If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
Janis Meyer Michel
Janis Meyer Michel, age 70, of Bryant, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Saline Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Janis was born on July 27, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Jules and Genevieve Meyer. She graduated from Western Easton High School and later from Baptist Nursing School, where she began a career devoted to caring for others.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Janis loved the Lord with all her heart. She served faithfully in children’s ministry for 23 years and in prison ministry for 12 years, touching countless lives with the love of Christ. Her gentle spirit, joyful heart, and servant’s attitude left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
She cherished her family above all else. Janis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She found great joy in cooking for her family, tending her garden, and spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Stanley Michel; her children, Jason Michel and his wife Jill Manasco, and Sean Michel and his wife Summer Michel; her beloved grandchildren Maddox, Saint, and Mercy Michel; and her sister, Julie Meyer.
Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Jules and Genevieve Meyer, and her sister, Lucia Meyer.
While we grieve her passing, we rejoice knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and service.
Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 26 at Ashby Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Richard Douglas will be officiating. Burial will follow at Metairie Cemetery in Metairie, Louisiana.
Sharon Kaye Richard
Sharon Kaye Richard, born November 19, 1951, in Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026.
Sharon was a beloved member of her community and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was marked by strength, determination, compassion, and a deep love for her family.
Throughout her career, Sharon held a variety of positions, including work at several local banks and service in the Saline County Assessor’s Office during Jim Crawford’s tenure as county assessor. She enjoyed helping others and was known for her warm smile and willingness to assist members of the community with their property affairs. Sharon was intelligent, hardworking, and determined. Once she set her mind to something, she pursued it wholeheartedly and gave it her very best effort.
Family was at the center of Sharon’s life. She shared 28 years of marriage with her husband, Howard Richard, in a relationship built on love, respect, and commitment. She was the proud mother of Michelle Marshall and a devoted grandmother to Ty (Caitlyn) Marshall and Kaylee (Forrest) Talley. Her great-grandchildren, William Marshall and Barrett Talley, were the light of her life.
She also treasured the love and support of her siblings, Charles (Nancy) Cowart, Bruce (Vickie) Cowart, and Connie (Mike) Edwards, as well as her 5 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ocie and Evelyn Cowart, and her brother, Mike Cowart.
Sharon was known for her strength and determination. Often described as a fighter, she faced life’s challenges with courage and resolve, continuing to fight until the very end. She carried her love for the Lord deeply in her heart and openly shared that love with those around her. Fittingly, she was named after the Rose of Sharon, a name that reflected the grace she carried throughout her life.
Sharon never met a stranger. Friendly and outgoing, she had a gift for making people feel welcome and could easily form lasting friendships. Though she was private by nature, those who knew her best understood how deeply she cared for others. She loved shopping and had a remarkable talent for finding the best bargains and sales. Sharon was also an avid, lifelong Razorback fan, faithfully cheering on the HOGS at every opportunity.
Sharon’s legacy of love, strength, faith, and devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her memory will be cherished for years to come.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Sharon’s many friends for their love, support, and companionship throughout her journey. A special thank you is also extended to Dr. Mark Martindale, his wife, and staff for their exceptional care, unwavering support, and treasured friendship during her illness.
The family will hold a private service to honor and celebrate Sharon’s life.
READ MORE OBITUARIES BELOW
Royce Stewart
Royce Stewart, age 87, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 19, 2026. He will be remembered by his deep faith, steady leadership, quick sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Royce was a 67-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 295, where he faithfully served for 28 years as President. He was an active member of Local Union 295’s retired members club, where you could always count on his entertaining stories. His work and service reflected the values he lived by-integrity, commitment, and caring for others.
A man rooted in faith, Royce was ordained as a deacon at Sunset Lane Baptist Church and later served as a deacon at Oak Park Baptist Church from February 2007 until his death. He was known for his heartfelt prayers, his ability to make people smile with a well-timed joke, and the warmth he brought to every room.
Royce also enjoyed the quieter things in life, especially writing poems, a gift that reflected his thoughtful heart and the way he noticed and appreciated the people around him. He found joy in working in his garden and sharing what he grew with family and friends. Royce also loved sports-especially the Arkansas Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals-and he enjoyed cheering them on with the same loyalty he gave to everything in life.
Royce was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Ovalene Allen and Wynema Owens; his great-granddaughter, Addison Childers; his twin brother, Reece Stewart; and his beloved wife of 60 years, Zella Marie Stewart.
He is survived by his son, Michael Stewart (Shelley) of Memphis; his daughter, Terri Ballard (Jerry) of Benton; and his grandchildren Tiffani Childers, Lyndsey Hedger, Chris Gestvang and Jessie Stewart. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren: Colton Childers, Harper Childers, Kendall Weatherford, Owen Hedger, Olive Hedger, and Evelyn Gestvang, along with other relatives, friends, and church family who will miss him deeply.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Oak Park Baptist Church at 8200 Flintridge Road, Little Rock, AR 72210. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 12:00 P.M with visitation starting one hour prior at Oak Park Baptist Church with burial follow at Pincrest Memorial Park.
If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
