
Mrs. Sheid was a member of First United Methodist Church; the Business and Professional Women; the Baxter County Democratic Club; the Baxter Regional Medical Center Foundation Board, the American Red Cross, and served as chairman of the Arkansas State Police Commission.
She is survived by one son: Richard (and wife,Mary) Sheid: Mountain Home; three grandchildren: Stacy Lane Sheid and Zachary Adam Sheid: both of Mountain Home, and their mother: Donna Wood: Fayetteville; and Ashley Kimberling: West Plains, Missouri; one aunt: Eunice Alexander: Mountain Home; three nieces: Estella Hoffman, Jackie Raney and Jan Yurkowski: all of Norfork; and caregivers: John and Maria Peede: Salesville. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Visitation will be from Noon-9:00 P.M. Wednesday at Roller Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5-8:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 14, 2008, at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Ed Matthews and Reverends Siegfried Johnson and Randy Ludwig officiating. Interment will be in Baxter Memorial Gardens with Joe Dillard, Joe Edmonds, Stan Townsend, Skip Rutherford, Lyndle McCurley, Bob Roten and Roy Danuser serving as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Vada Sheid Community Development Center at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home.
The family would like to extend thanks Dr. Tim Paden and Nurse Cheryl Carrico.
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49 Condolence(s)
Mike and Dianna Roller
Saturday, February 16, 2008
To Richard and all your family members, Mike and I wish to express out sincere sympathy to you and yours at the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and accomplished so much in her life. She will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Mike and Dianna Roller
Dawn Reithel
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Dear Richard and family, I will always remember and treasure the time I spent interviewing Vada and Carl at "the old homestead" on the river for my Ozark People column so many years ago. It was a unique opportunity, as Carl tended to stay out of the limelight that Vada basked in so comfortably and to the benefit of us all. What a perfect match they were, and we were all blessed to have had her out there pitching for this area for so many years and for so many causes. She will truly be missed.
jimmie and carol knight
Friday, February 15, 2008
Dear Richard and family, We are very sorry for your loss.Your mother was a great lady and she will be missed.Your dad and mother was always a great help to us when we needed furniture.Ours prayers are with your family at this time. Jimmie and Carol Knight
Joyce Lechtenberger
Friday, February 15, 2008
We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Herbert and Bobbie Head
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Dear Richard, We were so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I will miss her so much and the conversations we used to have. She was quite a lady and I loved her very much. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that we will see her again someday when it is our turn to go home to be with our Lord. God Bless You, Bobbie and Herbert Head
Billy D. Bryant
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Richard so sorry to hear about your loss. Vada was a very upstanding person. AND A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY.So Sorry we were unable to attend the funeral. She will be missed for all of her good work she has done. Sincerely ' BILLY D. BRYANT'JOYCE' JIMMY AND KAY
Norris & Pat Whitfield
Thursday, February 14, 2008
An old Friend is always deeply missed
Don Blair
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Richard and family my condolences on Vada's passing. She was a great lady and will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Don Blair
Howard Middleton
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What a wonderful lady , who led such an incredible life. She accomplished so much and touched so many. Mrs Vada you will be missed. My thoughts are with you Richard, Adam and Stacy.
Bob and Donna Ross
Thursday, February 14, 2008
So sorry to hear about your Mother, she was a very lovely woman.
Jay and Karen Garnett
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Richard and Mary- Please accept Karen's and my sincerest condolences on the passing of Richard's mother. She will always be in your hearts and she is now about to do the things that she was unable to do in her later years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jay and Karen Garnett
Randy Anderson
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May your mother finally hear the words believers spend a lifetime to receive:"Well done, my good and faithful servant:"
Marilyn Luther McCurdy
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Richard & family Your mother was a very special lady. She helped me find my first job after high school. I always enjoyed visiting with her. My family thought the world of her too. She will be greatly missed by so many.
Jim&Susan Hilinski
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Dear, Richard & Family, our Prayer's and Blessing's, are with you, and your family. Sincerely Yours, Jim, Susan& Heather Hilinski Belated Elmer "Bud" & Effie Meinen
Laura Bell Blair
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Veda was such a joy. So sorry to here of her passing. She will be missed by many.
Jennifer Lechtenberger Johnson
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Stacy and Adam, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. She was a remarkable woman who accomplished so many GREAT things for Baxter county. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ALL.
Kirk, Edna, Cameron and William Rhoads
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Mrs. Sheid, Thank you for your dedicated service to all beings. May you rest in eternal peace, happiness and well-being. The Rhoads
Ron & Sue Calaway
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard and children, We want you to know that we are thinking of you all through the loss of your Mother & Grandmother. She was truly a special lady who gave much to her family, her community, her state and others are richer for having known her. Ron & Sue Calaway
Bob Russ Webb
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard and Mary, We're so sorry to hear that your mother passed away. She had such a great impact in so many peoples lives and she will be greatly missed by everyone. Our prayers will be with you. We're sorry that we won't be able to attend the service but will be thinking of everyone.
carol bellsnyder
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Friend and Sheid employee
lucinda blair
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Always in our thoughts
Randall Willoughby
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My condolences to the family.
Steve & Stacey Teeple
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard & Mary, We are so sorry to hear of you loss. Words cannot express the sympathy one feels in a time like this. Please know that Steve and my prayers are with you and your family.
