Ella Fern Eaton of Black Rock, Arkansas, passed from this life on November first 2026, 19 days shy of her 101st birthday, at her daughter’s home in Jonesboro, AR. She was a member of the Black Rock United Methodist Church.

Fern was born on November 20th, 1925 in the Coffman community to Harvey and Luella (Thomas) Oldham. After graduating from high school, Fern spent time in St. Louis with her brother before returning home. Fern married Chester Tate on January 24, 1948. They welcomed two children, Randall Chester Tate and Marsha Lou Tate. Tragically, Chester passed away just eight days after Marsha’s birth. Fern later married Luther Eaton on June 22, 1957 and the couple made their home in Black Rock, where they raised Randall and Marsha and shared many happy years. Luther preceded Fern in death after 40 years of marriage.

Fern was a dedicated volunteer who was active in several organizations. She was an active member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary and was a charter member in 1988, active in The Extension Homemakers Club, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was honored as a 50-year member in January of 2008. She also volunteered as a Poll Worker and County Fair Exhibit worker. She was a meticulous book keeper and frequently served as secretary, president, or accountant in the various organizations she participated in. Her willingness to serve others reflected the kindness and generosity that defined her life.

Fern was an avid traveler who toured the country on bus trips. Some of her favorites included touring the White House, visiting the Canadian side of Niagara Falls where she rode the Maid of the Mist, and Eureka Springs, where she attended the Great Passion Play.

Most of all, she was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and friend. Her home was always open on holidays or just for a visit, and no one left hungry. She loved to garden and grew large vegetable gardens and flowers. Her bird feeder and humming bird feeder was always full so she could watch the birds from her recliner through her large front window, often with a broom in hand to scare away the squirrels and blackbirds. Fern will be remembered for her quick wit, generous spirit, loving heart, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Fern is survived by her sister, Arbie (John) Nichols; her daughter, Marsha (Rhonda) Tate; her daughter-in-law, Nancy Tate; her granddaughter, Kellie Tate; her great-granddaughter, Kaitlin (Eric) Hill; and her great-great-grandsons, Rolen and Charles Hill and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Luella Oldham; her husbands, Chester Tate and Luther Eaton; her son, Randall Chester Tate; her great-great-granddaughter, Ella Mary Carolyn Hill; four brothers, Maynard, Juddie, and Kenneth Oldham, Marcus Frazier, and three sisters, Emma Bellah, Lela Milligan, Ernestine Daniels, along with a host of other friends and family.

Services will be held at the Black Rock United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday November 5, 2026 from 11:00-1:00 with a funeral service to follow at 1:00. Burial will follow at the Oak Forest Cemetery in Black Rock under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers are: Eric Hill, Scott Nichols, Jim Slatton, Mike Emison, Tom Mock, and Corey Hill.