Melda Karnes

Melda Karnes, 100, of Jonesboro, AR., formerly of McDougal, AR., passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Ridgecrest Health and Rehab in Jonesboro. Mrs. Karnes was born September 29, 1923 in Neelyville, MO. She was retired from Carter Carburetor. She enjoyed gardening and loved spending time with her family. She was of the Pentecost faith.

On September 28, 1940, she married Orie Lee Karnes in Corning. They celebrated 53 years of marriage prior to his death on August 9, 1994. Survivors include her children Joan Shipman of Jonesboro, AR., Aylene Williams of Corning, AR., and Gary Karnes of Lewisville, TX.; brother Sonny Rigdon of McDougal, AR.; sisters Barbara Demay of East Prairie, MO., Fern Bartlett of Malvern, AR., and Loretta Blankenship of Union City, TN.; 10 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her children Shirley Roberts, Cynthia and Bobby Karnes; parents Jess and Alice (Campbell) Rigdon; grandson Scott Roberts; brother J. V. Rigdon; and sisters Mamie Adams, Edna Roark and Daisy Robinson.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM with Pastor Bryan McDade officiating. Burial will follow the services at Post Oak Cemetery in McDougal, AR.

www.ermertfuneralhome.com