Tara (Hancock) Rowland
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Adam, My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You And Your Family At This Time!!
charlene mahan schlotzhauer
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard & Family, My best memories of your incredible Mother were when she would rush into the Baxter Bulletin to see editor, George Smith, during the early 1970's. Working as a receptionist, I saw first... all of the hard work, tenacious spirit & ground breaking it took, to truly make a difference! She worked for her friends & neighbors. Vada was a great role model for all women, young & old. She pushed through all of the good ol' boys, while in the House & Senate & got the job done! Baxter County has thrived because she didn't worry about discrimination, she would always smile, stay focused and keep going! When my aunt Reba Smith was killed in a car accident, Vada visited my Grandparents, Ben & Lena Quick. The tiny room was full of people with no where to sit. Vada refused a chair and sat on the floor sharing stories about Reba & Gene. As all of you know she was one in a million, an Arkansas treasure! May God hold you in His loving arms, comfort you & be with you now and in the quiet sad moments ahead. Charlene Mahan Schlotzhauer
Tim and Missy Myers
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family with the passing of such a special lady.....
James Bost
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard - My deepest condolences
Shawn and Tom Marhefka
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard, Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by many. Her legacy to the area will live on for the generations. It was a pleasure to know her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kent & Oleta Martin
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
We are so sorry for you familys loss Vada was a Baxter County Icon, and is going to be deeply missed by many
Paula Cooper
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
VADA WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON&DID SO MUCH FOR SO MANY-SHE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH-MY DEEPEST&UTMOST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY-GOD BE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME&ALWAYS-PAULA COOPER
Judy (Allen) Shields
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richard, my prayers are with you and your family during this time of your loss. My memories of Vada and Carl goes back many years to when they owned and operated a grocery store where the used funiture store is now. Your parents and mine, Virgil and Estelle Allen, had a business and personal relationship that spanned many years. Vada did so many good, great things for the people of Baxter County and the state. She always had a smile on her face and a warm greeting for everyone. Those that knew her will never forget her.
Paula Abshure
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Richard and family, I have some great memories of your mom. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Myrtle Helm Watkins
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Vada fit my description of a wonderfull person.She was always ready to help anyone. I have a special place in my memories of Vada and Carl. I'm sure she touched many families in Baxter County, especially the Norfork area, where my family lived. She will be missed.
Dr. and Mrs. Ryan Giedd
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Dear Richard and Mary, Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. At times like this, words cannot say the things we'd like them to, but may it be a help to know our thoughts are there with you. With Sympathy, Ryan & Faith
Dr. Bruce & Stacy White
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
To our dear friends, Richard & Mary, Stacy Lane and Adam, we are saddened by the passing of one , fabulous woman--your beloved mother and grand-mother. There were so many times that I came into your store, greeted at the very front by sweet Vada...always dressed nicely, hair done, make-up on, and a smile on her lovely face. For the last few years, it's been an obvious difference that Miss Vada was unable to be at the store. Please know that this wonderful woman made many differences in our state, but, also in many lives of individuals...she will always be dear to my heart...God bless your family..We love you all. Dr.Bruce and Stacy White, and children
Roger and Vallerie Hightower
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
We simply cannot imagine Mountain Home without Vada Sheid. Our deepest sympathies.
Marsha Wait Barker
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Dear Richard and family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Miss Vada...she was such an awesome woman who truly cared about her community and her friends. We are all so blessed to have had her as a part of our lives. God's blessings.
Pat Fudge
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Richard, I really do not have to tell what a great person your mother was she touched so many. J.W. and myself always could expect a smile and a funny comment when we spoke with her. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Pat Fudge
Sam Hayre
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Richard, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Mrs Vada ,what an inspiration to us all!
Robb and Trina Cox
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Richard and Mary, and Family, We will be praying for you and your family in this time of loss and grief. God be with you and bless you.
Greg and Libby Sheard
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Our condolences to Richard and the rest of the family. We knew Vada to be a very strong and influential assett to North Arkansas and the rest of the state as well. Her memory and legacy of service will remain for all of those she touched and assisted thoughout her full life.
Mark and Diann Garnett
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Richard, Mary, and family, Our deepest sympathy to you all regardng the passing of Mrs. Sheid. She was truly a trailblazer for women in politics, community involvement, and philanthropy. She will be remembered with admiration and honor for her kindness and achievements.
Eddie Bradford
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
We all have fond memories of this wonderful lady and are blessed for having known her.
Don E. Johnston
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Back when Vada was active in the State Legislature,she was very helpful to the Arkansas Furniture Association and to me, the Managing Director, in guiding legislative matters of concern to the retail furniture industry. We appreciate her efforts on our behalf. Don E. Johnston
RONALD HARVILLE
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
John Paul, Melissa, Canaan, and Ansley Miller
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sorry for your loss.
Paige (Dillard) Evans
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I will remember Miss Vada for her tenacious spirit . She was a true lady in every sense but also managed to hold her own with the predominately male driven political arena. Her legacy will live on with all the great things she accomplished for this community. As a young girl, I remember the care and concern she had for everyone. Richard, Stacy and Adam my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in knowing her life touched many and she will never be forgotten!
Bob Davis
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
My heart goes out to all of you.
Cathy Brandt
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
What a lady!!! She was certainly a wonderful person and a true asset to the economic development of Baxter County and this area of Arkansas.