Orpha Arvena Smythe, 97, Pineville, was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, at her residence with her loving family by her side.

Orpha was born in Newton County, Ark., on Oct. 28, 1914, to the late William and Martha (Gibbins) Spears.

She married the love of her life, Melvin Elwood "Happy" Anders on June 2, 1933, just west of Anderson. They moved back to McDonald County in 1968 coming from San Jose, Calif. She was a cook for 10 years at elementary schools in California.

Orpha was a seamstress, enjoyed quilting and was an excellent cook. She loved planting trees, gardening and landscaping; she shared that she always felt good when working outside and continued to do so up until six months ago.

Orpha was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Pineville for 25 years, where she enjoyed the fellowship dinners and was a member of the WMU. She cherished time spent with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin Elwood "Happy" Anders, in April of 1968; two sons, Melvin Anders and Bill Anders; a brother, Leonard Spears; two sisters, Edith Allen and Deloris Delor.

Orpha is survived by her three children; a brother; two sisters; 12 grandchildren: several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with many other family, friends and neighbors who will dearly miss Orpha and her wonderful sense of humor.

Funeral services for Orpha Smythe will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Pineville. Dr. Larry Crawford and Pastor Hap Anders will officiate. Burial will follow in the New Bethel Cemetery, Anderson.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, at the Walker-Dowd Funeral Home Chapel, Anderson. The family will receive friends at this time.

Memorial contributions may be given in loving memory of Orpha to the First Baptist Church, Pineville, in care of the funeral home.